ADVERTISEMENT

While it might seem almost ridiculous to compare, say, the grand canyon or the surface of the moon to an old door-handle, in many ways the way it looks is the result of the same forces, namely, time and just constant, frequent contact with something. The result, in all of the aforementioned cases, is often quite interesting in its own right.

We’ve gathered the best examples of things that have been worn down by use in an interesting way. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

#1

Said Goodbye To By Best Friend After 13 Years. This Is Is Vaccination Tag All Worn Down After A Lifetime Of Tinking Against His Water Bowl. Rip Little Man

Worn metal tag in hand, showing effects of time and use, engraved with numbers and letters.

DRAWKWARD79 Report

Add photo comments
POST
CaliPanda
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my best friend passed, I added his ID tag to my keychain. With me always.

View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    Before And After Powerwashing. New York Used To Be A Much Dirtier City Back When The Northeast Ran On Coal Plants

    Workers in yellow suits cleaning old building façade, showing transformation by time and use.

    Teddie1056 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Delta Dawn
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t worry, we’re making coal great again because our senile old man doesn’t understand the passage of time

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    The Way My Dogs Spots Faded Over 10 Years

    A dog's transformation over time, from puppy to senior, sitting on stairs, showcasing the impact of time and use.

    short-_-cakes Report

    There’s something undeniably captivating about objects that have been worn down by time. Whether it's a weathered building facade, a scuffed leather coin purse, or a tarnished copper bowl, these items tell stories that pristine, new objects simply can't. They carry the marks of history, the patina of use, and the charm of imperfection.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    One reason people find aged items endearing is the sense of nostalgia they evoke. A chipped teacup might remind someone of their grandmother's kitchen, while a faded photograph can transport them back to a cherished moment. These objects serve as tangible links to the past, grounding us in our personal and collective histories.

    #4

    The Way That The Statue Has Been Worn By People Stroking The Dog On The Charles Bridge

    Bronze relief sculpture depicting a knight with a dog, illustrating transformation by time and use.

    mymumwontbehappy Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    The Marble Floor Of This Bank Has Been Worn Down From Years Of People Standing

    Worn floor tiles showing years of use and transformation by time in a public space.

    stepowens Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Chihuahua Mama
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Standing at a bank teller can feel like an eternity. Always makes me anxious

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of aged items lies in their uniqueness. The cracks, scratches, and discolorations are not flaws but features that add character. In a world of mass-produced perfection, the individuality of a worn object stands out, offering a sense of authenticity and depth.

    #8

    Mother Tombstone In The Old Burying Ground, Wakefield, Ma. Love How The Tree Is Now Hugging Her

    Tree trunk enveloping a gravestone over time, with the word "Mother" partially visible.

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    My Dad's Cat Has Been Scratching The Same Leg Of This Bench For The Past Decade

    A wooden bench leg, worn and transformed by time, next to two shiny pet bowls on a tiled floor.

    VitaminTHC420 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    There's also an appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past. Many aged items were built to last, reflecting a time when durability and quality were paramount. Holding a well-worn tool or piece of furniture can be a testament to the skill and care of its maker, fostering a connection across generations.

    #10

    This Whole Brick Wall Which Has Been Shaped By The Sea

    Weathered brick formation on a rocky beach, transformed by time and use.

    Love_Land90 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Laura Jones
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the sea is amazing i love finding stones etc that have been worn away by the sea into amazing shapes

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    WWI Trench 95 Years Later

    Aerial view of grassland with erosion patterns, showcasing transformation by time and use.

    reddit.com Report

    #12

    This Dog Statue Is Worn Down From Being Petted So Much

    Bronze dog statue with worn patina from time and use, reaching over stone well with a human figure nearby.

    5thCharmer Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    While household objects might not immediately seem like pieces of “art,” it’s still important to remember that many were still made by craftspeople. This would fit the definition of “applied arts,” objects that were designed to be functional first, but could still have some artistic elements to it. Just like some installations use time to change the objects that are visible, so can frequent use add to a thing's uniqueness.

    #13

    Kannesteinen - Special Rock Formation Formed By The Sea

    Unique rock formation by the sea, showcasing transformation by time and elements.

    C. Hill Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    SouthernGal
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surprised idiots haven’t broken it to sit on it and take photos for instagram.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    The Way The Sun Has Weathered This Sign So It Looks Like Its Heavy Metal Style

    A weathered sign with bold letters, "Emergency Vehicle Access, No Parking," transformed by time and use.

    dave_wigwam Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Psychologically, collecting and cherishing aged items can fulfill a desire for continuity and identity. According to the University of Miami, humans have an innate tendency to collect objects, often driven by a need to preserve memories and assert a sense of self. These items become extensions of our experiences, embodying stories and emotions that define who we are.

    #16

    A Bicycle Was Left Chained To A Tree

    Bicycle embedded in tree, showing transformation by time in a lush forest setting.

