Vintage style home décor is hot in 2011.  It can give your home a comfortable, nostalgic look that is both unique and easy on the wallet.  Some of the greatest vintage pieces can be found at flea markets or garage/estate sales, especially of old homes, or packed away in your own garage or basement.  With spring right around the corner, now is a great time to start hitting garage sales and searching for the perfect pieces to add to your home.  Want to go with the vintage look but not sure how? Follow these helpful hints to get you started!

First off, you may be wondering what exactly “vintage” is.  Many consider anything old to be vintage, but that isn’t necessarily the case.  Vintage mainly refers to the 1940’s and 1950’s style of décor, although many pieces from the 60’s and even some from the 70’s could be included, depending on your personal taste. 

The first rule of thumb in vintage style decorating: don’t be afraid to mix and match.  If you find a couple of great chairs that you’d like to use at a dining table, but you need more than two, continue searching.


Image from www.annesage.com


Mix and match furniture can be painted all the same color, and the variety of shape will the give the room flavor.  In order to paint pieces but keep the aged look, follow these painting tips:

1. Rub wax over corners and edges before you start.
2. Apply paint in thin coats.
3. When dry, rub with sandpaper or wire wool to give a “distressed” look.

Also, be on the lookout for pieces that can be “repurposed.”  Old factory carts or sewing machines can make great side tables.

(If you like the distressed look, check out our Frontier, Mountain View, and Castillian collections of distressed/wire brushed hardwood flooring.) http://www.mullicanflooring.com/PRODUCTS/Castillian.html

Second rule of vintage style decorating: accessories are key.  Brass and pewter finishes, especially on lamps and lighting fixtures are typical of the vintage era. Antique china plates and platters (mix and match works great here too) make great conversation starters when entertaining.  Old pottery, water pitchers, glass jars, apothecary jars, milk bottles, etc. can have a variety of uses.  You can fill them with flowers or use them to hold kitchen utensils.  Old trunks or stacked pieces of luggage can be used as tables or to fill empty space in a room and can also be used for extra storage.  Stacks of three or four vintage books on an end table or mantel can give a room personality, and framed pages of vintage magazines look great on the wall.

Whether you are looking to add a few new accessories to your modern décor, or decorate an entire room or home in a vintage style, shopping vintage can be easy, fun and most importantly, affordable.