Are you ready to dive into the world of vintage room decor ideas? From antique furniture to vintage-inspired textiles and accessories, these tips will help you create a unique and stylish vintage-inspired space. Let's get started!
1. First vintage room decor idea: Choose a color scheme
When it comes to creating a vintage-inspired room, color is key. Choose a color scheme that is reminiscent of the era you want to evoke. Popular vintage color palettes include muted tones of pink, blue, green, and beige. These colors can be incorporated into your walls, bedding, curtains, and accessories.
Muted green tone vintage room decor
2. Look for vintage or antique furniture pieces
One of the most important elements of a vintage-inspired room is antique or vintage furniture. Look for pieces with intricate detailing, curved lines, and rich textures. These can be found at flea markets, antique stores, or online marketplaces. From ornate dressers and chairs to unique side tables and desks, antique furniture adds character and history to your space.
vintage or antique furniture pieces
3. Incorporate vintage-inspired textiles
Soft textiles such as lace, velvet, and silk are a great way to add vintage charm to your room. These can be used in curtains, bedding, and accent pillows. Look for vintage-inspired textiles with floral or damask patterns to add a touch of elegance to your space.
vintage-inspired textiles
4. Use vintage-inspired wallpaper or wall decals
Wallpaper is a great way to create a focal point in your room. Vintage-inspired wallpaper patterns like damask, floral, or geometric shapes can add a touch of sophistication to your space. Wall decals are another option, especially for those who are renting and cannot use wallpaper.
vintage-inspired wallpaper or wall decals
5. Wallpaper patterns like damask, floral, or geometric shapes
When searching for vintage room decor ideas, wallpaper is a great place to start. Wallpaper can instantly add a vintage touch to any room. Look for patterns like damask, floral, or geometric shapes that were popular in the early to mid-20th century. These patterns are often bold and colorful, and can create a statement wall in a bedroom or living room.
If you want to keep the vintage look subtle, try a wallpaper with a more subdued pattern or a neutral color palette. Textured wallpaper can also add a unique touch, such as grasscloth or vinyl wallpaper with a raised pattern.
When choosing wallpaper, make sure to measure your walls carefully and buy enough rolls to complete the project. It's also important to consider the quality of the wallpaper and whether it's easy to remove in case you want to change it in the future.
vintage floral patterend wallpaper
6. Accessorize with vintage-inspired decor items
Vintage-inspired decor items can add character and charm to a room. Antique mirrors, clocks, and lighting fixtures can create a sense of grandeur and elegance, especially if they have ornate details and intricate designs.
When selecting vintage-inspired decor items, look for pieces that have a cohesive style and complement each other. For example, if you choose an antique mirror with a gold frame, consider pairing it with a brass chandelier or wall sconces. This will help create a cohesive look and tie the room together.
Accessorize with vintage-inspired decor items
7. Display vintage-inspired artwork
Artwork is a great way to add personality to your space. Vintage-inspired prints or posters from the 1920s-1950s are a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to your room. Landscapes or art deco posters are great options.
8. Incorporate vintage books, postcards, and maps
Vintage books, postcards, and maps are a great way to add a touch of history to your space. These can be displayed on shelves or in frames. Look for unique covers, interesting titles, and antique maps to add character to your space.
When displaying vintage books, postcards, and maps, consider grouping them together by theme or color. This can create a cohesive look and make a statement in a room.
Incorporate vintage books, postcards, and maps
9. Choose vintage-inspired bedding with floral or damask patterns
Bedding is an important element of any room. Choose vintage-inspired bedding with floral or damask patterns to add a touch of elegance to your space. These patterns often have a soft, romantic feel and can add a touch of elegance to a room. Adding a throw blanket or quilt with a vintage pattern can also add a touch of warmth to your room.
Damask Medallion Luxury Quilt on Amazon
10. Use vintage-inspired lighting fixtures
Lighting is an important element of any vintage room decor ideas. Vintage-inspired lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, sconces, or pendant lights with an antique or brass finish can add a touch of sophistication to your space. If you want something more unique, a mix of modern and old time style, check out neon signs for home.
11. Display vintage trunks or suitcases
Vintage trunks or suitcases are a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to your space. These can be used as storage or coffee tables. Look for unique details, interesting hardware, and vintage labels to add character to your space.
Display vintage trunks or suitcases
12. Add vintage-style curtains
Using vintage-style curtains like lace or sheer curtains with scalloped edges or intricate patterns can add a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the room. Choose curtains that complement the color scheme of the room and match the overall vintage aesthetic.
Add vintage-style curtains
13. Use vintage-inspired wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to add character to a room, and vintage-inspired wallpaper can create a unique focal point. Consider patterns like floral or damask or try a retro-inspired pattern like stripes or polka dots.
When selecting wallpaper, consider the colors in the room and choose a pattern that complements them. If you have a small room, consider using a wallpaper with a smaller pattern, as this can help make the room feel larger. Alternatively, if you have a larger room, you may want to use a bolder pattern that will make a statement.
Use vintage-inspired wallpaper
14. Display vintage-style frames
Vintage-style frames with antique photos or artwork can add a touch of personality to a room. You can also create a gallery wall of vintage art for a cohesive and stylish look. If you're not sure where to find vintage frames, try looking at antique stores or online marketplaces like Etsy. You can also create a vintage-inspired frame by distressing a newer frame with sandpaper or paint.