    Ethan Welty Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Trinity Abbey In My Home Town, Mid-Cleaning

    Gothic cathedral facade transformed by time, showcasing intricate stonework and weathered architectural details.

    emissaryofwinds Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Laura Jones
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    must be an awesome job cleaning these old buildings and making them come up like this

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    If you take a look around your own space, you’ll probably find all sorts of things that are probably past their prime, but are kept because they have a sort of nostalgic value. There is also a sort of comfort and keeping things for a long time, it feels financially savvy to not buy new “stuff,” you feel like you got a good deal.

    #19

    My Grandfather Has Carried This Silver Dollar In His Pocket Since 1952

    Worn coin with faint silhouette on wooden surface, exemplifying time's transformative effects.

    coreydh11 Report

    #20

    After A Hard Rain, A Pothole Opened Up In Front Of My House Revealing The Original Brick And A Train Track

    Cracked pavement reveals cobblestones, showcasing transformation by time and use.

    Whinke Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have trams going through at some point? My hometown once did, not there any more.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    This Rug Is So Well Worn It's Almost Invisible

    Café sign and worn rug on cobblestone path, showing effects of time and use.

    Svengelska1990 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    In essence, the allure of timeworn objects lies in their ability to resonate with our emotions, aesthetics, and sense of history. They remind us that beauty isn't always in the new and flawless but often in the aged and imperfect, a reflection of life's journey etched into the very fabric of these cherished items.

    #22

    This Lamp Pole's Posters Over The Years

    Weathered poster-covered pole with a deep circular tunnel from years of wear and tear.

    reddit.com Report

    #23

    Cross Section Of Our Painter’s 1-Year Old Stir Stick

    Close-up of a hand holding a well-worn hockey stick, showing layers of wood transformed by time and use.

    infernal2ss Report

    #24

    The Worn Marble Steps That Lead To The Top Of The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

    Worn stone steps transformed by time and use, showing deep indentations and a textured surface.

    salenalettera Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    R.A. Haley
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The funny thing about that is; they tried flipping the stones to their unworn side recently, only to discover it had already been done long ago.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    My Brother And I Each Received Identical Teddy Bears When We Were Born. I Lived Mine Just A Bit More

    Two teddy bears side by side, one old and worn, the other newer, showing transformation by time and use.

    Bedheadredhead30 Report

    #26

    I Was In Ireland And Found This Piece Of A Brick Wall That Had Been Shaped By The Surf

    Weathered brick among pebbles, showing effects of time and use, with two sneaker-clad feet visible.

    TheDancingFool Report

    #28

    My Mother’s Clipboard From Doing The Newspapers Crossword Puzzles For 30 Years

    Worn clipboard marked by time and use, showing significant wear on the surface, highlighting transformation effects.

    pairofcrocs Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    JK
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love it. That is what my dictionary looked like too. The spine eventually fell off and I had to give it a proper funeral. Love crosswords, but newspapers no longer print them. :(

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    Stairs Worn Down By A Million Footsteps Over A Thousand Years At Sperlinga Castle, Sicily

    Stone stairs shaped by time and use, leading to a historic stone archway.

    me-julie Report

    #30

    My Radio Button Has Worn Out To Be A Victorian Portrait

    Car stereo buttons worn over time, with a silhouette icon replacing the volume symbol.

    kelnjam Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    JK
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its called a cameo or brooch. If you get rid of the car, I'd keep the k**b.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    The Bells Hanging On The Back Door Of My Parents House

    A door with a rope of bells and visible wear, showing the effects of time and use on the paint.

    These bells have been hanging on this door since 2011 and their dogs ring them to go outside.

    SuperNotit Report

    #32

    Sun Damage After 28 Years Of Driving A Delivery Truck

    Close-up of an elderly face, showcasing wrinkles as a transformation by time and use.

    Advocate7x70 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    R.A. Haley
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The old trucker's trick was to cut the end off a long tube sock and wear it over your left arm. Used one for years, saved my arm. I still use one.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    Moving Around Dumbells With My Foot Wore My Shoes Into Showing My Foots Skeletal Pattern

    Worn-out shoe showing signs of transformation by time and use on a tiled floor.

    reddit.com Report

    #34

    Ghosts Of Union Station

    Aged red metal bench with wear marks on a wall, showing transformation by time and use.

    bradv1977 Report

    #35

    This Tree Holding Up Stones From A Collapsed Wall

    Tree engulfing large stone over time, showcasing nature's unique transformation.

    vaj-tastic_voyage Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mark Alibozek
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it's just the angle but I think that tree could benefit from loosing a couple stone😄

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #36

    The Vibration Wear On This Stainless Steel Bolt

    Worn metal bolt compared to a new one, showing time's transformative effects.

    tallmin22 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #37

    This Church In Detroit, MI Hasn't Been Cleaned Since It Was Built More Than 100 Years Ago. I Always Thought The Stone Was Black

    Old stone church with a lift facilitating restoration work, highlighting time's impact on architecture.

    DetroitStalker Report

    #38

    My Parents Moved A Rug For The First Time In Years. This Is What 16 Years Of Sunlight Does To Your Hardwood Floors

    Worn wooden floor showing color contrast, transformed by time and use, near a window and table.

    reddit.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time to replace the glass with a modern kind that blocks UV and infrared wavelengths.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #39

    Was Told To Post This Here. The Local Place I Play Ping Pong At. They Haven’t Changed The Tables In 20 Yrs

    Ping pong table showing wear patterns from time and use, with faded blue and exposed surfaces.

