Decorating with vintage scales

My husband and I have been avid antique collectors going on for around 25 years now. It started off around our second year of marriage. We just started hopping around antique malls, flea markets, and even garage sales. It’s been a fun little hobby that we have enjoyed together. My husband has a thing for scales. Me personally, I like to stay as far away as possible from a scale:). We laugh now because we have completely run out of space as to where to put our finds anymore.

Some of our vintage scales have even been gifts found by family members. That is one nice thing about being a collector of things, family never runs out of things to find for you. Although, as I mentioned, we have no more room which we keep telling them, somehow we manage to make room for a new find and gift.

Our Kitchen decorating ideas HERE

History of vintage scales

Even though the basic balance scale has been around for thousands of years and its accuracy has improved dramatically over the last several centuries, the principle behind this tool remains unchanged. Its parts include a fulcrum, a beam that balances on it, two pans at the ends of the beam to hold the materials to be weighed, and counter-balancing weights.

Balance scales that require equal weights on each side of the fulcrum have been used by everyone from apothecaries and assayers to jewelers and postal workers. The most accurate mechanical equal-arm scales, as they are called, are housed in wood-and-glass cases to keep dust from tipping the scales, so to speak. I have started my own collection in the kitchen. I am very choosy though as to what I like. This red vintage scale was the start of my collection. My step-Dad found it for me and he told my Mom he just had to get it for me.

Vintage scales can be incorporated into so many home decor ideas. Per season, I personally love to dress them up. Whether it be with seasonal decor, or just simple decor I already have around. I have found they incorporate nicely with the rest of our antique finds. They add interest and conversation. Vintage scales can be pricey, so you really want to know what you are getting. I don’t think I have paid over $20.00 for the kitchen scales I have found. My step-Dad I think paid around $50.00 for the red one. I think he overpaid, but then again, I am not sure of the history and how rare a red vintage scale is to find these days.

Our house Pub room HERE

The rustier the better for me. I always make sure though that scale is functioning. Even if not accurate I want to be sure that if I place something on top that the scales tips the way it should.