How to create a vintage decor?
Vintage decoration is much more than a simple aesthetic choice, it’s a real journey back in time. It plunges us into the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of past decades, while bringing a touch of authenticity to our interiors. Vintage style is inspired by bygone eras, with objects that tell a story and a subtle marriage of natural materials, soft colors and unearthed furniture. But how do you recreate that special atmosphere in your own home? Follow our advice to give your home an irresistible retro look.
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Colors and Materials: The Essence of Vintage
The impact of colors and materials on the atmosphere of a room is immense. For a successful vintage decor, it’s essential to opt for hues and materials that evoke the trends of yesteryear while remaining harmonious.
A nostalgic chromatic palette
Vintage colors are characterized by their softness and warmth. Neutral shades such as beige, brown and grey provide the basis for a sober, elegant interior. Pastel shades, on the other hand, add a touch of freshness and originality, like sky blue, powder pink or almond green, reminiscent of interiors from the 50s and 60s.
For a warmer ambience, terracotta, mustard yellow or brick red are perfect. These deep, rich colors are often used to energize a space and add character.
The Most Suitable Colors for Vintage Style
To give you a clearer view. Here are a few must-have shades:
Warm colors
- Ochre yellow: inspired by the 60s, perfect with leather and wood.
- Old pink: typical of the 80s, blends well with copper and marble.
- Lavender blue: creates a soft, country ambience, ideal for bedrooms.
Cold colors
- Petroleum blue: adds a nostalgic touch, perfect for dark wood furniture.
- Sand beige: evokes calm and softness, ideal for bedrooms.
- Fir green: creates a warm, retro ambience.
Other options
- Pastels: add a soft, nostalgic touch.
- Dark colors: for sophisticated vintage decor.
Authentic, warm materials
The choice of materials is also crucial to creating a vintage atmosphere. Weathered wood, for example, lends a rustic, authentic touch, while velvet and leather recall the 70s with their refined, comforting texture. Rattan and wicker, very much in vogue in the 60s, are perfect for seating or decorative accessories.
Chrome and metal add an industrial, retro touch, particularly in kitchens and lighting fixtures. By mixing these materials, you can give your interior a warm, characterful ambience.
Characteristic Materials for Vintage Decoration
The most important thing to remember is this list of characteristic materials:
- Rough or distressed wood: very popular for antique furniture.
- Velvet and leather: perfect for sofas and armchairs.
- Rattan and wicker: ideal for accessories and small pieces of furniture.
- Chrome and metal: key elements of retro kitchens and vintage fixtures.
Vintage Furniture: The soul of Decoration
Furniture is the central element of a successful vintage decor. Each piece must be chosen with care to bring real personality to your interior.
Unearthing Treasures
For a truly vintage feel, there’s nothing like browsing flea markets and garage sales. These places are brimming with old-fashioned furniture just waiting to be given a second life. Flea markets and specialized online platforms are also excellent sources for unearthing unique pieces.
Iconic Furniture
Some pieces of furniture are emblematic of the vintage style, such as the famous Eames Lounge chair, embodying mid-century design, or Marcel Breuer’s Wassily chair, representative of the industrial style. The wing chair and velvet sofa are also must-haves for a chic, comfortable living room.
An old wooden trunk can be recycled as a coffee table, while a vintage dressing table is perfect for a retro-style bedroom. By mixing different eras, you can create a unique and charming ambience.
The Best Furniture for a Vintage Deco Ambience
Mid-Century Design Icons
- Eames Lounge chair: a timeless classic.
- Chaise Wassily de Marcel Breuer : style industriel.
- Paimio armchair by Alvar Aalto: sober and elegant.
Authentic Vintage Parts
- Victorian velvet sofa.
- 1840s table: perfect as a desk.
- Armchair with ears: ideal for a reading corner.
- Antique trunk: perfect as an occasional table.
Tips for adopting vintage style
- Combine antique and contemporary elements for a harmonious, unique look.
- Choose wood furniture in warm, natural colors.
- Choose sober, elegant pieces inspired by mid-century design.
