These meaningful pieces can easily double as decor!
Your grandmother’s closet might hold more than sentimental keepsakes—it could be packed with unexpected treasures. In addition to the obvious valuables like heirloom furniture, her clothing collection may feature vintage items that never go out of style. While trendsetters may find fresh ways to wear these pieces, many can also be reimagined to add character to your home.
“You should not overlook the subtle beauty and unmatched quality of the pieces found in grandma’s closet, as they can help add a layer of personality to spaces,” says designer Andrea Goldman.
To help you uncover these often-overlooked finds and use them in ways that feel both stylish and meaningful, we turned to interior designers for advice. Keep reading to discover which items professionals say are worth holding onto—and how to give them new life in your space.
Silk Scarves
If Grandma has a nice collection of silk scarves but wearing them isn't your thing, let your house wear them instead. “A patterned silk scarf can be transformed into framed wall art or reworked as a slipcover for a decorative pillow," says Goldman. You can take the piece to a local framer or work with a company like Framebridge, which is well-versed in framing objects of all types.
Handbags
Another section Goldman recommends zeroing in on? Handbags. Anything structured—in unique leathers, bold colors, or with intriguing detailing—can double as an accent on a bookshelf.
Wooden Boxes
Designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy likens antique wooden boxes to “little treasure chests” as they “can be beautifully embellished with carvings, decorative inlay, brass strapping, and ivory inlay.” Whether you find a watch box, jewelry box, or hat box, don’t ignore the wooden marvels that can come in all different shapes and sizes. “Some may be rectangular, but others might be domed or slanted,” says Mathews LeRoy. “A collection of these boxes can instantly elevate a bookcase, console table, or side table.”
Perfume Bottles
"One of the items that I personally inherited from my own grandmother was a collection of vintage perfume bottles," says Mathews LeRoy. "Many of these perfume bottles date back to the 1920s and 1930s. They are all different shapes and sizes; some have interesting-shaped stoppers, many feature cut glass with sterling silver overlays, some have atomizers, and others are colorful glasses in shades of pink, blue, or blush."
This collection inspired the designer to gather more antique perfume bottles. "Many vintage perfume bottles are quite valuable, as can be seen on 1stDibs and Chairish, fetching hundreds to thousands of dollars," she says. "Don't let these small treasures slip by without a second look—they can be displayed beautifully on a mirrored tray or on a windowsill where the light can capture their beauty and uniqueness!"
Hardside Suitcases
"A couple of old hard-edged suitcases or train cases are great filler to stack under console tables or on top of an armoire," says designer Maggie Griffin. "Think vintage Hartmann luggage or cool older Louis Vuitton pieces!"
Embroidered Linens
Peek into Grandma's linen closet for embroidered or monogrammed pieces. "I love layering these on trays and also using them for cocktail napkins," says designer Liz Williams. "They are fun to mix and match."
Quilts
If Grandma is known for her handmade quilts, don’t pass them up. “There are so many ways to repurpose them; the most obvious is draped over a bed, sofa, or lounge chair, but if they’re in good condition, they can also be hung as beautiful tapestries,” says designer Cortney Bishop. “I also love the look of quilts folded over a wooden blanket ladder—so charming and such a lovely way to keep a daily reminder of someone you loved.”
Mathews LeRoy also recommends using quilts as picnic blankets. The designer adds: “Many vintage quilts were made from clothing fabric scraps and can truly tell the story of grandma's wardrobe, which gives you a glimpse into the past. Quilts, like tapestries, often tell a story depicting scenes of the times, or even have a theme like a wedding quilt.”
Plus, Mathews LeRoy says, “Quilts can be highly valuable based on how intricate the pattern is, the condition of the quilt, and approximately how long it might have taken to fabricate.”
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