You have heard it said before. “Everything old is new again,” and that certainly holds true when it comes to decorating your home. Maybe it is because people are trying to be more “green” or maybe it has to do with the fact that boomers are aging and are learning to appreciate older things. But no matter the cause, vintage is back in a big way. What exactly is vintage decorating?
What is vintage?
Vintage is defined as “representing the high quality of a past time.” Believe it or not, vintage now includes items from the sixties and seventies along with antiques from earlier periods. Think “Mad Men.” It may be an old table lamp from the 1960’s that you found in your parent’s basement or it might be a stereo cabinet that can be repurposed into a TV credenza. Pieces that represent a specific era such as Danish modern furniture from the 50’s or even a classic Craftsman piece from the 40’s are considered vintage (although these might fall into the antique category as well). No need to refinish or polish up these items. Worn finishes and aged metal are all sought after elements of vintage design.
How do I decorate with vintage pieces?
There are many ways to introduce vintage pieces into your décor.
- Add just a touch of vintage through the use of accessories. Paint by number artwork (remember those?), ceramic ashtrays, colorful blown glass decanters, cocktail shakers, rotary dial telephones, macrame and other items from earlier times will add a vintage look to your rooms.
- Furniture items such as cigarette or drink tables, chrome furniture, large or unusual lamps or your grandmother’s velvet tufted sofa will all add a sense of history.
- Family heirlooms will certainly personalize your space and add that vintage look you are longing for. You can proudly display your mother’s wedding china or recover and enjoy your Dad’s favorite recliner. Those hand-me-downs you resisted in the past are finally in style.
- Look for vintage fabrics and use them to create one-of-a-kind window treatments. Make drapery panels or add a hem or edge to your existing draperies. Toss some throw pillows made out of these fabrics on the sofa or recover your breakfast room seat cushions for an instant vintage look.
As with any themed decorating, a little goes a long way. Mix these items with modern items to round out the look. Choose your vintage pieces carefully and you will enjoy the warmth and sense of history they bring to your home.