Repurpose Casserole Holders Into The Cutest Book Rack With Vintage Charm

Vintage casserole holders add a fancy touch to the potluck. They hold your creamed corn, cheesy potatoes, and tater tot casserole proudly. But if you don't entertain much (or lose the casserole dish that goes with the holder), it could be time to repurpose the metal stand into a charming book rack. And while the holders are perfect for displaying cookbooks on your kitchen counter, you can also use them on a table or bookshelf for any vintage books — the combination of old-timey items just works. So, they double as a spot for delicious thanksgiving casserole recipes and a fun, functional DIY.

There are plenty of gorgeous cookbooks that double as decor, and using a casserole holder amplifies the beauty even more. Decorative vintage casserole stands often have stunning metal finishes with intricate detailing to enhance your book display. And since the sides are relatively small, they still let your books show.

Don't worry if you don't already own a casserole holder. Check thrift stores, estate sales, and online platforms, like eBay, to find the vintage metal racks. Look for a square or rectangular rack with an open bottom. The straight sides are ideal for propping up books without wasted space. If you're at a thrift store, test out different sizes of books in the holder to see how well they fit. Some casserole holders are essentially just wire frames without a wider metal side. They can still work, as long as the metal frame is substantial enough to support your books.

Like many vintage items, your old casserole holder may need a little love before you display it. Wipe the metal clean to remove any dust and grease that might be on it. Use a non-abrasive commercial product if you have a silver rack that needs a little shine brought back to the finish. Another way to clean it is with a homemade silver polish paste. And if the rack is a little too plain, refinish it with a coat of spray paint or other embellishments. The decorations can change the aesthetic of your book holder. Wrapping a plain wire casserole rack with twine gives it a rustic, natural feel, for example.

Place the casserole holder where you want to display the books. Place a row of books upright inside of the casserole holder. You can fill it with books or add other little decorations inside. Laying a few books flat helps prop your upright books and creates a platform for other decorations, like a plant or lamp. Or, place a bowl or box inside the frame to hold decorations or book-related items, like bookmarks and annotation supplies.

Since this book display is relatively small, you may want to swap out the books occasionally. Choose one book to highlight at a time — the rest of your collection can stand in the casserole holder. Rotate the books through the display areas to keep things fresh.