How to Decorate Your Home With Vintage Style

Faye loves to help her daughter decorate the rooms in her old farmhouse and to share what they have done with others.

Ideas for Vintage-Style Home Decor

Vintage decorating is fun and easy! In this article, you'll find ideas on how to decorate your home in a vintage style, including the living room, kitchen, bedroom, den, laundry room, and even your bathroom.

Whether you want to give a vintage feel to your entire home or just one room, it can be accomplished easily and inexpensively by shopping flea markets, yard sales, antique stores, and even your grandma's attic! Framed posters and tin signs are another money-saving option.

I helped my daughter decorate her bedroom in a vintage theme, and many of the concepts and photos shown here are from our experience. This will get you started, and you are sure to think of more ideas on your own. Let's take it room by room.

The Living Room

Looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your living room? Lace doilies, antique vases, and cabbage rose print fabrics are must-haves in your vintage living room.

If you have a fireplace, add vintage fire andirons, hand-wrought tools, bellows, and foot-long matches. If your home doesn't have a fireplace, you can purchase an electric fireplace to give the room that comfy, cozy feel. Combine the old with the new, by adding vintage framed photographs and antique glass vases to your fireplace mantle.

Decorating Tips for the Living Area

In the 1930s and 1940s, cabbage roses and calico prints were the going thing. You may not want to paper your living room in cabbage roses, but you could upholster a chair or just cover some throw pillows. My daughter had a slipcover made for her chair in cabbage rose fabric and the footstool in a coordinating floral. She used the extra fabric to make covers for throw pillows.

This chair is actually in a bedroom at my daughter's home, but the same idea would apply to a living room.

Popular Prints in the '30s and '40s

• Cabbage Roses
• Calico Prints

Living Room Accessories for Decorating

• Lace Doilies
• Hurricane Lamps
• Head Vases
• Knick-knacks
• Glass Vases and Bowls
• Tea Sets
• Vintage Fireplace Tools
• Vintage Framed Portraits or Photographs

Where to Shop for Vintage Items

It's easy to find vintage items. They are plentiful at consignment shops and antique stores. Also, flea markets and yard sales are good places to look for interesting finds. Check your local paper for upcoming yard sales.

If you have a Goodwill store in your area, they usually have an abundance of vintage items and low prices. Also, eBay also has lots of vintage items and collectibles. If you haven't already looked, check out your grandma's attic. You might find lots of hidden treasures there. Take your time and add to your collection as you find it.

Where to Find Vintage

• Consignment Shops
• Antique Stores
• Used Furniture Stores
• Flea Markets
• Yard Sales
• Goodwill Stores
• eBay
• Grandma's Attic

The Kitchen

Vintage aprons, mixers, enamelware, Fiesta-ware, canning jars, milk bottles, iron frying pans, salt & pepper shakers, mercury glass, and butter churns are just a few ideas for your kitchen.

1950s Retro Kitchen Table and Chairs

If you love the 1950s era, you'll want one of these chrome kitchen table and chairs. They are an icon of the '50s decor. My grandson has one of these in his apartment. He found the table from an ad in the paper but had trouble finding the chairs. Over the years, the chairs didn't last as long as the table, so you can usually find a table in almost every consignment or antique shop, but the chairs are very hard to locate. These sets were usually red, black, or yellow.

I finally found the chairs on Amazon. The chairs are new but have the look of the real thing. You can also purchase the table, but we didn't need that. The chairs are very sturdy and well made, and also available in black. We had to put them together, but it was no problem. They look great with the kitchen table.

Decorating Ideas for the Kitchen

A vintage kitchen is the most fun to decorate. You'll need to shop the antique stores and flea markets to get the real thing (or eBay), but you can also find many new items that will serve as well.

Look for any of these: blue speckled enamelware, fiesta ware, colored Depression glass (cranberry is a favorite), Bakelite, salt-glazed pottery, and mercury glass. Kitchens usually had blue or red and white enamel pots and canister sets. And, don't forget iron frying pans!

