If you love the charm and character of old-fashioned furniture and decor, you might be interested in creating a vintage aesthetic in your home. But what exactly does vintage mean, and how can you find and style vintage pieces that suit your taste? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and more, with tips from experts who specialize in vintage design.
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What Makes a Piece Vintage?
Vintage is a term that refers to furniture that is at least 20 years old, but not more than 100 years old (otherwise it would be considered antique). Vintage furniture reflects the style and trends of a specific time period, such as the mid-century modern era or the Art Deco era. Vintage furniture can add personality, history, and uniqueness to your home, as well as being often well-made and durable.
Where to Find Vintage Pieces
There are many places where you can hunt for vintage treasures, both online and offline. Some of the best sources include:
- Vintage stores: These are shops that specialize in selling vintage furniture and decor, often curated by style or theme. You can find vintage stores in your local area or online.
- Thrift stores: These are shops that sell donated items at low prices, often benefiting a charity or cause. You can find a variety of vintage pieces at thrift stores, but you may have to dig through a lot of junk to find them.
- Auctions: These are events where items are sold to the highest bidder, either in person or online. You can find some rare and valuable vintage pieces at auctions, but you may also have to compete with other buyers and pay a premium price.
- Estate sales: These are sales where the belongings of a deceased person or a person who is moving are sold, usually at their home. You can find some great deals on vintage pieces at estate sales, as well as getting a glimpse into the previous owner’s life and style.
- Consignment stores: These are shops that sell items on behalf of their owners, who get a percentage of the sale price. You can find some high-quality vintage pieces at consignment stores, but they may also be more expensive than other sources.
- Instagram sellers: These are individuals who sell vintage items through their Instagram accounts, often posting photos and stories of their finds. You can follow and buy from Instagram sellers who share your aesthetic and taste.
The key to finding vintage pieces is to be patient, persistent, and open-minded. You may not find what you’re looking for right away, but if you keep looking and exploring different sources, you’ll eventually discover some amazing vintage gems.
How to Decorate with Vintage Pieces
Once you have some vintage pieces in your possession, how do you incorporate them into your home? Here are some tips from experts on how to decorate with vintage pieces:
- Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix vintage pieces from different eras and styles, as long as they have some common elements that tie them together, such as color, shape, or material. Mixing and matching can create a more eclectic and interesting look than sticking to one style or period.
- Add contrast: One way to make your vintage pieces stand out is to contrast them with modern elements, such as sleek furniture, minimalist accessories, or bright colors. This can create a balance between old and new, as well as highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of your vintage pieces.
- Embrace imperfections: Vintage pieces are not meant to look perfect; they have signs of wear and tear that show their age and history. Instead of trying to hide or fix these imperfections, embrace them as part of the charm and character of your vintage pieces. They can add texture, warmth, and personality to your home.
- Have fun: The most important thing about decorating with vintage pieces is to have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations, arrangements, and placements of your vintage pieces. Let your personality and passion shine through your vintage decor.
Examples of Vintage Aesthetic in Different Styles
To give you some inspiration and ideas on how to create a vintage aesthetic in your home, here are some examples of how different styles can incorporate vintage pieces:
- Boho: Boho style is all about creating a cozy, eclectic, and colorful space that reflects your personality and travels. You can use vintage pieces such as rugs, pillows, baskets, lamps, and art to add texture, pattern, and warmth to your boho space. Look for vintage pieces that have a global or ethnic flair, such as Moroccan poufs, Turkish kilims, or Indian textiles.
- Grandmillennial: Grandmillennial style is a modern twist on traditional and classic decor, with a touch of nostalgia and whimsy. You can use vintage pieces such as china, silverware, linens, mirrors, and frames to add elegance, charm, and detail to your grandmillennial space. Look for vintage pieces that have a floral or botanical motif, such as chintz, toile, or needlepoint.
- Shabby chic: Shabby chic style is a romantic and feminine style that embraces the beauty of imperfection. You can use vintage pieces such as furniture, curtains, bedding, and accessories to add softness, lightness, and sweetness to your shabby chic space. Look for vintage pieces that have a distressed or faded look, such as painted wood, lace, or iron.
