The most interesting spaces are those that incorporate the unexpected. These are the objects or pieces that look as though they shouldn’t belong and yet they have the opposite effect. They look perfectly at home and even bring new life to a space. And for those who love to decorate with vintage pieces you’ll know that this is often achieved with just a small, simple addition because vintage items can make a big impact.
In design one of the best ways to create visual interest is through the use of tension. This refers to the use of contrasting elements that create visual interest. One of the ways designers add tension to their designs is by using pieces from different design styles or periods. A contemporary space with an oil painting in a heavily gilded frame or a traditional home with a more modern looking light fixture are both examples of tension.
My favourite way to incorporate tension is through vintage items. I love to see pieces that have wear, patina and visual interest incorporated into a perfectly designed home. Sometimes the vintage piece adds texture and sometimes it’s about the story of the piece. Regardless of whether it’s a show stopper in the room or just taking a back seat on a shelf, vintage items always have a place and will always add something visually interesting to your home. If you want to know the most common decorating mistakes, read this post.
What Qualifies as Vintage?
The words antique and vintage are often used interchangeably but do they mean the same thing? Not at all. In fact in order to be considered antique an item must be more than 100 years old. Pieces are considered vintage once they hit 20 years old.
For many of us we don’t have to stretch our minds to remember 20 years ago and if you haven’t moved in a long time you may have vintage items lying around your own home. The secret is in knowing which pieces have stood the test of time and which are better left alone.
What Makes a Good Vintage Piece?
I always look for pieces that have either an interesting shape, interesting texture or interesting patina. Vintage bowls for example often have a glaze that immediately identifies its time period. There is something more rustic about the shape of vintage bowls and often they have an interesting base or are footed.
What you want is a piece that tells a story even if you’ll never really know the history or story of the piece. You want it to be different and unique because these are pieces that were made before we shopped at big box stores. There’s a good chance you’ll never see another basket, lamp or napkin exactly the same as the one you’re purchasing. That’s what makes vintage pieces so intriguing. They have a history that’s far more unique than that of the pieces we purchase today.
10 Vintage Items That Will Always Look Great in Your Home
Here are the items that I look for when I’m searching for a unique piece for a client or for myself. Some of these you may already own and that makes it even more special but never hesitate to go shopping for vintage items to add interest to your space.
1/ Vintage Books
This is one of the most accessible items because they’re so readily available at thrift stores, vintage shops and maybe even in the attic of your grandma. Vintage books have such interesting spines and they always add some visual interest to a book shelf.
There are plenty of ways to display vintage books. If you want to make a bigger impact try filling a bookcase with a variety of books in different shapes and sizes. If you prefer just a touch of vintage styling, follow the homeowner in this image above and add a couple of realy special books on a table as a centrepiece.
2/ Vintage Bowls
Bowls are a designer’s favourite when it comes to decorating any room in your home. From table tops to book shelves to kitchen counters, bowls are necessary and useful but also visually interesting. Vintage bowls add something extra because they often have interesting shapes.
3/ Vintage Baskets
This is another tried and true technique for filling a corner or corralling items that we don’t want to display. Baskets including new ones are an essential ingredient of a great room but vintage baskets add even more interest.
4/ Vintage Art
I love to see a small piece of vintage artwork make its way into a vignette. Whether it’s just the art that’s been reframed or vintage art in a vintage frame there’s something that will draw your eye to a piece of art from another time. Often they’re unfussy and simple but they always add something extra.
5/ Kitchen Utensils
I love a wooden board displayed against the backsplash of a kitchen and added points if it’s vintage. There’s something about the patina of an old wooden piece that just draws us in. But if you’re looking for something unique don’t just stop at cutting boards and bread boards.
Consider wooden spoons as well as unique utensils. Some of the utensils our grandmothers used in their kitchens don’t exist either in function or shape so they can be a great conversation piece in your kitchen.
6/ Vintage Trays
Whether it’s for practical purposes or just to use as a display tool, vintage trays add such warmth and interest to any room. Vintage metal trays are a dime a dozen at thrift stores but add so much colour and pattern to a vignette. If you struggle with decorating your kitchen or dining room consider using vintage trays. These are also handy when entertaining and can add a splash of interest to the food and drinks you’re serving. Learn more about decorating for entertaining in this post.
7/ Vintage Copper
Nothing adds more warmth to a space than the patina of vintage copper. Whether you love a collection of pots or a decorative copper watering can just a single piece can brighten up a dark corner or add some charm to a display shelf. And it’s a fun collection that you can continue to add to over years.
8/ Vintage Textiles
From embroidered napkins to quilted bedspreads and everything in between, textiles are a great way to add an unexpected layer to your room. If you have pieces that have been passed down through generations you’re extremely lucky. If not, don’t despair because thrift stores and vintage shops are usually filled with miscellaneous textiles.
9/ Vintage Brass
Just like any finish, brass goes in and out of style but you’ll always find brass in thrift stores. Your mind may go straight to lamps and light fixtures but brass was a popular material to make decor items from and it’s a great way to start a vintage collection.
10/ Vintage Trophies
Whenever I see a vintage trophy I’m immediately taken back in time to track and field meets and warm summer nights. Maybe it’s the movies I was raised on but they feel so nostalgic. These are more than just sweet memories though and are beautiful and useful. A single trophy can be used to store utensils in a kitchen, makeup brushes in a bathroom or even as a vase for seasonal clippings. Once you’ve collected a few they become an eye catching collection that will always act as a conversation starter.
What are your favourite vintage items to decorate with? I hope this helps get your creative juices flowing and maybe you’ll even hit up a vintage market this weekend. If you need help adding personality to your own space, contact me. I’d love to discuss how I can help make your home feel uniquely yours.