Also, look for vintage egg beaters, salt & pepper shakers, salt cellars, butter molds, tin breadboxes, colored canning jars, milk bottles, butter churns, vintage mixers, and antique cookbooks.

If you can find any, feed sacks were found in all kitchens with a variety of uses, including dishtowels, aprons, and clothing.

Use colored or clear canning jars for storing dried beans, etc., and add a lid cover made of calico or feed bag material and some ribbon.

Vintage Wall Decor

• Vintage tin signs
• Display a collection of vintage aprons, plates, or appliances

Accessories to Decorate Your Vintage Kitchen

Bringing Back Memories

Vintage is all about bringing back memories. My mom making biscuits at our Hoosier cabinet is one of my favorite childhood memories. What is your favorite memory?

Remember Hoosier Cabinets?

A free-standing cabinet, made in the 1900s to 1930s, was generally called Hoosier Cabinets. They were very handy and were found in many kitchens much longer than the 1930s. My mom used one in the 1950s when I was a child, and I had one myself in the 1970s.

If you have room in your kitchen, one of these cabinets would make an awesome vintage decoration. You can usually find one at an antique store or used furniture store at a reasonable price. It will probably need to be restored, but it will be beautiful when it's finished. If you enjoy restoring furniture, this would make a great project. You can still purchase a new Hoosier cabinet also.

More Vintage Kitchen Ideas

You will love the video below if you're looking for design ideas for your kitchen. Many of the suggestions I gave you above are carried out in the kitchens shown in this video. I loved seeing many of things I grew up using. And, remember the black and white tiled floors? Red, white, black, and turquoise were the colors of the 50s.

The Bedroom

When it comes to the bedroom, the options for incorporating vintage decor are limitless! Vintage linens, featherbeds, antique lamps, and women's hats are a few ideas for your bedroom.

Accessories Make the Difference

I love this vintage white dresser! My daughter found this dresser at a local used furniture store. It was in good condition and already painted white. She stuck a couple of vintage greeting cards that she found at an antique store in the edge of the mirror. Also, the cute straw hat, vintage lamps, dolls, and other accessories make for a beautifully decorated dresser. It's amazing how the small things can make a big difference in your room.

Use Your Linens for a Vintage Look

It's easy to transform your bedroom into vintage style with linens. A featherbed will make your bed look soft and fluffy, and will be so comfortable, too. An old fashion chenille bedspread and/or a quilt are perfect for keeping with the theme. If you can find a crocheted or knitted afghan, add it to the foot of the bed.

More Linen Ideas

• Featherbed
• Quilts
• Eiderdown comforters
• Chenille Bedspread
• Afghans
• Piled high pillows

These will put you well on your way to the vintage look. The shabby chic style would also be a great choice for your bedroom linens.

Other Bedroom Suggestions

• Doilies on the dresser and chest
• Bowl and pitcher
• Baby cradle with antique doll

Bedroom Walls

My daughter displayed several old framed portraits on her walls. She found this one in a consignment shop. These are easy to find and the portrait doesn't even have to be anyone you know. Just use it for the vintage look. Usually, the frames are beautiful and you could buy them for the frame alone and add your own portrait. Some people love to hang old wedding portraits on their walls. Vicky used her own wedding portrait in this room.

Also, the smaller framed vintage photos make great decorations. Again, it doesn't need to be anyone you know, but it would be even better to use a framed snapshot of your grandparents.

Ideas for Bedroom Wall Decor

• Framed Antique Portraits
• Antique Wedding Portraits
• Art Prints
• Tin Signs

The Den

The den is all about fun and family. Vintage toys and games, collectibles, and old tin signs are fun ideas for a den.

