Vintage Home Inspirations: A Classic Style Everyone Loves!

I recently posted a Reel on Instagram with all my favorite vintage home style images and it seems that social media likes to go a bit crazy over all things vintage!

I had so many questions about this type of design style in the home, that I thought I would create a little guide on how to achieve this in your home.

I have included all the images that were in the Reel so we can recreate the look bit by bit. I have always loved this style, although I must admit, I do find it a little difficult to recreate in my home. My style always veers towards the biophilic end of interior design, but I definitely have a few vintage items thrown in.

There are some amazing Instagram accounts who do modern vintage home decor beautifully, such as @elle_the_home_bird and @vintagecuratorinteriors, so give them a follow if you want some inspiration!

Vintage Home Guide

Let’s be honest, this is a HUGE subject. I could dedicate a whole website to vintage home decor, so this guide is just skimming the surface. But hopefully, you’ll find some inspiration to help get you started.

Understanding Vintage Style

The term “vintage” refers to items that are at least 40 years old (that’ll be me then!) but not yet antique, which is typically defined as 100 years old. Vintage home decor draws from various decades, primarily the 1920s through the 1970s, with each decade bringing its own unique style.

The key to a successful vintage home lies in balancing these elements to create a cohesive and harmonious look.

Creating a Vintage Home: Room by Room

Living Room

The living room is often the focal point of a home, making it the perfect place to start your vintage home decor transformation.

• Choose a rich color palette with a deep, elegant green that helps create a sophisticated backdrop for the room. Crown moldings are optional!
• Opt for a classic Chesterfield sofa or a dark green velvet sofa as your main seating.
• Add a vintage coffee table with unique details such as detailed and turned legs or a distressed finish. The more worn the table looks the better!
• Layer your seating with patterned throw pillows with damask or floral prints and a cozy, textured blanket.
• Look for vintage-style lamps in thrift stores. A large ceramic table lamp with a floral pattern embraces the vintage look.
• Find vintage paintings, but always make sure that you love them! No one wants artwork on the walls that do not inspire, or have no meaning to you. If you find artwork that you love, but they don’t necessarily fit the vintage vibe, use gold and ornate frames which will instantly transform their look.
• Finish the look with a vintage rug featuring a bold pattern or a faded, antique finish. Try and keep your wooden floors exposed, if you have them, this helps to add warmth and texture to your space.

Vintage Style Kitchen

Modern vintage home decor in the kitchen combines charm with modern appliances, it is all about balance.

• Consider installing a large range hood or open shelving to display your collection of retro dishware, glassware, and vintage home decor finds.
• A farmhouse sink is a must in a vintage kitchen. Pair it with brass taps and hardware and a vintage-style refrigerator, if you haven’t incorporated your appliances into the cabinets.
• Keep the cabinetry neutral, or go for a beautiful soft sage green like the kitchen above. This creates a calming and timeless look. Add classic brass hardware, including knobs and cup pulls to add to the vintage charm.
• Use textured metro tiles for the backsplash, arranged in a classic, clean pattern, and incorporate antique kitchen tools as decor.
• I love the old wicker pendant lights above the island in this kitchen. This introduces a warm and textured contrast to the otherwise sleek surfaces and are key in turning this kitchen from a contemporary style to vintage.
• Keep your flooring natural, wood is best! Lay it in a herringbone pattern and choose a light and fresh shade.
• Finally, don’t forget to add a touch of greenery with potted herbs or a small indoor garden. Various kitchen essentials, such as a cutting board, vintage canisters, and small potted herbs are neatly arranged on the countertops, helping to enhance the vintage style in this kitchen.

Bedroom

In a vintage style bedroom, comfort and style go hand in hand.

• A wrought iron bed frame or a wooden sleigh bed can serve as the centerpiece. I have always regretted not getting an iron bed for our bedroom, instead going with a dark green velvet Chesterfield headboard. There is something romantic and timeless about a wrought iron bed!
• Layer the bed with a mix of patterned quilts, lace pillows, and a chenille bedspread. Floral bedding with vibrant colors, including shades of pink, red, and green, helps add a lively touch to the space.
• Again, choose a soft, muted green (as you can tell, a favorite of mine), which provides a calming backdrop and lets you play with colors in the bedding and artwork. Like the living room, add botanical and floral prints in ornate and classic frames on the walls.
• Vintage nightstands with brass handles and a distressed finish go perfectly with an iron bed. Place a vase of flowers (faux peonies are perfect) and a retro alarm clock to add to the vintage ambiance.
• I would keep the flooring simple as the bedding and artwork have a lot of color and pattern. You can’t beat exposed wooden floorboards in a vintage home, but as this is the bedroom, opt for a large jute rug that covers the whole room, or a sisal carpet. You can always throw a distressed sheepskin rug on the floor by the bed so it is soft underfoot.
• For a final touch, hang a crystal chandelier or a vintage pendant light above the bed.

