Why vintage silverware, cutlery are making a comeback on Kenyan tables
What was once dismissed as 'ushamba', old-fashioned and outdated, is now being celebrated for its charm, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance.
The flowery plates and bowls we once joked about at our grandmother’s house are making a stylish return to Kenyan homes, this time with a modern twist.
From TikTok home tours to curated Sunday brunches, vintage dinnerware is no longer a relic of the past but a bold statement of style, sustainability, and cultural pride.
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What was once dismissed as 'ushamba', old-fashioned and outdated, is now being celebrated for its charm, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance.
Kenyan millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this revival, giving vintage silverware and cutlery a fresh identity by “Kenyanizing” them. They are pairing ornate floral china with woven kikapu centrepieces, using enamel cups as planters, and showcasing heirloom spoons in TikTok videos set to aesthetic soundtracks.
“I used to hide these plates that my mother gave me when I joined campus,” laughs Akinyi Muthoni, a 29-year-old digital creator from Nairobi. “Now I style my table with them every Sunday and film it for my followers. They love the aesthetic, it’s nostalgic but chic.”
Social media’s role in the revival
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become hotspots for vintage inspiration.
Ornate silverware: (Photo: Freepik)
Hashtags like #exuk, #thriftfinds, #thrifting #smegkitchen and #Vintage are gaining traction, filled with images of mismatched plates, candlelit dinners, and local touches.“It’s a vibe,” says TikTok creator Sam “Njoro” Njoroge.
“You mix your cucu’s cutlery with a modern linen runner, light some candles, throw on Sauti Sol, and suddenly dinner is an experience, not just a meal.”
Why vintage now?
The vintage revival is driven by more than aesthetics. It speaks to deeper desires: for connection, for sustainability, and for a sense of belonging in a fast-paced digital world.
“There’s something comforting about eating from a plate that’s been in the family for decades,” says Esther Wambui, a ceramic artist and vintage enthusiast on TikTok.
“It reminds us of where we come from. And it keeps waste out of landfills. It has made me go an extra mile and go to Ex-UK shops, and Gikomba on weekends to thrift.”
Indeed, the environmental appeal of vintage is undeniable. With growing awareness of the downsides of fast home-ware, cheap, mass-produced, and often disposable, many Kenyans are turning to thrift markets, flea markets in Gikomba, and online vintage curators for pre-loved items that last.
Not just for cucu anymore
The revival also challenges stereotypes about what is fashionable.
Silverware laid out on a crochet mat. The 'old school' pieces are making a comeback. (Photo: Freepik)
Where once vintage dishes were tucked away in cabinets, today they are proudly displayed, even celebrated. Younger Kenyans are blending old and new, mixing 1950s porcelain with modern decor for an eclectic, personal look.
“This is no longer just for grandmas,” says Clara Wanjira. “It’s for anyone who wants to infuse meaning, beauty, and history into their everyday meals.”
Someone like Forevermoe on TikTok is a great inspiration. If you also want to get newer plates and cups, Kamukunji and Eastleigh have many options to choose from.
As Kenyan households reimagine the way they gather, cook, and dine, vintage tableware is proving to be more than just a nostalgic accessory; it is a statement.
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