Vintage Den Decor

• Antique Toys
• Board Games
• Favorite Collectibles
• Coca Cola Collectibles
• Tin Signs

What is your passion? Here is the place to display your collectibles. If you are looking for vintage ideas, you're probably a collector of something! The variety is wide and you can include more than one theme. Display your collectibles in curio cabinets, on bookshelves, or on tables. The possibilities are endless. You can find these at flea markets, antique stores, yard sales, and eBay. And, don't forget your local Goodwill Store.

The Laundry Room

Don't forget the laundry room. Just because the room is mainly used for function, doesn't mean it should be boring!

Laundry Room Decorating Ideas

• Tin Washtub
• Tin Washboard
• Clothespin Bag
• Clothespins
• Wicker Laundry Basket
• Wooden Ironing Board (with calico or print cover)
• Tin Signs (with a laundry theme)

The video below shows some amazing ideas for decorating a vintage laundry room, using some of the ideas I mentioned above. I love the unique ideas for laundry tubs, scrub boards, clothespins, and wooden hangers. Who says a laundry room has to be dull?

The Bathroom

Vintage bathrooms are all about luxury. Give a vintage look to a bathroom without breaking the bank by adding a collection of mustache cups or shaving mugs.

Vintage Bathroom Design Ideas

• Claw Foot Tub
• Vintage Mirrors
• Mustache Cups
• Shaving Mugs (with brushes and a razor strop)

The video below includes a slideshow of different vintage bathrooms. One of my favorites features a wall of vintage mirrors. I love it! These will give you some amazing suggestions.

Collecting Memories

In this article, I've presented vintage decorating ideas for your home, including the living area, kitchen, bedroom, den, laundry room, and bathroom. Vintage usually includes cabbage roses and calico, along with a lot of "old stuff" (either authentic or copies) and collectibles of some type. I hope these ideas will help you. You are sure to have fun shopping and collecting items for your home. Once you get started, it's hard to stop!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Where is the best place to purchase a new Hoosier cabinet?

Answer: Hello, if you have any stores that specialize in wooden "homemade" furniture or Amish furniture, those might have one or may be able to order one for you. Also, check online. They do have them on Amazon, many with free shipping. https://amzn.to/2xymLT4

© 2009 Faye Rutledge

Comments

DebMartin on July 31, 2014:

I'm not too big on frills, but I love, love, love the vintage stuff. I've inherited a lot of vintage and try to use it as much as possible around my house. I'm especially in love with the colored depression glass.

VioletteRose LM on July 01, 2014:

I love vintage art and photos. The idea of decorating home with vintage theme sounds wonderful!

Mary Crowther from Havre de Grace on December 31, 2013:

So pretty, I love the look!

MarcellaCarlton on December 09, 2013:

Thanks for sharing some unique and thoughtful ideas on vintage decorating! I love them. Nice lens.

ShelbyLinMarie on November 29, 2013:

Thank you for the ideas! I adore the flea market/vintage style of decorating.

writerkath on June 05, 2013:

Oh, I am all over this style! I love, love, LOVE it! My house is totally cut out for it too, and you just gave me a couple of really good ideas here! :)

Ibidii on April 18, 2013:

My Mom still has a phone from the 80's that does not let you press one for option features. I have tried on all her phones and it does not work. I think it is a 2 wire instead of a four wire house! I love the coffee table with items inside. I saw some on take their Father's [WWI] uniform and decorations like purple heart, and the hat etc. It made a great display. I love the aprons on the wall. I featured my Grandmother's apron and potholders she made in the 50's and 60's. Awesome Lens! :D

Cynthia Haltom from Diamondhead on April 12, 2013:

Vintage dcor is my favorite. I like vintage kitchen dcor, tins, bowls and gadgets. I especially like the roller knife sharpeners.

anonymous on April 01, 2013:

I love decorating with vintage items, especially in my kitchen. I love to collect old aprons, milk glass and vintage cook books.

anonymous on March 23, 2013:

What a comfortable homey feel you have created with a vintage style that is ageless. I did a double take on that white dresser because I thought I was in Mom's bedroom. I remember the ladies wearing those aprons when I was growing up and got to thinking of Grandma, Helga, Einee and other ladies with old time names that always had a freshly ironed apron on. Sweetness! :)

JeffGilbert on March 12, 2013:

There's a lot of very nice ideas here. I loved the phones... :) Great lens!!

