For many of us, our grandparents’ homes conjure dated rooms filled with chintzy textiles, highly varnished dark wood furniture, deep-pile carpets, ornate crystalware, and dusty china. Over the decades, as interiors have grown more streamlined, efficient and clutter-free, many of these more decorative items fell out of fashion; however, today they’re proving a source of inspiration for interior designers.
While there are many elements of vintage decor that we’d happily banish, increasingly, designers are seeking out vintage and retro pieces for their character, craftsmanship and nostalgic appeal. Whether passed down from family or carefully sourced, vintage and Mid-century pieces are being embraced by designers and artfully curated alongside modern finds as part of layered interiors full of personality.
But what are the vintage pieces that our grandparents once decorated with that designers now love, and why are they making a comeback? We reached out to the experts to get their insights on the key vintage items they look for and why they love to decorate with them.
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This dining room was designed by Allison Babcock; the vintage cane chairs mix with modern pieces.
(Image credit: Interior by Allison Babcock, photograph Kris Tamburello)
‘For a while, I think people became very focused on everything feeling new, clean and perfectly coordinated. There was a tendency to remove anything that felt too traditional or inherited in favor of a much more streamlined aesthetic. Now, we are seeing a real appreciation for craftsmanship, natural materials and things that have a story,’ explains interior designer Alison Babcock.
‘I love the warmth and soul that a vintage piece brings to a room. You simply cannot replicate the patina of an old wood table, the character of a handmade ceramic, or the individuality of something that has been used and loved for decades. Those elements keep a beautifully designed room from feeling too perfect.’
1. Chintz
This traditional bedroom features a vintage-style bed canopy in chintz and floral fabric.
(Image credit: Katie Davis Design, photograph Nathan Schroder)
Chintz fell out of fashion for many years, giving way to minimalist, streamlined interiors, but now the tables are turning, and chintz is back in a big way. Conjuring English country romance, designers are falling in love with these prints again, using them in fresh, contemporary ways.
‘I’ve always loved chintz because it has so much personality. It can feel very nostalgic, but when you use it in a more edited way (mixed with stripes, checks, or something cleaner and more tailored), it feels fresh again,’ explains Katie Davis, founder of Katie Davis Design. ‘I also love that it instantly makes a room feel a little more collected.’
Landon McAfee‘s sunroom was designed around a vintage chintz sofa.
(Image credit: Landon McAfee)
Featuring an array of different tones, these floriferous designs make great hero prints and offer plenty of inspiration for room color schemes. There are plenty of vintage fabrics around if you look in the right places, but they can sometimes be damaged and in poor condition, so opting for a contemporary chintz inspired by vintage designs is often the way to go, and fortunately there are plenty of designs available.
Chintz champion and interiors influencer Landon McAfee inherited his grandma’s chintz sofa and loved it so much that he built his living room scheme around the print. ‘Lots of things in my home once belonged to my grandmother – quilts, glassware, and even furniture. My sofa in my sunroom was my grandmother’s.’
Anthropologie
Lorelei Accent Chair
Perfect for brightening up the corner of a bedroom or living room, this chintzy chair features a retro chintz pattern but also comes in two other fabrics. We love the skirted detail, which gives it an extra dose of grandma-core.
Greenrow
Winnie English Slipcovered Sofa
Give your living room a fabulous floral centerpiece with this statement Winnie sofa from Greenrow. This Lilac-covered design is just one of several exuberant chintz-inspired cover options.
Sanderson x Williams Sonoma
Hykenham Pillow Cover
For a gentle way to channel chintz, try adding a few statement pillows. For a touch of English country charm, these designs from Williams Sonoma x Sanderson are perfect.
2. Patchwork Quilts
A beautiful guest room at The Six Bells Inn features layers of pattern, including a patchwork quilt.
(Image credit: The Six Bells, photography by Kate S. Jordan)
Beautiful examples of time-honored American craftsmanship, patchwork quilts have been bringing color, pattern, and softness into interiors for centuries. Once a common sight in our grandparents’ homes, these heirloom pieces are cropping up more and more in today’s interior schemes.
