Vintage interior design is a style of home décor that can be described as anything from rustic to gothic, with an emphasis on the past. Vintage homes are characterized by old-fashioned furniture, lace curtains, and knickknacks from another era.
Vintage lovers enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time when they enter their home or space.
If you’re a vintage gal looking for some new trends in home decorating, this blog post will show you the 10 hottest vintage interior design ideas to try out today!
What is Vintage Interior Design?
Vintage interior design brings the feel and style of a bygone era into the modern-day. There are many reasons why you should incorporate vintage elements into your home's interior design. It could be for the excellent touch of nostalgia, or simply to give your home a unique aesthetic that leaves a lasting impression.
Here are some vintage design styles that are popular today:
- 80s Style
- Gothic
- Rustic
- Industrial Chic
- Shabby Chic
- Retro
- Victorian
- Mid-century Modern
- Bohemian
- Glamorous
How To Create Different Vintage Interior Design Styles
The 80s
The 1980s had a lot going on – it was an iconic decade after all – so if you have any leftover pieces from that period (or happen to love neon), then consider hanging on to them.
At its core, 1980s interior design is distinguished by bold and vibrant colors and patterns. The 80s home décor also features a lot of pastel colors, juxtaposed with dark brown and black accents.
Complement this look by adding bolder designs, such as chevron patterns or even x's and o's. You can even create a faux-painted design in any room using colorful vintage-styled wall decals.
With color-blocked wall art and vibrant furniture, you can transform any room into a 1980s abode.
The Gothic
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Gothic interior design has a certain mystery to it, so if you’re looking to set the scene for a horror-themed party, this would be the ideal interior design style. Gothic vintage home décor is characterized by high ceilings, red color schemes, large windows and dark wallpapers.
Think about using Victorian-style furniture with dark colors and patterns on it, such as black and white checkers or even classic macabre designs.
The Rustic
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Nature lovers are sure to appreciate this vintage design style. The rustic home décor brings the essence of being outdoors inside, by incorporating natural elements like wood and stone into the home.
This design style can be easily recognized by its use of organic patterns and mixed materials, such as wood paneling, stone walls and stone floors.
If you want to add a rustic touch to your interior design, consider using wallpapers with light shades of brown and green.
Alternatively, you can opt to go for florals in any color to help create the rustic look that's perfect for any room.
If you love this style, then you'll also love our guide on 12 Southwestern Décor Ideas We Love for Winter .
Industrial Chic
If you’re looking for a more earthy version of industrial interior design, then consider going for an industrial-chic vintage style.
The industrial style is created with lots of metal elements, creating a sleek and modern look. With this design, you can use a combination of wood and metal furniture, as long as they fit well together.
For the full industrial aesthetic, think about using metal blinds for your windows. Also, this avant-garde design can extend to your lighting fixtures. Add a touch of industrial chic to your lamps by using a metallic shade or stand.
Lastly, pay attention to how you create a space. Open rooms, like the kitchen and living room, are perfect for an industrial look.
The Shabby Chic
This interior design trend is characterized by over-worn pieces, typically in the form of furniture that has paint chipping off of them, or a slightly faded appearance. That being said, if you don’t mind having a little rustic or worn-down charm to your décor, then this would be a great one to try.
To recreate a shabby chic room, think about using vintage décor pieces that have a blasé appearance, such as distressed wood wall art, or even a chipped white pedestal.
You could also use textured wallpapers in a pale color to add a vintage look to your home décor. This will help create an old-fashioned appearance, while also adding a feminine touch to the space.
Retro
Retro interior design takes inspiration from the 1940s and 50s, particularly when it comes to furniture pieces and precise yet attention-grabbing color schemes.
If you love pink carpeting, then consider reviving this look in your home. You can also favor pairing wooden pieces with pink carpeting. This is a popular retro interior design trend.
To bring your walls into this particular era, try using creamy or pale pink wallpaper on your walls. Then, try adorning your walls with organic elements, such as flowers and plants, to finalize the look.
Victorian
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We all have a basic idea of what a Victorian interior design looks like, thanks to its many distinctive features.
It is characterized by embellished and delicate furniture pieces. You can use a lot of antique or vintage-inspired designs to recreate the Victorian look.
For your wall décor, think about using floral or ornate patterns in pastel colors to match this interior design style. Select soft shades of pinks, blues, purples and, of course, a signature Victorian-era red hue.
