How to Create a Vintage Style Interior

Posted by Make It Shabby on April 28th, 2018

The spring is on its way, and for many of us that usually means a good spring clean followed by a few interior changes. At this time of year, we are most likely to be creative and have the enthusiasm to follow ideas through. So, you’ve thought about it and you’ve decided to add some vintage style to your abode. But what does vintage really mean?

 Vintage is something aged and from another era, this can be as recent asthe millennium, or be something much older, perhaps from the Victorian era. It doesn’t necessarily have to cost the earth, although quite often vintage can be expensive, this is because it’s considered unusual, rare or a one of a kind. However, you can find things that are budget friendly from charity or second-hand shops.

Where are you going to start? It’s best to plan your style and decide if you’re going to use your existing décor and accessorise or going to redecorate and paint the furniture you already have. Either way, your first port of call should be some vintage decorating blogs. I’m sure you already have some ideas, but it’s great to check out other people’s projects for extra inspiration.

The next step will be to create the backdrop for your style, neutral colours are a great way to allow vintage pieces to really stand out. On the other hand, you might decide to go big and go bold. With all the beautiful, high pigmented period colours to choose from, your vintage accessories are sure to look the part. If you’re going for a particular period, research the colours and wallpaper styles of that time for an authentic look.

 You can look online for vintage finds but there are also many dedicated vintage stores and emporium style shops around. Chairs and tables, bookcases and desks are all easy to find because they usually withstand the test of time. Lamps and light fittings should be tested for safety or just used for ornamental purposes. Old trunks, suitcases and chests are a great piece to look for and useful for storage too! Clocks, pictures and mirrors will take your vintage style onto the walls and into your sightline, for an eclectic style choose different materials and finishes to collate as a gallery wall.

Don’t forget, you can combine vintage with modern quite successfully, again visit those vintage decorating blogs and remember to always finish off a makeover with a leafy green plant or some whimsical blooms!