To bring these quilts up to date, designers are tapping into vintage folk art traditions and layering these pieces with contemporary design, creating collected interiors and a lived-in feel that doesn’t feel dated. For an authentic look, there are plenty of vintage designs available on Etsy; alternatively, go for a more contemporary take with quilts in modern colorways and fabrics.
Landon McAfee’s has an impressive patchwork quilt collection.
(Image credit: Landon McAfee @landontroymcafee)
‘What I love about patchwork quilts is that they take such time and dedication; I like to say I’m “adopting them”. Something that takes so long to create should be cherished,’ says Landon. ‘I have inherited a few from grandparents and great-grandparents; others I have found while antiquing, or they have been given as gifts.’
‘I drape many of mine over neutral sofas or plain bedding to add color and pattern,’ adds Landon. ‘If you’ve just built a home, or you’re looking to bring in some vintage textiles, a quilt is the perfect fix. The mix of a new sofa and old quilt creates a functional yet well-lived-in look.’
Williams Sonoma x Josh Young
Josh Young vintage quilt
With its simple two-tone coloring, this patchwork quilt has a contemporary feel. The quilt is designed in collaboration with artist and designer Josh Young and is inspired by early American quilts.
John Derian x Jerry Giardelli
Jerry Giardelli handmade quilt
This stunning floral patchwork quilt is a unique piece created by Jerry Giardelli for the John Derian store. Based in Provincetown, Massachusetts, many of Jerry Giardelli’s pieces are crafted from vintage materials from his personal collection.
Target
Americana Heartland Quilt
Taking inspiration from classic American folk designs, this patchwork quilt is a great, affordable option. It comes with two standard pillow shams and is available in three sizes.
3. Vintage Blue and White China
In this timeless sitting room, a collection of vintage blue and white plates is displayed as wall art.
(Image credit: Katie Davis Design, photograph nathan Schroder)
There was a time when the ornate, hand-decorated family china would be proudly displayed in a cabinet or dresser and brought out for special family occasions. However, over the decades, mass-produced, basic dinnerware superseded these beautiful handcrafted pieces and, rather than being showcased, china has been banished to the cupboards to achieve clutter-free interiors.
Today, decorative china is very much back in vogue and makes a wonderful way to add personality to the table or create eye-catching decorative wall art. English-style blue and white pieces are becoming particularly sought after, with many home brands creating pretty look-alike ranges.
‘Blue-and-white china is one of those things that never really went away for me. It adds history and character so easily, and I love using it in a way that feels a little unexpected; grouped on a wall, mixed with more casual pieces, or layered into a room that isn’t overly traditional,’ explains Katie Davis. ‘It brings in that sense of something collected over time, which always makes a space feel more personal.’
Kristina Khersonsky, founder of Studio Keeta, is another fan of a grouped china display. ‘Wall plates are one of those decorating details I’ve always loved. They remind me of the way our (European) grandparents decorated; beautiful plates were not necessarily tucked away in a cabinet because they were likely a gift or a coveted expensive item in the house.’
Williams Sonoma
English Floral Tea Set
Inspired by classic English teaware, this set is perfect for adding nostalgic charm to afternoon tea and includes a teapot, four teacups and four saucers.
Burleigh China
Calico plates
Originally produced by British brand Burleigh in 1968, these classic blue and white Calico plates are great for the table or for displaying as part of a gallery wall.
Spode
Spode Italian Flowers Vase
Blue and white china never goes out of style. Made by heritage ceramics brand Spode, this pretty vase will bring classic charm to a dining table or an entryway console table
4. Retro Barware
The Marlene hotel adds a vintage touch to its bar with an antique drinks trolley.
(Image credit: The Marlene Hotel)
Home bars emerged in the 1920s and 30s, in part as a backlash against Prohibition, but they became particularly sought after in the 1950s and 1960s, and for many, they bring back nostalgic memories of family parties. Today, as entertaining from home becomes ever more popular, many of us are factoring in home bar ideas into our living and dining spaces, be it a luxury bespoke design fitted into cabinetry or a simple vintage bar cart. When it comes to kitting them out for clients, many designers are leaning into retro barware, sourcing Mid-century ice buckets and cocktail shakers to delicate vintage coupe glasses and everything you need for that classic Mai Tai or Grasshopper.
