10 Ways to Preserve Sentimental Items
Follow these expert tips to hold on to your treasured belongings a little longer.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Like most families, our house is full of objects that have been in our family for years. Things like worn-out baby blankets, faded paperbacks or costume jewelry may not seem like much, but these well-loved items are more than just "stuff" to us. They hold our memories, signify family milestones and tell the story of our lives.
Without proper care, time and the elements can be incredibly unforgiving to our most prized possessions. Safeguarding these treasuresrequires some creative (and crafty) projects to make sure we keep these items in our homes and can pass them on for future generations to enjoy.
We talked to Nora Curl, a premier Fine Art and Antiques Expert with JustAnswer, to find out the best ways to preserve sentimental items. Drawing on Curl's expertise in helping families protect and document their most cherished heirlooms, here are 10 ways to preserve sentimental items.
Vintage Suitcase Home Decor
Those vintage suitcases from grandma’s attic? You can pay homage to family travels by turning them into a piece of furniture. “You can add mid-century modern hairpin legs to the bottom of a vintage suitcase to create a side table that doubles as storage for old quilts or books,” explains Curl. You can also stack the suitcases or place them around your house for an eclectic touch.
Brooch Collection Art
Though brooches have made a bit of a fashion comeback, if you have a few special pieces, you can turn them into a piece of art. “Consider arranging a collection of heirloom brooches on velvet backing inside a frame to create a sparkling ‘Christmas tree' or 'bouquet' wall display,” says Curl. This arrangement transforms tucked-away trinkets into a shimmering, three-dimensional conversation piece that honors your family history.
Dried Bouquet Wreath
If you’ve recently received a bouquet that you’re just not ready to part with, a quick afternoon project is all it takes to turn those fleeting flowers into a permanent keepsake. “Instead of tossing special occasion flowers, hang them upside down to dry and then incorporate them into a permanent wreath,” explains Curl. This simple preservation technique transforms a sweet gesture into an enduring memento.
Glass Displays
If you have a few special knick-knacks or souvenirs from your travels, instead of relegating them to a junk drawer or the back of the closet, put them on display. “You can use an old wooden printer’s drawer to house miniature figurines and tchotchkes, adding a plexiglass front to turn it into a wall-mounted display case,” says Curl. You can also display items in glass jars for a homey look.
Piano Headboard or Bar
A used piano is one of the hardest things to resell or give away, so if you have one sitting around, you can preserve the family memories it holds through some creative upcycling. “You can hold on to an old upright piano by gutting the interior to create a desk or cocktail bar, or use the front panel as a musical headboard.” By keeping the piano parts as functional furniture, you ensure its storied history remains a central part of your home’s decor.
Flatware Jewelry
If you have some vintage silverware that’s been in the family for years and can’t bear to toss it, consider turning it into a wearable. “Transform heirloom silver forks and spoons into rings or cuff bracelets by carefully bending the patterned handles to fit the wrist or finger,” advises Curl. You could make this a DIY project or take it to a local jeweler or artisan for a professional finish.
Doily Wall Art
Doilies were once a standard decoration in homes, placed under vases or plates to protect furniture from scratches. If you have a few still lying around, turn them into art. “Stretch delicate, handmade crocheted doilies inside embroidery hoops to display them as intricate, circular wall hangings,” Curl says. This simple framing technique turns something traditional into a modern work of art.
Secret Book Compartment
If you’re a book lover, you may have a hard time parting with your favorite titles, but you can have your books double as secret storage. “Glue the pages of an old book together and cut out the center to create a hidden 'safe' for valuables on your bookshelf,” explains Curl. This clever craft allows you to maintain your well-loved books while providing a hiding place for other heirlooms.
Sentimental Lamp
For an inexpensive weekend project, you can turn a sentimental vase into long-lasting house decor. “Use a lamp kit to convert a sentimental vase, figurine, or even a vintage metal colander into a functional light fixture,” says Curl. It’s a great way to take a piece that usually just sits there gathering dust and turn it into something useful that lights up the room (and the memories attached to it).
RELATED: Clever Uses for Old Pillowcases You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Custom Recipe Displays
Many of our mothers and grandmothers wrote down family recipes, and there are creative ways to keep them in the family. “You can have a family recipe, complete with the original handwriting, transcribed onto a platter or laser-etched onto a wooden cutting board for daily use,” Curl says. This turns a fragile, flour-dusted scrap of paper into a durable kitchen centerpiece, making it feel like your loved one is right there with you every time you whip up a family meal.
Mariette Williams is a freelance writer living in South Florida. She covers topics such as travel, culture, books, and wellness, and when she's not traveling, she's lost in a good book.
6 Useful Ways to Repurpose Old Newspapers
6 Practical Ways to Repurpose Paper Towel Rolls
6 Fun Ways to Craft With Bottle Caps
7 Creative Ways to Reuse Old Magazines
