For the Love of Architectural Salvage

No matter how much we love the conveniences of living in a modern era, the allure of old houses and their details will always beckon, from chandeliers and doors to mantels and more. Some items naturally lend themselves to being repurposed, while others may take a bit more creativity to find the perfect spot in your home.

Older homes are a mixed blessing: they have history, unique qualities, and patina that only time can create. But they can also have rot and termite damage, and lead paint, which will need to be dealt with before you can safely live with them. Whether you’re trying to revive an historic home, or wanting to add some historical bits to your new home, let’s explore the ins and outs (and dos and don’ts) of architectural salvage.

If you Google for “architectural salvage” you will most likely find a local shop specializing in everything from doorknobs to leaded glass windows, clawfoot bathtubs, sinks, etc. Some of them are so well outfitted, you could probably build a few homes from their bits and pieces. Be prepared for some sticker shock. These items may be salvage but they are not “junk” – each item is old if not antique, and often one-of-a-kind. It was removed from a home being gutted or torn down. Salvage stores must then store all these pieces until just the right buyer comes along, sometimes for months or years. They earn the right to charge a fair price for them.

And don’t be disappointed if an architectural salvage store turns out to specialize in more modern fixtures, or even new overstocks. Continue the hunt until you find a store with the era of pieces you’re seeking. You may find some choice pieces in antique shops and estate sales, which are often a good source for antique corbels, stained or clear leaded glass windows, and balusters.

No matter where you come across your items, make sure they do not have flaking lead paint. If they’re chippy (and you like it that way), use a clear sealer to seal them up for use indoors. If you choose to strip them down to bare wood, follow precautions – wear a mask, work outdoors, and carefully dispose of the residue.

Now to the question of where and HOW to use them.

Corbels are a popular salvage item. They typically came from the exterior of ornate Victorian or Arts and Crafts style homes where they supported the perimeter of the roof. They can be used as decorative supports for kitchen island overhangs, as bookends, or as shelf supports.

Windows, whether leaded glass or wood, can look fabulous as wall decor, or hung with chains and suspended.

Doors can always be put back to their original purpose, but they can also be converted into headboards, or used as unique wall art.

Mantels – whether from an old fireplace, or from over a door or window, make great wall decor or supports for a shelf as well. They can even be repurposed into benches or porch swings.

Stair balusters can be used for decor, or cut down and made into candlesticks. More slender spindles can be cut down and made into unique blanket ladders.

Chandeliers can (and probably should) be rewired if you’re planning to use them as lighting in your home. Another option is to use an old chandelier as an outdoor candle holder.

Discover the world of architectural salvage, and make your home a bit more interesting with a bit of history.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.