Tudor Grove Eclectic, Richmond

If you have a softer style, try re-creating the ambience in this photo. Mixing a mass of sterling silver frames with select antique pieces — the small trophy and hairbrush set in this shot — creates a feminine, old-world elegance. Tip: Putting smaller silver pieces together in a designated display creates impact without overwhelming a room.

Silver frames amassed on a console, along with a trophy and a collection of silver hairbrushes, make a classy vignette in this living room. What a perfect way to display old family pictures! And remember, it’s absolutely OK to mix old and new, so if you don’t have any antique frames, feel free to buy new ones.

What not to use to clean silver. “All products that have ‘metal polish’ in their name are much too harsh,” Herman says. “Oxidized brass, copper and especially aluminum require greater abrasion for successful results. Silver requires its own special polish to more gently accomplish this job.” He also warns against using many pantry-style solutions such as toothpaste (avoid “virtually all brands,” he says), Soft Scrub, baking soda and ketchup, which is too acidic. Fine jeweler and silver maker Tiffany & Co. advises customers against using anything with chlorine or bleach to clean their silver jewelry, because these chemicals will also accelerate tarnishing.Chemical tarnish removers, such as silver dip cleaners, are also a no-go. “They will absolutely ruin the original finish on solid silver and silver plate,” Herman says. “It will quickly strip the shine from silver, leaving a dull, lifeless appearance. They also allow tarnish to form more quickly.”See how to clean: Hardwood Floors | Marble Countertops and Tile | Glass Showers | Refrigerators | Carpet | Stainless Steel | Windows | Garden Tools | DishwashersMore on HouzzSee dining room ideas and designsBrowse flatware and silverware sets

What could be more elegant than a pair of classic silver candlesticks on a dining table? And yet, in this case, the addition of a few other silver pieces raises the interest a notch or two and makes a bigger impression. And how cool to use several of them as containers for plants.

Lovely photo vignette. Want to remember the replating tips.

silver Using silver spray. Rick Pushckor, owner of Antique Metal Finishing in Long Beach, California, says that after clients have brought in their silver pieces for replating, he recommends Silver Polish Spray by Hagerty Polish. “We think it’s one of the best ones out there,” he says, “and with the spray it’s easy. You just spray it on and wipe off.” Pushckor warns, however, that once a piece has turned black, “that means it has oxidized, and nothing is going to bring it back after that.” At that point, it’s best to take the piece into a metal refinisher. What not to use. “All products that have ‘metal polish’ in their name are much too harsh,” Herman says. “Oxidized brass, copper and especially aluminum require greater abrasion for successful results. Silver requires its own special polish to more gently accomplish this job.”

What not to use. “All products that have ‘metal polish’ in their name are much too harsh,” Herman says. “Oxidized brass, copper and especially aluminum require greater abrasion for successful results. Silver requires its own special polish to more gently accomplish this job.” He also warns against using many pantry-style solutions such as toothpaste (avoid “virtually all brands,” he says), Soft Scrub, baking soda and ketchup, which is too acidic. Fine jeweler and silver maker Tiffany & Co. advises customers against using anything with chlorine or bleach, because these chemicals will also accelerate tarnishing. Chemical tarnish removers, such as silver dip cleaners, are also a no-go. “They will absolutely ruin the original finish on solid silver and silver plate,” Herman says. “It will quickly strip the shine from silver, leaving a dull, lifeless appearance. They also allow tarnish to form more quickly.”

Using silver spray. Rick Pushckor, owner of Antique Metal Finishing in Long Beach, California, says that after clients have brought in their silver pieces for replating, he recommends Silver Polish Spray by Hagerty Polish. “We think it’s one of the best ones out there,” he says, “and with the spray it’s easy. You just spray it on and wipe off.” Pushckor warns, however, that once a piece has turned black, “that means it has oxidized, and nothing is going to bring it back after that.” At that point, it’s best to take the piece into a metal refinisher. What not to use. “All products that have ‘metal polish’ in their name are much too harsh,” Herman says. “Oxidized brass, copper and especially aluminum require greater abrasion for successful results. Silver requires its own special polish to more gently accomplish this job.” He also warns against using many pantry-style solutions such as toothpaste (avoid “virtually all brands,” he says), Soft Scrub, baking soda and ketchup, which is too acidic. Fine jeweler and silver maker Tiffany & Co. advises customers against using anything with chlorine or bleach, because these chemicals will also accelerate tarnishing. Chemical tarnish removers, such as silver dip cleaners, are also a no-go. “They will absolutely ruin the original finish on solid silver and silver plate,” Herman says. “It will quickly strip the shine from silver, leaving a dull, lifeless appearance. They also allow tarnish to form more quickly.”