Frischy from Kentucky, USA on February 26, 2013:

I especially love the pretty bedroom!

Aunt-Mollie on January 31, 2013:

I love the Hoosier cabinet. I think it would be perfect in a breakfast nook.

mommycapri on December 04, 2012:

Those tin signs are adorable! Gives me so many new ideas for my own home. Thank you for sharing!

KayeSI on September 20, 2012:

What lovely ideas! I especially loved the cabbage rose goodies. And that bedroom trellis backboard! Too adorable. Thank you.

antoniow on September 04, 2012:

Fantastic lens, Squidlike!

bagelmanmarc on August 21, 2012:

Great idea for a lens and very nicely executed. Nice work.

Faye Rutledge (author) from Concord VA on August 18, 2012:

@anonymous: Thanks, I'm so glad you like this vintage look. :)

Faye Rutledge (author) from Concord VA on August 18, 2012:

@randomthings lm: Thanks, randomthings, for your visit and comment. Vintage decorating is so much fun! The hunt for unique items is the best part. This ideas are limitless.

randomthings lm on August 18, 2012:

Very cool ideas. I'm thinking of redecorating my living room...but needed some inspiration. This helps.

MrMojo01 on August 12, 2012:

Some good ideas here!!

Faye Rutledge (author) from Concord VA on July 21, 2012:

@anonymous: Thanks for your visit and comment. I'm glad these decorating ideas were helpful to you. :)

anonymous on July 21, 2012:

This is a wonderful lens with many great ideas. I especially appreciate the money saving tips. Thanks.

anonymous on July 12, 2012:

Vintage look bedroom has an air of sophistication, looks elegant and classy.

anonymous on July 12, 2012:

Vintage look bedroom has an air of sophistication, looks elegant and classy.

CherylsArt on July 02, 2012:

Lots of nice ideas for a vintage look. I made a lens on Scroll Wedding Invitations, another idea of vintage designs. Then the newlyweds can come here to choose their décor. : )

Faye Rutledge (author) from Concord VA on June 28, 2012:

@dellgirl: dellgirl, thanks so much for your visit and comment. I'm glad you liked these vintage decorating ideas.

dellgirl on June 28, 2012:

Thanks for sharing these gorgeous 'Ideas for Decorating Your Home in Vintage Style'. They are absolutely beautiful!

Faye Rutledge (author) from Concord VA on June 27, 2012:

@ClassyGals: ClassyGals, Thanks so much for your visit, comment, and blessing!!

glenbrook on May 07, 2012:

One way to give your den a vintage look is to replace your phone with a vintage rotary dial phone.

WhiteOak50 on May 03, 2012:

Just stopping by to let you know that I have featured this page on my new: Decorating with Irises lens.

anonymous on April 20, 2012:

Very lovely vintage decorating ideas!

flicker lm on April 18, 2012:

Love those vintage tin signs! Nice article.

jolou on March 15, 2012:

Another lovely lens. What a great idea to feature those aprons! Some people are very creative.

nursecraft on February 21, 2012:

I like the idea of decoating with a vintage theme! Nice lens!

julieannbrady on January 31, 2012:

I love decorating with a sort of vintage cottage chic look.

Delia on January 04, 2012:

Nice decorating ideas! I have a very eclectic decorating theme in our house, a bit Shabby Chic and Vintage, mostly European style.

