Kitchens have shifted from sleek and pristine to lived-in rooms filled with collected and vintage decor. Our cooking spaces are finally getting the decorative attention they deserve – but there's one antique I'm seeing in the most charming kitchens that really stands out.
Copper molds, once a staple in any baker's pantry, are making a chic return, but rather than primarily functional, they are being used as decorative vintage kitchen items to bring charm and character to kitchen walls.
From large Bundt cake forms to smaller jelly shapers, copper molds were once a staple in every kitchen and pantry. Over time, they have fallen out of use as cooking styles evolved, but they are now returning as decorative pieces, and we can't get enough of their charming aesthetic, whether they are antique or newly made in a traditional style.
'They are a simple yet functional decorative tool, which I believe is the very best kind. Their function is to make delicious, perfectly cooked cakes, but when they are not in use, they serve as beautiful decorative pieces, adding warmth and a soulful quality to a kitchen,' says Nina Plummer, founder of Ellei Home.
'They add warmth through the color of copper and a wonderful lived-in feel with time and use as the aging copper acquires its patina,' she explains of their enduring appeal and ability to work seamlessly in a variety of schemes.
While you might think a traditional kitchenware item like this would only suit an equally traditional kitchen, copper molds of every age and size are just as much of a welcome addition to a modern kitchen.
'I have a bit of an antique shopping addiction, so even though this house was a brand new build, I was determined to give it some old-soul charm. The copper molds were one of my favorite finds, and hanging them on the wall instantly made the kitchen feel like it had a story to tell,' says Michelle Dudley, who has decorated her space with a collection of copper molds, shown above.
Decorating with copper molds isn't just some fleeting kitchen trend – it's a shift that reflects the way we are prioritizing quality and wellbeing over cheap and easy. It's about filling our kitchens with pieces that stand the test of time and tell a story, rather than ones that simply adhere to an aesthetic.
'Now we are trying to use and buy less plastic, and having plain, simple utensils, cookware, and crockery, it is nice to show it off and use it as part of the decorating of your kitchen, pantry, or scullery,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens.
And there are so many beautiful ways to display copper molds, alongside other decor and utensils. 'Copper pans and molds hanging from a pot rack look good, they are practical and last forever, there is nothing to go out of fashion or need replacing,' says Helen.
'They look great hung up on the wall, which is also the traditional way of displaying them,' Nina agrees. 'But I think they also look really lovely on open shelving.' They are also beautiful hung from a pot rack suspended from the ceiling, or even as an unexpected gallery wall.
Where to Buy Copper Molds
There are plenty of places to shop for copper molds, whether you want to buy beautifully patinated antique examples or newer designs that will age with you and your family. It's all about looking in the right places.
'I offer three different copper molds in my shop, Ellei Home, all of exceptional quality and made entirely by hand in the northern Italian mountains by three generations of copper craftsmen working side by side. I also frequently spot vintage ones during my buying trips at antiques fairs and markets,' says Nina.
Your local antique stores, vintage fairs, and even thrift stores are great places to look for antique molds, but you can also find plenty of examples online. Here are a few worth buying.
Originating from the mid-20th century, this charming copper mold of a bunch of grapes is a sweet addition to your kitchen decor. The copper is in incredibly good condition and features a small hook at the top for easy hanging.
This Etsy seller has a variety of vintage copper molds on offer, including scallop shells, a shiny lobster, a rooster, a chicken, and a classic little fish, as well as classic shapes such as florals and fruit. A great place to shop for variety.
A slightly different style of copper baking molds, these may be simpler in design, but they have a pretty flower shape to them, which looks lovely hung on walls, pot racks, or displayed on shelving alongside more intricate designs.
For a contemporary option you can display and bake with, these French copper canelé molds are a great choice. The slightly darker tone makes them feel less new, but they are made from 100% copper for safe baking.
These vintage copper jelly molds from the '60s offer an understated elegance with their subtle patina. There's so much texture here – they'd look so lovely hung on a wall together, at slightly staggered heights.
Another contemporary option – this time copper cake molds. They've been handcrafted in the Italian Alps in a family-owned workshop, so you can be sure they are of the highest quality for making and displaying in your kitchen.
Decorating with antiques is the most timeless way to create a characterful kitchen, and copper molds are a great place to start. Whether you buy new designs to bake with or vintage ones to display, these small yet utterly charming accessories are full of unique style and abundant personality.
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