Vintage style interior in modern housing

Vintage is a word we hear quite often today, but we don’t always fully understand its semantic meaning. This word owes its origin to the French. This is what they called the wine, which had lain for decades in cozy wine cellars, distinguished by its maturity and perfection of taste. When an unusual and very unpretentious direction appeared in the art of creating interiors, replete with old gizmos and a certain specific atmosphere, the designers considered that this word would become the best characteristic of the style. Although the interior in the vintage style reproduces the atmosphere in houses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there are no strict restrictions in decoration here . In such a room it is quite possible to find all the best that has been tested for ease of use over the centuries, as well as modern household items. So let's take a closer look at this magnificent style, especially since it is incredibly in demand today.

living room interior in vintage style

What is it like, vintage interior?

The room, decorated in vintage style, looks distinctly lived-in. It has a cozy and special nostalgic mood. There is always a lot of “seasoned” things here, each of which boasts its own history, and the neighbor to your grandmother’s chest of drawers may well be a home theater. Don't be surprised if there is an abundance of antiques in such an environment. They become a full-fledged ingredient of a mixed interior in vintage style. Staying in such a “shabby” and at the same time modernized atmosphere generates peace and tranquility. I just want to pick up a historical book, settle into a comfortable rocking chair, creaking with fasteners from the past, and, wrapped in a soft blanket, immerse myself in the serene reading of a fascinating novel.

Now it’s difficult to say who exactly came up with the idea to complement a modern modern interior with several elements reminiscent of bygone days, but the result was a very interesting decor that gained crazy popularity.

vintage interior style accessories

What is this vintage?

Initially, the word “vintage” came to us from the French language.
This is the name given to the wines or grape harvest of a particular year. An exquisite product with first-class taste and high cost. There are also vintage photographs. Old prints from film negatives that have artistic value.

In the broad sense of the word, vintage is household items, furniture and clothing made in the 20th century that are well preserved and functionally suitable in the modern world.

Antique dealers call vintage things whose age ranges from 25 to 50-60 years. Anything older is already an antique. But this is not the only criterion. For example, an unsightly chair made of cheap materials, even if it is 100 years old, is unlikely to interest collectors.

It is important that the item is well made and has artistic value. How to determine this? Expensive materials, high-quality assembly, aesthetic appearance. Handmade and limited edition are especially important. If this is furniture and not decorative items, then it should also be functional.

Now to the question “what do you associate with vintage in the interior?” people give mixed answers. Some recall patina-covered chandeliers of classic design, stucco moldings and candelabra, integrated into a modern home. And for some, retro from the 50s and 60s comes to mind: bright armchairs on thin wooden legs, geometric shapes and prints, a vinyl record player and “pot-bellied refrigerators.” A kind of functionalism with a pin-up touch.

Let's see which vintage you like best?

Vintage materials

When decorating an interior in vintage style, wood, ceramics, and forging must be used .
All materials used should have a patina, that is, be really antique or look the part. Such decor will never look harmonious and complete without seemingly very insignificant accessories, which can be ordinary dried flowers or seasonal bouquets. What's special about them, you ask? After all, the same elements can be found in country and ethnic style interiors. Yes, indeed, the decoration technique is common, but in our case it has one characteristic difference. The secret is in the very method of arranging bouquets. They need to be made contrasting, and play not on the color scheme, but on the sizes. Along with small flowers, large flowers are placed in one vase. Moreover, the bouquet should absolutely not look prim; on the contrary, it should be assembled with some carelessness so that it turns out slightly disheveled. Ready-made bouquets can be placed in both metal and crystal vases. Decorative items used to decorate vintage interiors should bear barely readable inscriptions. This is a characteristic sign of their ancient origin. You should look for such items at flea markets (where you can sometimes find unique items at a ridiculous price) or in special shops.

furniture in vintage style living room interior

Style Features

Vintage interiors have special differences, which together form this direction.

