With design trends heading towards organic textures, floral prints and DIY projects, vintage appeal is making an overall huge comeback (and we love it!).

For an item to truly be considered “vintage”, it needs to be between 30-100 years old. Any older than that, and it would be considered an antique. But regardless of what you call it, features from both time periods will add a touch of nostalgia and charm to any room. And both work well in our (favorite) world made of shabby chic dreams.

We’ve narrowed it down to the basics for beginners - walls, lighting, linens, furniture and texture.

• WALLS – Our favourite vintage wall features are frames, but plate ware and other wall art (such as posters) work as well. You can hang these items strategically creating a quality that is reminiscent of a different era, while still staying on point with current trends. The best part? It doesn’t even matter if the frames are brand new and not really vintage (shh, we won’t tell if you don’t). Search thrift stores for an old items at great prices that you up-cycle, and mix and match shapes and styles for variety and space detail.

(meganbrookhandmadeblog.com)

 

• LIGHTING – You want to create an ambience that is subtle, warm and comfortable. Chandeliers (regardless of the era) add the perfect charming flair and look vintage by nature. Whether it’s an antique style with draped detail, or a vintage lampshade wall sconce, lighting is how you can highlight the focal points of the space. If you want to highlight the wall, then hunt for items like wall sconces. And you can reuse your old stuff. Check out garage sales and be creative.

 

 

• LINENS - Ruffled linen table runners and ruffled linen tablecloths should be some of your go-to choices for tabletop romance and rustic attraction. These items are timeless and built to last, making them a highly practical choice – not just a gorgeous one. They’re easy, they’re simple and they scream shabby chic. The table is often the centrepiece of a room, and it offers various ways to incorporate linens. The organic texture of linen not only lends itself well to creating vintage charm, such as choosing ruffled linen cutlery holders and towels for the dining room or kitchen. And items like ruffled linen pillows, throws and chair covers can be used in other living spaces.

 

• FURNITURE – furniture is usually the largest item in a room, which makes it easy to have them serve as your starting point. You can build a truly unique space with your furniture choices, and there are tons of fun ways to reuse old pieces. You can experiment and mix and match seating, and you can even do it yourself. Throw a coat of chalky finish paint on seating or benches, and use ruffled linen seat covers for added comfort. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a bold vintage statement.

(pinterest.com)

• TEXTURE– Beyond linens there are items like curtains, rugs, collectables, trinkets and our favourite – flowers, which can be used to incorporate new textures and quality to any space. Lace curtains offer better use of natural light, and the usual go-to for flooring is hardwood (but we love a shag rug any day!). Don’t hesitate to re-purpose vintage items in order to make them functional in your home. Try turning an old pitcher into a flower vase, an old telephone into a bookend, or even a serving tray into a sign or wall art. And never forget to use flowers! Fresh or faux, they add a touch of nature, color and romance.

(ShabbyChicGuru)

Vintage interior design does not have to cost you a pretty penny. And it’s a great way to use what you already have to redecorate your home. Choosing vintage items can also help create a living space that truly reflects your style and personality. Let the family (or roommates) help, incorporate family heirlooms and your favorite memories – and voila! You’ve got a room full of vintage charm and a whole lotta’ love.