16 Silver Plate Repurpose Ideas For Home Decor

I have a hard time passing up old silver-plated pieces at thrift stores and auctions, especially when they’re cheap! It doesn’t matter if they’re tarnished, scratched, or missing a few parts. I can usually think of something fun to do with them.

I’ve repurposed silver-plated trays, trophy cups, sugar bowls, and even a goblet into home decor. Some pieces got a coat of paint, while others just needed a little imagination.

If you have a stash of old silver plate collecting dust, take a look at these 16 repurpose ideas. You might find yourself digging through your cabinets or heading to the nearest thrift store

 

What is Silver Plate?

Silver plate is a thin layer of silver applied over another metal, usually copper, brass, or nickel silver.

Silver plate isn’t the same as sterling silver. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, while silver-plated pieces have just a thin coating of silver over another metal.
 

Some pieces have markings such as EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) or Silverplate on the bottom. If you’re unsure what you’ve found, check for a manufacturer’s mark before turning it into a craft project. Some vintage pieces are worth more than you might think.

What to Look for When Buying Old Silver Plate

When I shop for vintage silver plate, I look past the tarnish and scratches. Some of the ugliest pieces make the best projects! Here are a few things to check before buying.

Tarnish: Don’t let tarnish scare you away. Sometimes I prefer that aged look, especially when I’m using the piece for vintage-style home decor. Sometimes the tarnish is the prettiest part, and the piece doesn’t need a makeover at all.
Dents and scratches: Small imperfections usually aren’t a problem, particularly if you plan to paint the piece or use it in a craft project.
Missing parts: A broken handle might not matter if you’re turning a silver-plated teapot into a planter or using a tray for wall decor.
Interesting shapes and details: Look for pretty handles, decorative edges, unusual shapes, and engraved designs. Those little details can make a repurposed piece extra special.
Price: I love finding inexpensive silver plate because I don’t feel guilty about painting it or turning it into something completely different.
Markings: Check the markings on the bottom before you cut, drill, or paint. Some older pieces are collectible, and you wouldn’t want to alter something valuable without knowing it.

Where to Find Silver Plate Pieces

Look for silver-plated treasures at thrift stores, estate sales, auctions, junk shops, and flea markets. Search for serving trays, pitchers, teapots, sugar bowls, trophy cups (my favorite), candleholders, and old silverware.

I once bought a whole assortment of silver-plated pieces at an online auction for just $10. What a deal! I don’t think anyone else wanted them, but I could see all kinds of possibilities.

Silverplate Repurpose Ideas

Take a look at these silver plate repurpose ideas, including several of my projects and some clever makeovers from other DIY bloggers

1. Containers for Faux Succulents

The small sugar and creamer from my auction haul, plus a silver-decorated glass creamer from my china cabinet, look pretty filled with river rocks and faux succulents. Display them grouped on a silver plate tray in any room of your home. 

2. Hanging Magnet Board

A while ago, I repurposed this silver plate serving tray into a magnet board/tray. It’s a fun idea and really simple, too. I find these trays at thrift stores all the time. I made the magnets using old jewelry pieces. Magnets are fun to make, and they make great gifts. 

My magnet board hangs on our china cabinet door, but you could also hang one in the kitchen, craft room, or home office.

3. Silver Platter Wreath

I instantly fell in love with this door wreath by Dinah from DIY Inspired. She painted a silver plate tray with chalkboard paint and added the greenery and bow. I’ve never made a silver plate wreath, but I see one in my near future.

4. Painted Trophy Cup

I won a “box lot” (a box containing various items) at an online auction, and it included this silver-plated trophy cup. It wasn’t a nice silver-plated piece, so I decided to paint it. 

You could use the trophy cup as a plant container or an ice bucket at your next party. Talk about fancy!

5. Painted Silverplate Magnet Tray

Did you know some silver-plated trays are magnetic? It depends on the metal underneath the silver coating. Not all silver plate will hold magnets, so take a magnet along when you’re thrift shopping if you want to make one of these.

This tray had a strong magnetic pull, making it perfect for a magnet board. I painted it and added some fun handmade magnets.

6. Table Centerpiece

An old silver-plated coffee urn makes a beautiful flower container. Fill it with fresh flowers or a bunch of faux blooms and use it as a centerpiece on your dining table. I love the contrast between the fancy silver and a casual bouquet of flowers.