MintySea on November 03, 2011:

very cool, vintage can be very green as well and save money

Kandy O on September 22, 2011:

I'm doing my kitchen in a vintage theme and this lens just made me more excited for it!

pangaloon on August 29, 2011:

I am so in love with vintage themed rooms. It is so easy to achieve on a small budget too. I often rummage through carboot sales to get bargains. Great lens too.

anonymous on August 10, 2011:

Love this Lens!

Christabel from UK on July 23, 2011:

Great info. Good to know. Thx

anonymous on July 22, 2011:

very interesting lens. thanks for sharing.

anonymous on July 18, 2011:

I love this lens. We bought a cottage in 2 acres of woods last year and are still decorating it. Thank you for the ideas! Bookmarked.

robinrags on July 09, 2011:

Very nice idea for a lens

Virginia Allain from Central Florida on July 05, 2011:

I would feel quite comfy in a nostalgic room like these, but my husband just thinks "clutter." Still I manage to sneak in some vintage touches.

theonlineanswer on July 01, 2011:

Great resource for vintage décor.

Pam Irie from Land of Aloha on June 28, 2011:

A little bit of vintage is great mixed in with newer décor. One of my friends used a few old vintage aprons as a valance in her kitchen.

phoenix arizona f on June 27, 2011:

Vintage isn't my thing, but these things were pretty cool.

LiquidGranite1 on June 27, 2011:

I like the "old" decorating idea in kitchen. It's like a personal touch.

pacevedo1968 on May 26, 2011:

Grate ideas and info

bmarinacci on May 03, 2011:

We bought a vintage home 4 years ago and are having great fun coming up with "new" old decorating ideas. Your site is full of ideas. I put together vintage pictures on old dictionary pages and am always looking for ideas. I'll scour your pages to learn what the trend is. Thanks for bringing in so many ideas.

bames24 lm on May 02, 2011:

great designs...^_^

KonaGirl from New York on April 01, 2011:

I love vintage. Many of my cooking tools are now considered vintage and many of them came from my mother who is 90 years old, so I guess they are considered antiques now. Occasionally one will break (they don't last forever, but 60 sometimes plus years is a pretty darn good run for the money. So many of these old kitchen tools work so much better than modern ones that I scour garage sales, consignment shops, etc. looking for replacements if I have lost one to old age. Nice lens - it's right up my alley.

Francis Luxford from United Kingdom on March 22, 2011:

Love vintage art and design! Great lens.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on November 03, 2010:

I love anything vintage. I thought I had that as my theme in my old home. Just love them but had to let them go.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on November 03, 2010:

I love anything vintage. I thought I had that as my theme in my old home. Just love them but had to let them go.

anonymous on October 28, 2010:

Vintage collections do make a room or home more relaxing with a look of peaceful retreat. Great tips especially on the kitchen for those who cherish vintage décor.

anonymous on October 09, 2010:

I grew up in the 60's and 70's but my surroundings were more 30's to 50's and now in the modern millennium I miss my childhood memories. Your lens is fabulous, it gave me such a warm feeling.

desilegend on September 26, 2010:

Thanks for stopping by. Loved the lens and congrats on getting so many trophies.

Mickie Gee on August 05, 2010:

I love the aprons on the wall!Blessed today by this Squid Angel.

Obscure_Treasures on July 31, 2010:

I found lots of useful information, great lens, Thanks!

anonymous on July 17, 2010:

I am fascinated by vintage things. They are so interesting and always tell a story!

norma-holt on April 22, 2010:

It never stops fascinating me how many people love the old and are able to replace modern things with antiques. Great lens. Blessed and featured on Sprinkled with Stardust

anonymous on September 21, 2009:

I have lensrolled you on my Rosie the Riveter lens! Great job :)

anonymous on August 11, 2009:

Great lens. I've found ir really interesting.By the way, I've just found this blog on similar topic, it's about antique glass bottles It seems pretty good.

anonymous on April 29, 2009:

Very cool ideas! I've lensrolled you to my Vintage Magazine Ads and my Decorating 1950s Living room lens.