‘Crystal coupes, decanters, and barware are often hiding in dining room cabinets waiting to be rediscovered. Hand-cut crystal or pieces from makers like Baccarat, Waterford, Heisey, or Saint Louis can carry both sentimental and market value,’ says Cait Barker, co-founder of online vintage store By Bessette. ‘We’re seeing renewed interest as people entertain more thoughtfully and look for special pieces that elevate everyday rituals.’
A vintage-style brass bar cart was the perfect addition to this jewel box home bar.
(Image credit: Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, photograph Boz Gagovski)
‘A well-stocked bar cart is invaluable when entertaining, as it not only cuts the formality but also allows guests to feel free to help themselves to their own drinks. This is especially helpful in a small home when you may not have the space to prepare drinks and cook at the same time without falling over yourself,’ explains Lucy Mayers, senior interior designer at Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler. For her own home, Lucy chose a vintage Joseph Frank cart in brass, which shines against blue walls. For similar designs, try Vinterior.
1st Dibs
French Mid-century Bar Cart
Add a touch of nostalgia to entertaining with a vintage home bar. Dating to 1960, this Mid-century French bar cart features a brass frame with stylized Louis XVI, Neoclassical motifs.
McGee & Co.
Tortoise Glass Ice Bucket
With a retro feel, this tortoiseshell ice bucket is perfect for adding a decorative touch to your home bar. Made from durable glass, there are also matching double Old Fashioned glasses available.
Williams Sonoma
Vintage Etched Coupe Glasses
Elevate entertaining with these elegant coupe glasses featuring stylized etched detailing. Inspired by vintage designs, they’re perfect for champagne and sparkling wine.
5. Rattan Furniture and Accessories
This dressing room, designed by Allison Babcock, features a vintage-inspired wicker dressing table, adding texture and charm.
(Image credit: Allison Babcock Interiors, photograph Kris Tamburello)
From dining chairs and side tables to mirror frames and retro magazine racks, furniture and accessories made from rattan and cane have been on the rise for a few years now and show no sign of abating. ‘I’m always drawn to pieces that bring character and history into a room, and a beautifully made rattan piece can do exactly that,’ explains Allison Babcock.
‘People sometimes have the misconception that rattan is seasonal or dated, but I think there’s a reason we continue to see it even as styles and design preferences change. It really is a classic material, and it’s incredibly durable. Good rattan doesn’t feel trendy – it has an ease and timelessness that allows it to live comfortably alongside both vintage and contemporary furnishings.’
There are many reasons why designers love rattan decorating ideas. Not only do they blend with a wide array of design styles, but they are also highly practical; being lightweight, they are easy to move around the home, plus their airy structure prevents spaces from feeling too heavy and cluttered, unlike more robust pieces of furniture.
‘Rattan has the ability to work alongside so many different styles. I particularly love it with chinoiserie and patterned wallpaper because it adds a beautiful textural layer without overpowering the room. Used in moderation, it gives an interior warmth and a sense of being collected over time,’ adds Allison.
Serena Lily
South Seas Rattan Side Cart
Set on four casters making it easy to move, this practical yet stylish piece is perfect for storage in a bedroom or kitchen, but would also make a fabulous bar cart kitted out with vintage barware
Anthropologie
Wave Rattan Mirror
With it’s woven textile and wavy design this mirror is as decorative as it is practical. Use it to bring a retro touch to bathrooms or a hallway.
McGee & Co.
Adeline Rattan Side Table
Bring warmth and texture to living rooms with this rattan coffee table. With its elegant, soft curves, it will fit well into contemporary or classic schemes.
6. Mid-Century Chairs
This contemporary dining room scheme by Et Sal Interiors is furnished with a mix of new and old furniture, including Mid-century Danish dining chairs.
(Image credit: Interior by Et Sal Interiors, photograph Charlotte Lea, stylist Leslie Morton Brown)
Many of us hold fond childhood memories of large family dinners gathered around grandparents’ dining tables, so it’s no wonder retro dining chairs often have sentimental appeal.
While wood and cane chairs were deemed dated for a time, retro and vintage styles are now highly sought after by interior designers. From sleek Mid-century teak designs to retro cane chairs, these distinctive pieces are a great way to bring a sculptural element to interiors, plus they can be very affordable. Many authentic Mid-century pieces can be picked up for good prices at flea markets or online auctions. Alternatively, there are lots of modern interpretations available inspired by originals such as the Ida teak dining chairs at Lulu and Georgia.
