Vintage Storage Ideas for Late-Summer Produce

August in Colorado is pure abundance with farm stands overflowing with peaches, baskets of tomatoes at the market, and herb pots at their happiest. It’s the time of year when your kitchen counters get happily crowded and every meal includes something freshly picked.

If you love antiques, this is also a great opportunity to bring some of that late-summer bounty into your decor. With a few thoughtfully chosen vintage pieces, you can store and display produce in a way that feels both functional and beautiful, like the season itself.

Use antique crates & wooden boxes for rustic produce storage

Old fruit crates and wooden boxes are charming and incredibly useful in the kitchen or pantry. Stack two at an angle to hold peaches and nectarines, or place one on the counter with a linen draped inside to collect just-picked tomatoes from the garden.

Tip: Look for crates with the original branding or faded lettering…it adds instant character and tells a little story of its own.

Apothecary cabinets & drawers for herbs and garlic

Small vintage cabinets or apothecary drawers are perfect for storing pantry items like dried herbs, garlic bulbs, shallots or farmers-market spices. Tucked in a corner of your kitchen, they double as decorative furniture and practical storage.

Try styling the top with a small brass pitcher filled with basil or mint to bring it to life.

Vintage enamel mixing bowls and pots work beautifully for fresh produce, especially when grouped on a countertop or sideboard. A white enamel bowl filled with Colorado Palisade peaches is unexpectedly striking (and so easy). Bonus points because they’re lightweight and food-safe.

Mix different sizes and colors for a casual, layered look.

Glass jars & vintage canisters

Old glass canning jars, French confiture jars and ceramic canisters are ideal for storing dried fruit, nuts or dried herbs heading into fall. Line them up on an open shelf so they become part of the room’s visual rhythm.

For a softer, seasonal touch, add a small arrangement of late-summer flowers (zinnias or black-eyed susans are perfect) in a vintage bottle nearby.

Keep it functional and beautiful

What makes antique storage pieces so special is that they do more than hold things. They bring history, texture and warmth into everyday rituals. Your weekly market haul becomes part of the decor. A bowl of pears becomes a late-summer still life.

Want to find a few vintage pieces to get started?  Visit us in Colorado to browse antique crates, enamelware, and apothecary cabinets in person, or explore our online collection for inspiration and one-of-a-kind storage finds delivered right to your door.