Vintage home decorating ideas

Vintage Home Décor Ideas

1. A Themed Room for Vintage House Interior

One way is to opt for a vintage design style and decorate the room inspired by it or with actual pieces from the era. Since each aesthetic has specific characteristics in terms of colour, shapes, furniture, lighting, texture, etc., opt for décor items that closely resemble or are reminiscent of these aspects.

Alternatively, you may choose to display your collectables in a room and add décor to match the aesthetic. For example, you can put up traditional movie posters in the media room and combine them with campy and glamorous furniture pieces from the 1980s to tie the look together. Focus on high contrast- black and white, saturated colours against neutrals, etc., and opt for plush and curved furniture. You can do something similar with a music record or fashion prints collection.

2. Start Small

You needn't go all out with vintage decorative items. Focusing on one space and then building from there will allow you the flexibility to edit as you go. A reading nook or a little study area might be a good place to start.

For a cosy reading nook, pair a pouffe with a tub or wingback chair with brocade, floral or leather upholstery. Place it by your bookshelves and opt for dark wood furniture and shelves to get the perfect look.

3. Eclectic Vintage Items for Home Décor

With the eclectic style, you can mix and match materials, finishes, and even different design styles to achieve unique interiors. It also takes the pressure off of you to design an exact look. Many families have souvenirs and trinkets from different eras. You might even have some heirloom furniture or textiles that you can repurpose as décor and accessories. Since thrifting has become more accessible, you can even look for genuine antiques to add to your collection.

4. Turn Suitcases and Crates Into Vintage Home Décor

Old leather suitcases make for charming vintage home décor items, especially in bohemian inspired rooms. You can use them as centre tables or side tables. Paint them to use as both a decorative piece and a secret storage space for your art supplies, notebooks, etc. Similarly, you can turn crates into a table or even a bench. Just add soft cushions or a mattress, and you're good to go.

5. Repurpose an Almirah for a Touch of Vintage Style Interior

Instead of using the beautiful ornate almirah in your bedroom for clothes, you can repurpose it and use it in other rooms. You can use it as a display or as a bookshelf if you take off the doors in the living room. You can use it as a pantry in the kitchen or change the doors to transparent ones and store your fancy crockery and porcelain items there. To give it a modern twist, you may choose to refinish it with paint. Opt for a distressed finish for a rustic look.

9. Lighting Options in Vintage Home Décor

Vintage lighting options make for spectacular statements and accents. Mid-century modern style is famous for experimental and futuristic lighting designs such as the globe pendant, the strobe lighting, arched floor lamp etc. For an '80s glam look, choose a chandelier lamp, colourful Costanza lamps and other statement lightings. You see patterned and fabric lampshades in the traditional modern style. In any case, remember that all vintage styles are characterised by warm and gentle lighting. Thus, to enhance the vintage vibe of the interiors, opt for distinct, multiple sources of lighting in each room.

10. Vintage Interior Designs with a Contemporary Touch

While vintage and retro pieces can be gorgeous, they can look dated in a contemporary home. You can professionally get old wooden furniture refurbished for a modern vintage interior design. If you like the look of natural wood, you can sand it down and re-polish it for a fresh look. For a contemporary appearance, you can paint it to match the room's colour scheme. Or even use wallpaper to add some pattern or texture to a piece. If you prefer the rustic look, you can paint your existing furniture and then artificially destress it.