‘Vintage dining chairs are one of my most frequently used items to install in our projects. The artisan quality and character of vintage seating are unmatched; they are exceptionally well-made and designed to last,’ explains Sophia deDomenico, founder of Et Sal Interiors. ‘The unique, delicate shapes and natural wear add character and warmth. Specifically, high-backed mid-century chairs take me back to Sunday dinners sitting around my grandparents’ dining table. They remind me of long meals, family conversations, and a time when Sunday dinner was the pinnacle of the week.’
When buying vintage furniture, ‘quality and character are key,’ explains Cait Barker, co-founder of By Bessette. ‘Look for solid construction, natural materials, and signs of thoughtful craftsmanship. Patina is a plus! It’s evidence of age and use, not a flaw.’
7. Tapestry, Embroidery and Needlework
This muted living room is given a focal point with a tapestry printed ottoman.
(Image credit: Studio McGee / Photography Lucy Call)
Tapestries and needlework are having a renaissance at the moment and are loved by designers as a way to bring texture, character, and a touch of heritage into the home. However, rather than layering them with antiques, designers are taking them out of context and are decorating with these time-honored textiles in fresh new ways.
‘Wall tapestries are something I’ve always been drawn to because they carry a sense of history and craftsmanship, but they can also feel surprisingly modern with the right context,’ explains Kristina Khersonsky. ‘They remind me of the kinds of decorative textiles you might have seen in a grandparent’s home; pieces that were kept and lived with for decades rather than changed out with every trend.’
This living room scheme by Studio Keeta features a retro wall tapestry and contemporary furniture – proving you can be inspired by vintage pieces and use them in modern ways.
(Image credit: Studio Keeta)
‘In our Weho Bungalow project, we hung the tapestry quite low and directly above the sofa to allow for its scale to command the space. Against the rust-colored sofa, it becomes the anchor. The concoction of genres and styles throughout the room, coupled with the unexpected objects around it, keeps the tapestry from dictating the period of the space,’ explains Kristina.
However, you don’t need to invest in a large wall hanging to tap into this trend. Many brands have launched tapestry-inspired pieces such as McGee & Co.’s tapestry Catherine ottoman and the Enfield dining chair from Lulu and Georgia. According to Cait Barker, there’s also a growing demand for embroidered table linen and napkins. ‘Hand-embroidered linens, monogrammed napkins, lace tablecloths, and needlepoint pieces are often treasures hiding in plain sight. These items reflect an extraordinary amount of handwork that is difficult to replicate today. Whether used as intended or repurposed, they carry both emotional and aesthetic value.’
Lulu and Georgia
Alair Round Ottoman
Featuring tapestry and fringing this piece oozes Grandma-chic. Pair it with contemporary furniture for a fun mix of old and new
McGee & Co.
Hortensia Wall Tapestry
Reminiscent of French Aubusson tapestries, this bucolic tapestry would make a fabulous statement over a bed or behind a sofa or in an entrance hall.
Anthropologie
Gia Francois Tapestry Headboard
Create a textural focal point in the bedroom whilst adding softness, colour and a touch of hisotry with this fabulous tapestry headboard.
Often handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, these items, which we remember in our grandparents’ homes, are all making a comeback as designers seek to create layered and collected spaces. Many of these items once graced our grandparents’ homes, so as well as decorative appeal, they also often conjure a sense of nostalgia and cherished memories.
However, too much vintage can easily make homes feel dated and cluttered. The key, say experts, is mixing these old pieces with new. Balancing vintage with contemporary pieces requires thoughtful restraint. Vintage is not a theme, and we are not aiming to recreate a room from the era the pieces came from,’ explains Sophia deDominco, founder of Et Sal Interiors.
‘Instead, we use a mix of styles, architectural elements, lighting, furniture, and textiles. We layer vintage rugs among sleek sofas and case goods with clean lines, allowing a room to feel wholly unique and personalized. Mixing periods, materials, silhouettes, and sizes helps a room feel intentional and collected over time rather than like it belongs to one specific decade.’
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