Display vintage-style frames
15. Use vintage-inspired textiles
Vintage-inspired textiles can add a cozy and charming touch to your home. Look for embroidered or crocheted linens, tablecloths, or doilies to use on tables, dressers, or nightstands. You can also use vintage-inspired textiles as wall hangings or to cover throw pillows.
When selecting vintage-inspired textiles, consider the colors and patterns in the room. You may want to choose pieces that complement the overall decor or create a pop of color with a bold pattern. For example, a crochet table runner on a wooden dining table can create a charming and rustic look. Similarly, a vintage-inspired quilt on a bed with floral or damask patterns can add warmth and character to the room.
So whether you're going for a full-on vintage theme or just looking to add a few vintage accents, vintage-inspired textiles are a must-have for any vintage room decor ideas!
Find out more on how to decorate with vintage textiles on BHG
16. Add a vintage-style rug with intricate patterns or distressed textures
Look for rugs with intricate patterns or distressed textures for an authentic vintage feel. These rugs can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways to add a cozy and welcoming touch.
When selecting a vintage-style rug, consider the colors and patterns in the room. You may want to choose a rug that complements the overall decor or creates a focal point with a bold pattern. Keep in mind that vintage rugs may have some wear and tear, which can add to their charm and character.
17. Incorporate vintage-inspired ceramics
Antique teapots, bowls, or vases can be used as decorative accents in a vintage-themed room. These pieces can add a touch of elegance and charm to the space. You may want to choose pieces that complement the overall decor or create a pop of color with a bold pattern. Keep in mind that vintage ceramics may have some wear and tear, which can add to their charm and character.
Incorporate vintage-inspired ceramics
18. Use vintage-style bedding
When it comes to adding vintage style to your bedroom, don't overlook the bedding. Opt for a comforter, duvet, or quilt with ruffles, lace, or embroidered details to add a touch of old-world charm to your space. Look for soft, muted colors like cream, pale pink, or soft blue to create a calming, romantic atmosphere. Adding a throw blanket or quilt with a vintage pattern can also add a touch of warmth to the room.
Use vintage-style bedding
19. Hang a vintage-style tapestry on the wall
A tapestry with a floral or nature scene can create a unique focal point in the room. Consider using a tapestry as a statement piece above the bed or as an accent piece on an empty wall. Look for one with a floral or nature scene to bring the outdoors inside. Tapestries come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your space. You can hang a tapestry on a blank wall or even use it as a makeshift headboard.
Hang a vintage-style tapestry on the wall
20. Display vintage-inspired figurines
This next vintage room decor idea is perfect for figurine lovers!
Porcelain dolls or animal figurines can add a whimsical touch to a vintage-themed room. These pieces can be used as decorative accents on shelves or tables. Look for porcelain dolls or animal figurines that have a timeless quality to them.
Display vintage-inspired figurines
21. Use vintage-style hooks or hangers
If you're looking for a practical way to add vintage style to your bedroom, consider using vintage-inspired hooks or hangers to display your clothing or accessories. Look for hooks with ornate details, like those found in Victorian-era homes. You can use them to hang your clothing, hats, or even jewelry.
Vintage Style Deer Coat Hook Clothes Hanger
22. Add a vintage-style phone or radio for a nostalgic touch.
Incorporating vintage-style electronics is a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to a room. A vintage-style phone or radio can be a functional and decorative piece that adds character and charm to the space. Many vintage-style phones and radios are available online or at specialty stores. These can be found in a variety of colors and styles, from classic black to pastel hues. They can be displayed on a table or shelf, or even mounted on the wall for added visual interest.
23. Use vintage-inspired metal signs or advertisements
Vintage-inspired metal signs or advertisements can be used to add a retro vibe to a room. These can be found online or at antique shops and can feature a variety of subjects, from advertisements for soda or cars to classic movie posters. These signs can be hung on the wall or propped up on a shelf or mantle. They can also be used to create a gallery wall or focal point in the room..
24. Add vintage-inspired wall art
Vintage-inspired wall art can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room. Antique maps, botanical prints, and black-and-white photographs are great options that can be found online or at antique shops. These can be framed and hung on the wall to create a visually interesting display. Mixing and matching different styles and subjects can add depth and personality to the space.
Add vintage-inspired wall art
25. Display vintage-inspired clocks
If you're looking for vintage room decor ideas that are functional and decorative, a vintage-inspired clock can be an excellent addition to your space.
Mantle clocks and pocket watches are classic options that can be found at antique shops or online. These can be displayed on a shelf, mantle, or even mounted on the wall. Choosing a clock that features intricate details or unique finishes can add interest and charm to the space.
26. Use vintage-inspired decorative boxes or storage containers
Vintage-inspired decorative boxes or storage containers can be both functional and decorative. Antique wooden crates and tin boxes are great options that can be found at antique shops or online. These can be used to store small items such as jewelry or trinkets, or even used as planters for succulents or other small plants. The unique textures and finishes of these containers can add character and warmth to the room.
Use vintage-inspired decorative boxes
Overall, incorporating vintage-inspired decor into your room can add a unique touch of character and charm. Whether you choose to go all out with a vintage theme or simply incorporate a few key pieces, the possibilities are endless. Keep in mind that vintage-inspired room decor ideas don't have to be limited to one specific era or style, and mixing and matching different pieces can create a one-of-a-kind look. So have fun exploring different options and finding the perfect pieces to create a space that reflects your personal style and interests.