Antique details

Vintage furniture and other furnishings from the past always have an interesting history behind them, which they convey to the surrounding space. Perhaps this is why vintage interiors in houses seem more lively, cozy, and elegant, in contrast to the plastic fashion of the 2000s.

Natural materials

Since in pre-war times there was no artificial plastic or other analogues, the interiors were filled with real wood or wicker, forged metal, and natural textiles.

Aged items

Deliberate transformation of elements into a vintage style is not required, but shabby antique items are necessary. At the same time, a shabby look is given not by a new, but by an initially old object - often during restoration, functionality returns to furniture or decor, after which the artist adds a “patina of time” using paint and a brush.

Check out our selection of ideas for remaking Soviet furniture.

Interior in vintage style: nuances of creation

There are two ways to create an interior in a vintage spirit:

Using individual specific items;
Due to the basic design of the room.

In the first case, vintage elements and changing furniture will help change your home environment, but in the second case you will need to make a real renovation. But no matter what you choose, creating a vintage interior will be incredibly exciting, because you will have to redo every corner to saturate the room with its characteristic stylistic features. But you should start getting acquainted with vintage subtleties by recreating the general background.

So, the ceiling.

The antique style does not tolerate pronounced modernity, so the ceiling surfaces in an interior decorated in a vintage style often remain simply painted cream or pure white.

It is possible to decorate them with stucco molding. It is best if the paint on the ceiling is slightly cracked and appears in a fine “mesh”.

white ceiling with a three-stage plinth in a vintage interior

There will be no problems with the floor if it is laid with old parquet. The traces of long-term use clearly visible on it will only be beneficial in this case. The same applies to old ceramic tiles lying on this surface. In other cases, the coating will have to be replaced with artificially aged parquet or tiles, because no other, more modern materials can be used here.

But you shouldn’t rush into decorating the walls. Before you start decorating them, you should determine what exactly vintage style will set the tone for in your interior. If these are accessories, then it is better to make the walls in light pastel colors, and use only paint for this. However, if the vintage atmosphere is to appear without the use of patinated furniture, then the walls will have to be “dressed” with specific wallpaper. Options with delicate small floral prints, pastoral scenes or graceful butterflies are ideal. It is possible to use calm and thoughtful wallpaper in Chinese or Japanese style. In some cases, the desired atmosphere can be set with wallpaper with contrasting and large patterns. The choice of print should again depend on what you want to get in the end, and the understanding that in vintage style wallpaper is glued over the entire area of the walls, and not as an accent, and, therefore, you should be comfortable in the created environment.

pastel colors in vintage style bedroom interior design

What finishing materials are best to use?

To understand what a vintage interior should look like, just look carefully at the photographs of the rooms.

Ceiling

Standard white – whitewashed or painted. For decoration, stucco molding is used: cornices, rosettes, moldings, bas-reliefs.

Walls

For finishing, paint is used or wallpaper is glued. A monochromatic color scheme in light colors predominates. Often decorated with horizontal moldings at a level of 100-120 cm from the floor. Wallpaper is acceptable with a simple print - horizontal (stripes), floral.

Floor

Oddly enough, it is he who creates the vintage atmosphere. You're lucky if the apartment has old parquet - all you have to do is peel it off, re-coat it with a protective agent and you can use it. If imitation is required, look for tiles or laminate with signs of wear.

