Display a Vintage Thermos Collection

Isn’t it so interesting the things we start collections of? Like this vintage thermos collection. Who would have thought that a utilitarian object to keep coffee warm in would be such a fun thing to collect?!

FYI: I’m using the word ‘thermos’ as a term for insulated beverage holders, as there are actually a few different brands besides just Thermos brand.

Displaying this thermos collection turned out to be such a fun way to add some charm in our back entry mudroom. Not only is the actual thermos collection fun, but a couple more details make it extra special.

Instead of the typical shelving to set the collection on, I used some vintage freezer baskets from a Dairy Queen we use to own. These baskets were used at our DQ to keep the dilly bars in the front freezer for the customers to grab from. No longer used for that purpose, they turned out to be a super fun way to display the thermos collection.

After I confirmed most of the thermos pieces would actually fit in the vintage baskets, I measured wall placement. Then, I simply mounted hooks that were large enough to hold the baskets on the beadboard wall.

It only took 2 hooks per basket to hold it firmly in place.

One nice thing about using these baskets for the thermos collection,

is that the chubby ones that didn’t fit inside the basket could be hung on the handles of the basket.

I do have a few favorites…

Like this double thermos with a place in the middle for a lunch. Isn’t the wicker pattern on the tin case just so charming?

My grandpa, a carpenter took a thermos to work with him each day. I remember my grandma packing hot coffee in a thermos for early morning fishing outings. I think that’s the conscious, (or subconscious) typical reason for collecting, right?… memory evokers!

I found a fun addition to my thermos collection, but it needed a frame.

I ordered this frame online HERE. I’ve ordered several frames from this online source and have always been super happy with the quality and price. (For this simple advertising piece, I didn’t want a mat, but for other pieces of art I’ve framed through them, I did order mat, and it was perfect.)

To get the advertising piece in the frame was pretty simple.

Using a small screwdriver, I removed the bottom section of the frame. (these are the instructions for a metal frame. A wooden frame would be slightly different)

Next, I removed the plastic film on the front AND back of the acrylic. One side of the film was tinted blue so super obvious to remove. The other side was clear and I almost missed it… Once off though, the acrylic became crystal clear.

I could now slide the acrylic back into the frame and slide the vintage advertising in.

Nope, even though this cover of The New Yorker is super cool, it’s not the side I want to display.

But did you notice the date?

After the supplied foam core backing is in the frame, these metal springs hold it all in place.

The hanging hooks, (which holds the hanging wire) slide in the grooves of the frame. They should be placed about 1/4 of the way down the side of the frame.

They are held in place with a tightened set screw.

That’s it!

The bottom gets slid back on then the set screws are tightened.

So what is the advertising???

What else?

A vintage 1941 Thermos ad! Kinda fun! I think I have a couple of these advertised Thermos pieces in my collection!

There were a couple more thermos pieces with cases and handles that I simply hung on the wall.

This fun vintage thermos collection is a very casual display format. Perfect for our back mudroom that usually has shoes, coats and work clothes offering their own ‘display style’!

So, how about you? What fun collections do you have? How do you display something in a unique way? We’d all love to see it and hear about it! A great way to connect, share photos and chat or ask questions is over at MeWe. Join the new Simple Decorating Tips Group Share when you’re there and let’s have fun sharing!!

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Here are some more displays, vignettes and arranging tips: