Sunday, October 17, 2010

Using An Old 1950's Refrigerator As A Showcase For Your Antique And Collectibles Displays

Retro Refrigerator Works Great For Displaying Collectibles

What a hoot finding an old 1950s refrigerator used as a display case to show off tschotkes they sell at Anthropologie in Manchester, Connecticut. I walked into the store and shortly found this old turquoise refrigerator open and stuffed with goodies such as candy dishes, ceramic plates, cookie jars, towels etc.

Wire Racks Work For Display Shelves

Everything that was placed in the refrigerator were items that were for sale. The wire racks were pulled out as display shelves. The inside of the doors were also used to present wine and bar accessories8including wine glasses and wine bottles as props.

Even The Plastic Vegetable Bin Works To Display Items

Every nook and cranny of the refrigerator was utilized for showcase space. Even the plastic vegetable bin or cheese bin was pulled out and had books for sale propped inside the handy compartment.

Buying A Vintage Refrigerator

This ideas is way too cool to forget, It's not that easy finding old turquoise refrigerator buy and to use. I have come across a few buyers who have acquired them for use as
"collectibles' in a vintage kitchen or store window. But if the refrigerator is going to be used as display space...it might be possible to find "bruised" models that will work just fine for
showing off collectibles or collections in the home or in an Antique shop .

Where To Buy A Vintage Refrigerator

If you keep your eyes open, you will find shops that deal in old appliances that may have connections to old refrigerators. Or scout around junk shops, on-line auctions, Craigslist, old homes being sold and flea markets. But I've never seen an old refrigerator at a flea market. I like the idea of buying a Turquoise or pink or yellow refrigerator...but of course these will be harder to find.

Happy hunting!

Photos courtesy of Anthropologie in Manchester, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro cafĂ©.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

6 comments:

  1. that is WAY cute. i love that idea!!! the entire display is like pottery barn meets cracker barrel or something. it is just adoring. thanks for sharing.
    sue

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  2. This is very cool. Love Anthropologie.

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  3. I tried to get a vintage oven/stove into my display window once, but I couldn't find one that was broken! I guess they are easy to fix and worth a lot of $$, so I ended up ditching the idea :( But this fridge idea is FANTASTIC... going to have to keep my peepers peeled :) Thanks so much for sharing!!

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  4. I'd love to get my hands on one of these! I passed one up a couple years ago and still regret it!

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  5. What a nifty idea! I suppose the dealer gets a lot of offers to buy the fridge.

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  6. You have a lovely blog! The Anthropologie designers are really clever and innovative, that's for sure. And I wrote that book in the crisper drawer - Markets of New York City! The artisan on page 92/93 (Brooklyn Flea chapter) came across your images while researching 1950's refrigerators. I just love a small world! And a cozy veggie crisper! :) www.marketsofnewyork.com

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