Step Back in Time Every Night
There’s just something about vintage decor that makes us warm and fuzzy on the inside. Maybe it’s the fairy lights. Maybe it’s the retro accessories. Whatever it is, this classic aesthetic has captured hearts everywhere and we’re here to show you exactly how to bring that charm to your very own bedroom.
1. Florals, Florals, Florals
Nothing screams “vintage aesthetic” quite like florals. Whether it’s fresh flowers in an upcycled vase or floral prints on the bedspread, those buds bring out the best of this timeless style. Of course, you can also invest in everyday plants; any greenery knocks vintage looks out of the park.
2. Invest in New Bedding
Floral bedsheets have a classic charm—but they’re not the only way to achieve a vintage look. Quilts and patterned bedspreads bring a timeless ambiance without costing a fortune (unless you opt for an authentic quilt, of course).
3. Muted Paint Colors
Muted hues turn any bedroom into a comforting blast from the past. Consider classic colors like rose, lavender, or olive to provide that perfect vintage pop. If a fresh coat of paint isn’t in the cards, you can also invest in furniture of the same palette.
Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
4. Refresh Your Bed Frame
Antique styles call for something outside the box, and that includes your bed frame. Consider classic options like iron or wood frames with intricate carvings. The devil’s in the details and those changes make a bigger impact than you think.
5. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Everyday mirrors won’t cut it this time around—truly vintage options come with the right frame. Ornate wood or iron varieties catch everyone’s eye and serve as the focal point of your room, adding to the overall aesthetic.
6. Rescue Old Furniture
Go on, be a good Samaritan. Rescue that dresser from the side of the road. Upcycled pieces can find new life in vintage-themed rooms, especially if they come with imperfections. Those blemishes transform modern bedrooms into a warm embrace from history.
7. Adorable Baskets
Do you know what would make this day better? Wicker baskets! You can fill this adorable accessory with dried flowers, linens, or simple trinkets for an authentic rustic look. Though, why stop at baskets? Wicker bed tables and statement lighting also bring on the charm.
8. Hardwood Furniture
Hardwood isn’t always easy to come by, and it’s even harder on your wallet. Luckily, secondhand furniture stores and garage sales often have diamonds in the rough. Keep your eyes peeled for the right find! To score a piece of wooden furniture is to tie that vintage room together.
Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett on Unsplash
9. Mix and Match Pillows
A bedroom refresh doesn’t mean a lack of personality. Feel free to mix and match fabrics throughout your space. Bold colors and printed fabrics still have their place, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
10. Build That Gallery Wall
All vintage rooms need a knockout gallery wall. The best part about them is that they’re a great place to display your creativity. From ornate frames and floral artwork to wooden accessories and retro finds, your bedroom wall is begging for a new look.
11. Grab a Cute Rug
While we love hardwood accents, our floors look even better beneath a cute carpet. Rich patterns and matching colors complement any vintage aesthetic, regardless of size. Whether it’s large enough for your entire room or small enough for a vanity space, vintage carpets tie the whole room together.
12. Repurpose Old Furniture
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure—and that’s especially true for furniture. Don’t let a few scratches scare you away from an incredible armoire or dresser. Those are the exact pieces that give a vintage bedroom its character.
13. Look Into Classic Artwork
A woman in a field of wildflowers. Portraits of your favorite artist. However you choose to adorn your walls, classic artwork is a must-have. If you’re looking for a timeless option, landscape oil paintings make for another gorgeous alternative.
14. Trunks and Stools
Trunks and stools might seem lackluster on the surface, but that very simplicity suits vintage bedrooms. What’s great about these is that they don’t take up a lot of space either (or cost an arm and a leg).
15. Bust Out the Wallpaper
There’s no better place for wallpaper than vintage-themed rooms. Stripes, florals, and even polka dots make great accent walls among muted colors and wooden furniture. Our personal favorite is wallpaper of vintage city streets!
16. Retro Accessories are Your Best Friend
Vintage rooms thrive with retro accessories, so now’s the time to invest in historic pieces. Consider items like rotary phones, silver jewelry trays, typewriters, and antique clocks—they’re all deserving of a spot on your end table.
17. Statement Lighting
Statement lighting is the ultimate way to add a vintage flair. From antique lamps to intricate chandeliers, warmer lighting adds nothing but character. (Don’t be afraid to grab larger lamps as well!)
18. Cream-Colored Curtains
Though mix-and-match pillows work well together, it’s important to not disrupt the aesthetic too much. Cream curtains and wooden window treatments work best in vintage bedrooms, often blending in best with the other accents.
19. Visit Garage Sales
That furniture won’t find itself, so make time for garage sales. Estate sales and secondhand stores may also have exactly what you’re looking for. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like a great excuse to go thrifting!
20. Be a Bookworm
Books belong in any bedroom, but they’re especially important in vintage-themed ones. Visit local secondhand bookstores to find novels that perfectly match your aesthetic. You can also grab coffee table books for an eye-catching display.