Bathroom

Often the smallest room in the house, you can still create a vintage vibe in your bathroom.

• Transform your bathroom into a vintage retreat by starting with a clawfoot stand-alone bathtub, if you have the room.
• One of my favorite ways to introduce vintage home decor into the bathroom is by using an old chest of drawers as a vanity. An old wooden dresser can easily be repurposed, try and choose one with a distressed and vintage look. You can add a marble top to protect the wood and place a vessel sink on top with vintage brass taps.
• Place an ornate gold-framed mirror above the vanity and vintage wall sconces on either side.
• Wainscoting in the bathroom is a unique twist, and I find, easier to create than tiling a bathroom. Paint it in a soft shade and pair it with a vintage botanical or floral wallpaper on the top half of the walls.
• If you have wooden floors in the bathroom, sand them down and varnish them, or add herringbone vinyl which will be easier to clean and maintain. If you’re worried about water damaging the wood, use bath and shower mats and hang them up to dry after use.
• Finally, accessorize your bathroom with apothecary jars, antique perfume bottles, and plush, neutral towels.

Dining Room

A vintage dining room is the perfect space to experiment with vintage styles.

• The centerpiece of a dining room, the table is the best place to start. Choose a wooden dining table with a weathered finish or a round pedestal table.
• Pair the table with carved wooden chairs with upholstered seats.
• If you have fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware, display them in a vintage cabinet or sideboard, or set them out on the table for guests. A centerpiece of lush greenery and delicate flowers adds a natural and fresh element to the table setting.
• Again, use neutral colors on the walls to create a calming atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to have crown moldings and window casings in the room, paint these an off-white and use a darker shade on the walls to help make a feature of these original architectural details.
• A crystal or ornate chandelier is a must in a vintage dining room! Hang it above the dining table to create an opulent look.
• Place a weathered and patterned rug under the dining table. Try and use colors in the room in the rug to help tie the room together. I find it difficult to choose rugs and sometimes think it is easier to find one that I love, then use the colors from the rug and introduce them to the rest of the room.
• As with all vintage decor for homes, it’s the accessories and details that can finish a room. Place a vintage sideboard or console table with a vintage painting above it and some wall-mounted lamps with fabric shades.

Hallway

Another “room” that is hugely popular on Instagram, the hallway shouldn’t be overlooked!

• Start with the staircase. Strip it back to the original wood and add a light runner with vintage stair rods. If you can add crafted balusters, this will help with the overall vintage look.
• Use wainscoting on the walls and paint them in a neutral shade such as off-white, beige, muted green, or taupe. I like how this hallway has made the wainscoting a beautiful feature by painting the rest of the walls in a lighter shade.
• The flooring is also key in a vintage style hallway. You can’t go wrong with checked black and white tiles, with a marble finish. This is a timeless design and if you ever tire of the rest of the hallway decor (doubtful), the tiles go with many different interior styles.
• If your ceilings aren’t too low, add a vintage chandelier in the middle of the hallway. I love chandeliers in a hallway as they provide an instant wow factor as soon as you walk in.
• Choose a small vintage console table and hang small and understated vintage artwork above it. If there is room, place a ceramic vase with fresh flowers on top of the table.

Utility/Laundry Room

Don’t forget your laundry room. This room was made for adding vintage home decor details such as rustic shelves, brass hardware, and a bit of artwork to brighten up the space whilst you deal with the never-ending laundry.

• A laundry room is often contemporary, with lots of modern appliances and fixtures. However, simple things like adding a rich color palette with vintage-inspired hardware can instantly change it.
• Add a wooden countertop to provide a warm and natural contrast to the dark blue cabinets.
• All laundry rooms need a sink, I would go for a white ceramic butler sink if possible, and add a vintage style brass faucet.
• We have lots of shelving in our laundry room, it can often become a dumping ground so shelves help keep it organized. Add some rustic floating wooden shelves with brass brackets and place wicker baskets that are brilliant for storing things like tea towels, odd socks, and those home accessories that never really have a home.
• Go for white, textured subway tiles as a backsplash. By keeping it simple, you can add color and pattern elsewhere.
• Vintage artwork is a must in a laundry room. These rooms are often sterile and cold, so the artwork helps inject a bit of personality and color.
• It’s best to have recessed lights in a laundry room as you want it to be bright! However, you can add a simple yet elegant pendant light in areas that need additional lighting.
• Rugs are optional in a laundry room, but they do help add warmth and texture. Choose a rug with colors and an intricate design that helps tie the room together. I love this Persian rug with its dark blue pops of color, complementing the cabinetry and countertop.