The photo shows a light ceiling finish and moldings on the walls

Filling the interior

Probably, only a vintage-style interior can look cozy and harmonious, despite the fact that its furnishings combine furniture from different eras.
Chests of drawers and ottomans from the time of the conquest of the Crimea get along well with wardrobes and new, barely noticeable patinated tables. Small bureaus, elaborate sideboards, chairs and other upholstered furniture, where textiles are combined with wooden inserts - all this gives the atmosphere an incredible flavor. Furniture should bear the imprint of history, so if any of the items you like and need frankly do not want to fit into the decor, you should work on it a little. Try to create light abrasions, change the handles or use the decoupage technique - in general, put a little of your soul into the item and it will certainly become an interior decoration. A boudoir table from a bygone era will fit perfectly into the interior of a vintage bedroom

How to artificially age objects

It is not uncommon to find an antique item in excellent condition. During her lifetime she got used to it a little, and then she lay in the attic for half a century. This is very good, but not quite suitable for vintage style. History is needed. That is, long-term traces of use and time.

it is also quite acceptable when the product was recently manufactured. There are many craftsmen who make furniture copying the style of a bygone era. In this case, in order for the object to match the vintage trend in the room, it has been aged.

Using special paint, a network of artificial cracks is created on the surface of the object. There are several ways to do this:

The object is painted using the dry brush technique. With this method, paint is applied only to uneven areas, and the relief is emphasized.
A coating (patina) is applied, simulating color changes over time.
A glaze is performed in which the lower colored layer shines through the translucent upper one.
From time to time a spray is applied to simulate the contamination of the item.
Vintage style works well for creating a crackle grid on a layer of paint using a special paint.
Paint the scratches using the shabby chic method.
Chemical etching of wooden objects is popular.
Wire brushes are used to highlight the soft layers of wood furniture pieces. This method is called purging.
Simulates the damage caused by carpenter beetles.

Subtleties of vintage decor

In a vintage setting, the main word remains not in the general background or even in the furniture, but in the small decor.
To complete a vintage-style interior, you simply need an abundance of knitted napkins and textiles, tablecloths and furniture covers, pillows and figurines.

Anything goes:

Antique dolls;
Copper teapots;
Old plates;
Worn books bound in woven covers;
Mirrors in massive ornate frames;
Porcelain trinkets;
Black and white photos.

vintage photographs as an element of vintage style decor

To feel the breath of time, you will need curtains with tiebacks and canopies over the beds. But with all this splendor, you still shouldn’t overdo it. A space overloaded with decor will not please the eye, but will tire you. Moreover, there will be a feeling of complete chaos.

Who is retro style intended for?

This style is definitely not a craze. It is very original, bohemian, crazy, it combines many colors, patterns and materials.

This often teeters on the border with kitschy style, but if you want to liven up your home with a retro look using interesting combinations and accessories, then don't limit yourself to your imagination.

Lighting Aspects

Lighting for a vintage interior should not be too bright and very warm. It's good if you make it multi-level. You can light the room with table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers imitating candelabra, or in general, candles in candlesticks. Lampshades, if any, should be made of fabric, and frames should be made of noble metal. Moreover, for ease of fitting into a vintage-style interior, it is better to initially patina these parts of the lighting fixtures: give bronze a greenish tint and elegantly darken copper. Faceted crystal pendants are used to decorate the designs of chandeliers and lamps. The light refracted and widely scattered in them will add a unique chic to the vintage atmosphere.

lighting in a vintage interior should be moderate

Why designs from the 50s, 60s and 70s are so interesting

The main reason is probably that it was the post-war period, which was characterized by euphoria, fresh ideas, the emergence of young designers and new artistic movements. Of course, all these innovations did not even make it through the interior design.

During these years, new materials, shapes and colors, as well as distinctive patterns, were used.

Typical retro style of the 50s and 60s

In this design direction, the distinctive features of the interior are:

rounded shapes of devices with chrome elements;
lamps of various shapes;
curtains and blinds instead of curtains;
glossy leatherette on square furniture;
combination of wood and chrome on furniture;
bold colors and geometric patterns on fabrics;
posters printed instead of classic paintings and much more.

Typical retro style of the 70s

The 70s trend is characterized by designs that combine symmetry, compactness and slim shapes:

small plastic furniture;
hanging chairs;
various side tables;
furniture made of white and colored laminate;
open shelves;
modular sofas, corner sofas and much more.

