10 Vintage Items That Actually Make Your Home More Organized

Instead of store-bought bins, George says you might want to turn to wooden boxes or crates (something with an old-timey logo that would make Joanna Gaines proud). You can use them in your closet or kitchen, plus, George says that these pieces will add aesthetic value to your space.

From metal food cans that once lined grocery store shelves, to milk cans that used to be a staple at back-in-the-day farms, McKown says that “old metal cans with a fun picture or logo” are great ways to add personality to your desk to hold pens and pencils. They also work for stashing larger items, like umbrellas.

McKown says that letter press printer drawers experienced a resurgence in the 1990s for displaying decorative miniatures, but nowadays, they’re back as an organization solution. And while you can certainly show off a collection of sea glass or shells within its teeny compartments, a drawer can also serve a purpose by storing practical things like spools of thread, buttons, stamps, small crafting supplies, and toy cars.

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“Vintage doorknobs can be used as coat hooks in spaces without a closet,” McKown says. “They don’t have to match to look cohesive. You can screw them into a stained piece of wood to elevate the look even more.”

Another creative vintage solution for wall organization? McKown advises using the top of an old metal rake hung on the wall as a place to stash keys, dog leashes, and umbrellas.

George says that old tool boxes are particularly great for storing paintbrushes, markers, and other craft supplies. They can even be used for gardening supplies, perfect for easy carrying out into the yard.

While an old armoire may have once been used for linens or kitchen storage, today, George says they’re ideal for adding clothing storage to your bedroom.

McKown also loves a midcentury modern buffet for organization. Once spotlighted in dining rooms and used to hold plates and other serveware, she believes it can add warmth and personality to a home while also providing myriad storage options. Plus, since many have drawers or shelves behind the cabinet doors, you can easily hide away things like table linens and board games.

Card catalogs (yes, those pieces from libraries of yore!) are fantastic for holding a variety of items. In fact, McKown has seen them used in a novel way: as a liquor cabinet.

“The card boxes are drawers and can hold two wine bottles laying down facing different directions,” she says. “It can also hold liquor bottles and cocktail/mocktail mixes—just be sure to screw the caps on tight!”