    Dardan311 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bec
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It appears they are still in good working order, so why not?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #40

    The Glass Globe Of This Light Focused The Sunlight Enough To Burn The Suns Path In The Grass

    A garden scene showing a path worn into the grass by time and use, next to a lamp and hedge backdrop.

    ExtraGooseGrease Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess nobody thought of this risk when they set this lamp up.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #41

    Six Months Of Buildup In A Pipe Used For A Mineral Pool Spa

    Pipe with mineral buildup over six months, showcasing effects of time and use.

    GhostalMedia Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When the plumber removed the last section of cast iron drain pipe in our 1951 built house, he showed us how two thirds of it was blocked by mineral, rust, and sewage buildup.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    The Life Cycle Of A Penny

    Coins arranged by color transformation over time on wooden surface.

    reddit.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Holly Marley
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This also shows the amount of zinc vs copper changing over the years

    #43

    These Sand Bags From 40+ Years Ago Are Now Solid Rock

    Stone wall overlooking scenic, grassy mountains transformed by time, with blue sky and distant peaks.

    thegreywolf17 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pferdchen
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never really thought about it, but I suppose you could build a cement wall just by stacking bags of cement and letting nature take its course.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    This Is A Real Knife That Is Used By The Fish Cutter At My Current Job. He's Been Using It For 35 Years

    A worn knife with a well-used, discolored handle showcasing transformation by time and use.

    oadge Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #45

    The Way The Floor Has Faded In Near Perfect Semi-Circles At This Barber Shop

    Barber shop floor showing wear patterns from time and use, with people seated and waiting.

    maosaysmiao Report

    #46

    Stone On This Italian Castle Being Completely Worn Down By 700 Years Of Rainfall Dripping Off The Roof Onto The Exact Same Spot

    Stone surface worn down by time and use, showcasing a smooth indentation.

    VersaceRabbit Report

    #47

    The Floor In Front Of The Register Has Worn Through All The Floors Since This Restaurant Opened In 1924

    Worn-out floor mat showing layers, transformed over time and use, viewed from above with a person's shoes visible.

    _KingPuck_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    sofacushionfort
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give employees chairs or at least anti-fatigue mats? If that’s the wear on hard tile, imagine the commensurate damage to their skeletal system.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #48

    Some Skipped Some Scales

    Worn piano keys show marks from years of use, with sheet music displayed above.

    ShinigamiDady Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    keyboardtek
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a pianist, I find that gross and would not ever play that instrument.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #49

    How Time Just Flies By

    A youthful hand holds a weathered hand, illustrating transformation by time and use.

    Import Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Angela Corvaia
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read a story once about Nuns in France that had a vow of silence and no facial expression allowed and they isolated themselves. During WW2 the soldiers entered the compound and were surprised at the 60ish year old women looked like they were in their 20s. It is probably not true but it makes sense.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    This Key After 10 Years Of Entering Orders At My Grandmothers Shop

    A worn keyboard with a hole in the Enter key, showcasing transformation by time and use.

    kailariousss Report

    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #51

    My Teddybear I Had For Over 30 Years And One As Good As New

    Two teddy bears showing transformation by time and use, one worn and faded, the other new and plush.

    Allcappa Report

    #52

    The Way This Door Was Worn Down By Its Bell

    Wooden door transformed by time, showing wear and marks near a bell, with a poster visible below.

    Xanthotoxin Report

    #53

    We Still Have This Small Pumpkin My Wife Carved 3 Years Ago

    Aged garlic clove resembling a face, showing transformation over time.

    Turkeyfart2 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I made a snowman out of a parsnip about 15 years ago. He dried out in the office atmosphere and is now about a third of the original size and solid wood.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #54

    This Tire Reads "Replace Tire" When It Gets Worn Down

    Worn car tire showing signs of use and time with visible tread wear.

    reddit.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jenna
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can anyone tell me if this is a common feature used by several manufacturers? My S.O. Likes to replace tires about 15K miles before the recommended time.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #55

    My Grandfather's Screwdriver

    Aged wooden tool with handle showing signs of transformation by time and use, on a dark surface.

    reddit.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked in a box plant 50 years ago and there were tools like this there. Apparently, some of the printing equipment also included a tool set when new and the individual tools found their way all over the plant.

    #56

    2024 Midori Hibino

    Worn journal transformed by time and use alongside a pristine new version on a marble table.

    Every thought, every time I exercised, every major event. Love this. GPT another for 2025.

    Just-Equipment-2337 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bi.Felicia
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those who also weren't familiar with a Hibino, it is a Japanese planner, a diary, and a notebook. It takes in all of your emotions and thoughts to record “your day”.

    #57

    The Markings On The Bottom Of My Coffee Cup From A Year Of Stirring

    A ceramic mug with visible swirl patterns inside from repeated use over time.

    SleepySquirrelZzzzzz Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Which transformed object category captures your attention the most in such articles?

    Antiques and historical items

    Everyday household items

    Natural elements

    Animal-related items