7. Candlestick Photo Display

A simple DIY that makes an impact. The silver-plate candlestick photo holder from Homeroad can display all kinds of things. Placing the wine cork in the candle holder spot and adding the wire was genius.

8. Faux Succulent Planter

I used a fancy silver plate bowl to display faux succulents and set it on a bedside table in the guest bedroom. To make your guest bedroom welcoming, add things like candles, plants, lamps, and throws. 

9. Christmas Silver Plate Tray Display

Silver plate trays come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. I like the ones that have little feet and scalloped sides. This one was perfect for a little Christmas scene. I filled it with Epsom salt to look like snow, then added miniature decorations, Santa, and his reindeer.

10. Silver Plate Goblet Candle

This was my first attempt at making a candle, and it went pretty well! That old silver-plated goblet was practically begging to become a candle. You can see the whole process in my tutorial on how to make a silver plate goblet candle. How To Make A Silver Plate Goblet Candle

11. Silver Plate Ribbon Organizer – Painted

I know I’m going to get some flak for spray painting the silver plate stand. In my defense, I made this project years ago, and if I had to do it again, I wouldn’t paint it.

The piece makes a great ribbon organizer or use it to hold rolls of tape.

12. Display Christmas Ornaments in Silver Plate Dishes

Not everything needs to be repurposed. Sometimes an old silver-plated bowl just needs a few pretty Christmas ornaments.

13. Silver Plate Jewelry Stand

I’m a sucker for silver plate candelabras and I admit to never thinking to use them to organize jewelry. My friend Sarah shined this one up, and it looks so fancy with all that bling. 

14. Silverplate Tray And Dome

You can display endless things under a cloche or cheese dome. Of course, they have to be small. I’ve even displayed pretty drawer pulls in a cloche. This Christmas display with miniature village houses is from Shabby Sweet Cottage. 

15.Christmas Decor in Silver-Plated Sugar Bowls and Creamers

 

Fill silver plate sugar and creamer sets with snowmen, miniature Christmas trees, tiny ornaments, or other seasonal decor. Set them on a table in any room of the house. You can also use the sugar and creamer sets as desk organizers for paper clips and more.

16. Silver Plate Chalkboard Wreath

Create a festive, welcoming Christmas door wreath using a silver plate tray or platter. Paint it with chalkboard paint and decorate it with Christmas greenery. Add a fabulous ribbon hanger as the final touch.

Should You Clean Silver Plate Before Repurposing It?

That depends on what you’re planning to do with it! Personally, I like the look of old, tarnished silver plate, and sometimes I leave it as-is.

If your thrift store find is dusty or dirty, start by washing it gently with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth, rinse carefully, and dry it right away. Don’t soak pieces with wooden handles, glued decorations, or other materials that water could damage.

For a shiny silver finish, use a polish made specifically for silver plate. Be gentle because the silver coating is thin, and too much scrubbing can wear it away.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Repurposing Silver Plate

Can you paint silver-plated items?

Yes. You can paint silver-plated items for decorative use. Proper cleaning and prep can help the paint adhere. Depending on the paint you use, you may also need to lightly scuff the surface and apply a metal-specific primer. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use painted pieces for direct food contact unless the coating is specifically approved for that purpose.

Can you use tarnished silver plate for decorating?

Absolutely! Tarnished silver plate is perfect for vintage-style decorating. I often leave the tarnish because I like the aged look. Old silver-plated trays, pitchers, and bowls can be beautiful displayed just as they are.

Is old silver plate worth anything?

Some vintage silver-plated items have resale or collectible value, depending on the maker, age, condition, and design. Most common pieces don’t have the same precious-metal value as sterling silver.

Now I’m wondering what old silver-plated treasures I’ll find on my next thrift store trip. I definitely don’t need any more, but that’s never stopped me before!

Which of these silver plate repurpose ideas is your favorite? Have you made anything from old silver plate? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

More Repurpose Ideas

13 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Old Buttons

16 Ideas For Decorating with Seashells

13 Ways to Repurpose Wood Drawers

13 Distinctive DIY House Number Displays

Thanks for being here, and have a great day, Kathy