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Finding the Right Decorative-objects for You
Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with antique and vintage decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style.
Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.
Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation: Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?
Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”
To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, clay pots and terracotta pots are not the same. While terracotta pots are a type of clay pot, not all clay pots are terracotta. Terracotta is a clay material that is modeled and fired to create a signature brown-orange color. Clay pots can be created in any color. Browse a range of both clay and terracotta pots on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The main difference between a coffee pot and a chocolate pot is the shape. A coffee pot generally has a longer spout with a filter to keep grounds from pouring out. A chocolate pot is generally tall and slim with a spout closer to the top of the brim. Browse a collection of vintage coffee and chocolate pots on 1stDibs.
- What is an African pot?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022African pottery is diverse and culturally varied. An African pot can be a simple vessel for food or liquid but many carry social and religious significance. African pottery has always been highly sought after and is beloved by antique collectors worldwide. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique African pottery from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a chocolate pot?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A chocolate pot is a vessel used to serve hot chocolate. Unlike a coffee pot, the spout sits near the top edge, has a hinged or sliding finial covering the opening, and has a molionet or stick that stirs and crushes the chocolate. Shop a selection of chocolate pots on 1stDibs.
- What are confit pots?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A confit pot is a piece of earthenware pottery employed in French cooking. Before the advent of refrigerators, chefs and home cooks poured reserved duck fat inside. The fat could later be used in other recipes. Shop a range of confit pots on 1stDibs.
- What is a pot board?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A pot board is a type of dresser or cabinet designed to store pots and pans or other accessories in the kitchen. On 1stDibs, you can find antique pot board dressers in a variety of sizes depending on your needs.
- How can I age a terracotta pot?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few tips and tricks to aging a terracotta pot. First, you can apply plain yogurt to help achieve an aged patina. Another method is to plug the drainage hole and fill the pot with water-soluble fertilizer. Shop a collection of terracotta pots from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a terra cotta pot?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A terra cotta pot is a pot created using coarse, porous clay that when fired turns a ochre color. Terra cotta pots are typically left unglazed.
- Are terracotta pots safe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, terracotta pots are indeed safe for use; however, the pots should be thoroughly sterilized before first use because they are porous and can absorb harmful chemicals or moisture. You’ll find a variety of terracotta pots from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A terracotta pot is simply a clay pot that has been fired. Clay is just the name of the material that terracotta pots are made out of. Shop an array of terracotta pots from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Are copper coffee pots safe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Opinions on whether or not copper coffee pots are safe vary. Some experts raise concerns over the use of copper vessels and recommend that you only use ones lined with another metal like tin or aluminum. As a result, people may choose to use antique pots only as decorative objects. Shop a range of antique copper coffee pots on 1stDibs.
- How are African clay pots made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022African clay pots are made by coiling the material around a flattened base and then hand-molding it into the desired shape. Then, the piece is sun dried and fired at a low temperature. On 1stDibs, find authentic African clay pots from some of the top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In Bedouin culture, the Dallah, or coffee pot, represents generosity and hospitality. Displaying one also means that a person has enough wealth to entertain others comfortably. Shop a range of Dallah coffee pots from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023You can use a pot rack to hang other items besides pots and pans. Keep cooking utensils like spoons and spatulas within quick reach dangling from its frame. Mount one in a hallway to hold handbags or put one in a room and suspend hanging baskets and planters from it. Feel free to get creative and come up with other ways to utilize it. On 1stDibs, find a range of pot racks.
- Are iron pots good for plants?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether iron pots are good for plants is a matter of opinion. The biggest advantage of an iron pot is that it’s highly durable. Many people also like the appearance of the metal. On the downside, an iron pot that lacks insulation could overheat plants when exposed to hot weather. In addition, adding water to iron could lead to rusting. Planter liners can reduce the risk of both overheating and rust. Find a range of planters on 1stDibs.
- Are clay pots good for plants?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, clay pots are good for plants. These pots provide a healthy environment for most plants because material's porous nature allows air and moisture to penetrate the sides of the pot. Clay pots can remove excess moisture from the potting soil reducing the chance of root rot.
- Do plant pots need saucers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, plant pots do not need saucers. While saucers are not necessary, some choose to place a plant pot over a saucer to collect the water that drains from the pot. Others recommend against saucers because water that collects will keep the soil of the plant too moist, an unhealthy condition for most plants.
- How long do chimney pots last?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How long chimney posts last depends on weather conditions, how well they are made and how often you use your fireplace. Generally, high-quality chimney pots made of terracotta can remain like new for decades, if not centuries. You'll find a collection of chimney pots on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not terracotta pots can withstand heat depends on how well they are made and cared for. A finely crafted pot can usually hold up in the face of high temperatures. If you intend to cook with one, season it with cooking oil to increase its durability. Shop a collection of terracotta pots on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To clean Turkish copper pots, apply coarse salt to half of a lemon and rub all over. Then, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel. Alternatively, you can cover the pots with a paste made of lemon juice and baking soda, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse and dry as previously described. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Turkish copper ware.
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