Key Elements of Vintage Home Decor

Furniture

Vintage furniture is often characterized by its quality craftsmanship and timeless designs. Look for pieces made from solid wood with intricate carvings or metal details.

Popular items include mid-century modern sofas, distressed farmhouse tables, and ornate Victorian chairs. Mixing and matching different styles can bring your own unique twist to your space.

Color Palette

The vintage color palette is diverse, ranging from the soft pastels of the 1950s to the bold and vibrant hues of the 1970s. Common colors include mustard yellow, teal, coral, and sage green.

Neutrals like beige, cream, and gray also play a significant role, providing a balanced backdrop that allows vintage pieces to stand out.

Mixing Eras and Styles

Vintage home decor is not limited to a single era or style. In fact, one of the most exciting aspects of this style is the freedom to mix and match elements from different periods.

A room might feature a Victorian-era armchair alongside a Mid-Century Modern coffee table, creating an eclectic space. This mix-and-match approach allows for a great deal of personal expression and creativity.

I think this is why modern vintage home decor is so popular because it’s such a personal choice.

Textures and Fabrics

Fabrics in a vintage home often feature rich textures and patterns. Think velvet cushions, lace curtains, and floral upholstery. Mixing different textures, such as pairing a sleek and slightly worn leather chair with a knitted throw, can create a cozy and inviting space.

Accessories

Accessories are often the key to creating a vintage home. Vintage-inspired accessories might include rotary phones, typewriters, and antique mirrors.

Don’t forget the importance of smaller details like doorknobs, light fixtures, and picture frames, which can significantly enhance the vintage feel.

Patterns and Prints

Bold patterns and prints are a hallmark of vintage home decor. Floral prints, striped patterns, and damask designs are popular choices. Incorporate these through wallpaper, rugs, and accent pillows, whilst keeping the rest of your room fairly neutral.

Embracing Imperfections

Imperfections should definitely be celebrated rather than shunned. The patina of age, minor scratches, and worn edges all contribute to the unique character and charm of vintage pieces. Embracing these flaws is a key part of the vintage aesthetic!

Creating a Cozy, Lived-In Feel

One of the most appealing aspects of vintage home decor is its ability to create a cozy, lived-in atmosphere. Unlike the sometimes stark and clinical feel of ultra-modern and contemporary decor, vintage pieces have a warm, inviting quality that makes a space feel like a home.

The patina of age, the softness of worn fabrics, and the character of hand-crafted items all contribute to this sense of comfort and familiarity. By incorporating vintage elements into your decor, you can create a space that feels welcoming and somewhere you look forward to coming home to.

Tips for Incorporating Vintage Home Decor

1. Start Small: If you’re new to vintage decor, start with small accents and accessories. This can include vintage picture frames, old books, or retro lamps. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually incorporate larger pieces.
2. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and eras. A 1920s vanity can look stunning alongside a 1960s armchair. The key is to find common elements, such as color or texture, that tie the pieces together.
3. Use Repurposed Items: Vintage decor is perfect for those who love DIY projects. Repurpose old items to create unique decor pieces. For example, an old ladder can become a rustic bookshelf or a vintage suitcase can be transformed into a quirky coffee table.
4. Pay Attention to Details: Small details can make a big difference in creating an authentic vintage look. Swap out modern light switches and outlet covers for vintage-style ones. Use antique drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to add character to your furniture.
5. Blend with Modern Elements: To prevent your home from feeling like a museum, blend vintage pieces with modern elements. A sleek, contemporary sofa can be paired with a vintage coffee table, or modern art can be displayed in antique frames.

Shopping for Vintage Decor

Finding authentic vintage pieces can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips for shopping:

1. Flea Markets and Antique Stores: These are treasure troves for vintage decor. Take your time to browse and don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
2. Estate Sales and Auctions: These can offer unique and high-quality items. Arrive early for the best selection or late for the best deals.
3. Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, eBay, and Chairish offer a wide range of vintage items. Make sure to check the seller’s reviews and ask for detailed photos and descriptions.
4. Thrift Stores: These are great for finding budget-friendly vintage decor. Visit regularly as new items are often added daily.
5. Garage Sales: Often overlooked, garage sales can yield surprising finds. Keep an eye out for local listings and plan your route to hit multiple sales in one trip.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a very small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These links help to pay the editorial costs of writing a blog. For more information, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.

I also use Artificial Intelligence Image generators to create some of my images. These are to show you examples of my ideas and inspiration when I cannot produce the real images myself.