Vintage in specific rooms

Living room interior in vintage style

To bring a vintage feel to the living room, sometimes it is enough to purchase a picture in a gilded frame, an old console or a metal chandelier.
A fireplace will cope with this task perfectly, the shelf of which can be decorated with souvenirs characteristic of the style. It is better to lay out the fireplace itself from brick or decorative stone and decorate it with a forged grate. In this case, it will look truly elegant. A rocking chair is appropriate for a living room interior in a vintage style. As for upholstered furniture, in such decor it should not only be comfortable, but convey the luxury of the atmosphere of bygone times. It doesn’t matter whether it is made of light or dark wood, the main thing is that the tone of its upholstery is calm. Ideally, scratches and abrasions should be clearly visible on the furniture.

The general background solution for the living room is best done in pastel colors. In this way, you can subtly emphasize the romance of the setting and the beauty of the things filling it.

living room interior in vintage style

Bedroom interior in vintage style

The bedroom space accepts the most unusual ideas for implementing a vintage interior.
Traditionally, wall decoration should be light, but certainly warm. If wallpaper is used, then it can carry either a sophisticated and completely discreet pattern, or imitate bronze, gilding and reproduce areas of wear on the surface being finished. However, if you want the cosmetic decoration not to distract from the presence of antique furniture and unusual decorative accessories, then you can leave the walls in pure white. Since the main element of a vintage-style bedroom interior is the bed, it should be made from the appropriate angle. Forged beds with high openwork headboards or models with a canopy would be successful for such decor. To sew the latter, it is not necessary to use only heavy fabrics like velvet; it can be made from organza, lace, and tulle. Remember that heavy materials will bring pomp to the interior, and translucent options, on the contrary, will somewhat defuse the atmosphere, saturating it with notes of light romanticism.

bedroom furniture in vintage style

Kitchen interior in vintage style

Vintage style in the kitchen looks completely different.
Everything in this room should be rich and rich, so the walls, accessories, appliances, and the furniture itself can be colored here. Do not be surprised by the decoration of the walls with bright wallpaper with polka dots, stripes, flowers or checkered patterns, flashy curtains and tablecloths of cheerful colors. Appliances in appropriate design will help to highlight the colorful interior of a kitchen in vintage style. Naturally, it costs more than products in standard modern cases, but its streamlined shapes, rounded windows, unusual long handles and colorful finishes completely compensate for the price disadvantage.

furniture and accessories in the design of a vintage kitchen

Recommendations for selecting vintage furniture, appliances and plumbing fixtures

In order for the vintage inside the apartment to turn out authentic, you will need to avoid all flea markets, flea markets in the city, spend a lot of time searching for the necessary parts on secret sites and in groups of mentally similar people. But it's worth it!

Furniture

Correct and harmonious vintage style - the obligatory presence of real antique and retro furniture against the background of antique-style walls. Suitable for premises:

tall cabinets;
sideboards with slightly peeling paint and scratches;
forged furniture;
chest of drawers covered with patina;
low tables on copper structure and large wooden tables;
what else, carved shelves.

If the furniture is wooden, there may be traces of cracked paint and painted surfaces: cracks in the paint, scratches.

Important! Do not create a “garbage store” outside the room - everything should be in moderation, although you should not combine ultra-modern and antique furniture in the same room.

There should be harmony in everything: a wrought-iron bed covered with a lace bedspread will complement a wooden chest of drawers with a cracked front; spread a round “grandmother’s” knitted blanket on the floor. In the living room you can place a round table with a white tablecloth and a simple vase of flowers on it. A cuckoo clock on the wall and black and white photographs on the shelf complete the style.

Technique

Since the main modern technology arose after the mid-20th century, vintage items are not included in principle. So instead of going for a modern refrigerator or stove, make sure it's not too eye-catching.

Installation in the kitchen is appropriate; in the living room, the TV can also be hidden behind the doors, otherwise the plasma panel can destroy the entire perception of style.