Last but certainly not least, embrace the Victorian look by using dainty furniture pieces and lots of lamps to create a cozy getaway.
Mid-Century Modern (The 50s)
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The 50s is a great time in which to draw inspiration if you’re looking for an exquisite vintage interior design style. The mid-century modern trend is a design movement that took place in the mid-20th century and is one of the most popular vintage designs currently, thanks to its timeless aesthetics.
The mid-century modern style is characterized by clean lines, less embellishment, and the use of lighter colors. It brings to mind images of the 50s, where everyone was quite fond of stylish living rooms and open floor plans.
If you want to bring this classic look into your home, think about using more geometric forms and shapes utilizing easy-to-use wallpapers. You can also favor simple color schemes like white, black or gray for your wall décor.
Bohemian
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The freedom and liberation of the Boho-chic look is one that everyone can appreciate. If you’re looking for a design style to make your home look more relaxed, then this would be one to try.
To recreate this vintage look, think about using organic and textured wallpapers, as well as murals to add a bohemian touch to your home décor. You could also use wicker or pastel furniture pieces that offer a laid-back appearance.
An eclectic mix of earthy tones, florals and uniquely distinct patterns bring la vie de Boheme to your décor.
Glamorous
Gold, silver and lots of bling are the primary attributes of glamorous vintage interior design with a formal touch.
To recreate this glamorous look, you’ll want to use more metallic elements and pieces that have a sleek appearance. Think about using metallic wallpapers, mirrored furniture and fashionable accessories to give an exquisite glamorous vibe.
6 Inspiring Vintage Home Décor Ideas
After choosing a vintage style that you love, it's time to make your home truly unique! Use these trendy types of décor to help create the perfect vintage style.
Turn Suitcases into Tables or Other Unique Décor Pieces
Repurposing is something that people should embrace. It is a great way to infuse your home décor with vintage items. Creatively repurposing suitcases as a plant stand, side table or storage space is a creative way to make your home look unique.
What should you do with all of those cool vintage suitcases you have lying around the house? Use them! Repurposing is all about reusing items to give them new life.
Use Wallpaper to Create Unique Wall Art
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Have a unique vintage style? Consider using wallpaper and wood paneling as a way to create art for your wall. Our collection of wallpaper features a wide range of styles and patterns. However, that doesn't mean that you can't create a masterpiece of your own.
Get samples of various wallpaper designs and create a unique mural that is tailored to your style.
Add Remarkable Art Pieces Into Your Décor
Adding unusual art pieces into your décor is a perfect way to create something that feels chic and truly original.
One splendid option for special art pieces is using floral patterned wall decals. You can place them anywhere in your room to help add a dash of vintage style to your space.
Wall murals are a great option because they can design an illusion of an accent wall, without having to paint one.
Blend Different Textures
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Combining a magnetic fusion of various textures and surfaces can add something memorable to your décor. Like the bohemian décor, you can add a touch of texture and charm to your space by using different materials.
A remarkable example of this is the use of a woven basket as a side table in a living room. This helps add a dash of texture to your space, which is perfect for those who want to create a diverse vibe in their home.
Mix and Match Different Vintage Styles
If you want to create something truly unparalleled, then try combining different vintage styles. You can be influenced by the rustic, bohemian and glamor styles to design something stunning.
For example, you can take inspiration for your room from the bohemian style by using pastel colors for your décor. How about taking some ideas from the glamor style by adding metallic details to create a truly one-of-a-kind room? You have a wide range of styles and interior designs to choose from, in order to orchestrate your unique blend of vintage styles and make your room truly outstanding!
Sparkle and Shine with Sconce Lighting
Have you ever thought about adding sconce lighting to your home? These are lights that are typically covered with crystals, which add a touch of glamor to your room. You can either add them into your décor, or you can place sconce lighting on the floor to create an original and sparkly lamp.
Spaces that don't have much natural lighting can even use sconce lighting as an alternative for overhead lighting.
Beautify Your Space with Vintage Home Décor Items
Giving your home a captivating vintage interior design will capture the attention of your friends and loved ones.
Whether you're an avid lover of vintage, or you've only recently discovered its beauty, being innovative and creative is a requisite when decorating your home in a vintage style.
The result is a room that looks truly one-of-a-kind and is ready to be shared with all of your friends and family.
You can start by using these trendy vintage style tips and tricks to give your room a fun, charming, and artistic vibe.
So what are you waiting for?
Shop our collection of wall décor to find your next taste of vintage inspiration.