If you can’t find vintage objects, integrate modern furniture with patina finishes to recreate the vintage spirit.
The Art of Wall Decoration
Walls play an essential role in setting the scene for vintage style. A well thought-out wall decoration brings a touch of authenticity and personality to your interior.
Playing with Posters and Boards
Vintage advertising posters, cult film reproductions or framed vintage illustrations are perfect for creating a retro atmosphere. Combine them with aged wood or metal frames to enhance the authentic effect.
Mirrors and Diverted Objects
Mirrors are precious allies when it comes to accentuating the luminosity of a room and giving it cachet. A rattan or brass sunburst mirror adds a typically vintage boho chic touch. Don’t hesitate to hang antique enamel plates or retro clocks to enrich your wall decor.
Wall decorating ideas for a successful vintage look
To give your home an authentic retro feel, choose the right wall elements:
Retro posters and paintings
- Old advertising posters or reproductions inspired by past eras.
- Paintings depicting iconic vintage scenes or objects.
- Aged wood or metal frames for an authentic look.
Misappropriated objects
- Enamel plates from old advertising or signage.
- Retro-style clocks, like an airplane grille transformed into a clock.
- Everyday objects revisited as decorative wall elements.
Vintage mirrors
- Round wooden sunburst mirrors.
- Models in rattan or cane for a bohemian retro touch.
- Antique mirrors with elegant carved frames.
Metal decorations
- Metal plates with retro motifs or messages.
- Elegant openwork wrought-iron ornaments, like tree motifs.
- Illuminated vintage “Toilet” signs and other nostalgic inscriptions.
Natural elements and textures
- Driftwood wall decorations for an organic touch.
- Openwork metal frames or panels with plant motifs.
- Fabrics and tapestries with motifs inspired by past eras.
Combine these elements to create a warm, authentic vintage atmosphere in your home.
Vintage Lighting for a Warm Ambience
Lighting is an often underestimated element that makes all the difference in creating a vintage atmosphere.
Luminaires and Lamps of yesteryear
Filament lamps, reminiscent of the incandescent bulbs of yesteryear, are an excellent choice for soft, subdued light. An articulated metal floor lamp or a copper pendant will reinforce the industrial spirit.
For a playful, nostalgic touch, consider lava lamps from the 60s or string lights, perfect for a cosy, warm atmosphere.
Essential lamps for a successful vintage ambience
To recreate authentic vintage lighting, here are the most suitable types of fixtures:
Lampes à incandescence
- Vintage LED bulbs with visible filament, imitating incandescent models.
- Various versions: globe, drop, flame or tube.
- Transparent or slightly ambered glass for a warm, retro look.
Industrial lamps
- Metal floor lamps with articulated arm, perfect for loft style.
- Metal suspension fixtures with conical shades, ideal over a table.
- Wrought-iron, copper or brass finishes for an authentic touch.
Mood lamps
- Lava lamps from the 60s and 70s for a psychedelic touch.
- Plasma balls for a retro-futuristic look.
- Bedside lamps with pleated fabric shades for old-fashioned charm.
Iconic luminaires
- Lotus suspension, typical of mid-century style.
- Arco lamp, recognizable by its large metal bow.
- Anglepoise lamp, an icon of industrial design.
Special lighting
- Glass and metal wall lights for corridors and staircases.
- Tassel chandeliers for an elegant vintage touch.
- Garland lights with round bulbs for a guinguette atmosphere.
Tips for optimal vintage lighting
✔️ Choose warm light (2700-3000K) for a cosy atmosphere.
✔️ Choose lever or rotary switches for an authentic retro touch.
✔️ Mix different types of fixtures to structure lighting and vary moods.
You can find more tips on successful lighting here.
By combining these different lamps, you’ll give your home a unique, warm vintage feel.
Latest Tips for a Successful Vintage Deco
- Don’t overload the space: opt for a few well-chosen strong pieces.
- Mix old and new: an interior that’s too vintage can seem stale.
- Add green plants: they bring freshness and go perfectly with retro hues.
By following these tips, your interior will take on an authentic, harmonious vintage look. Now all you have to do is savor this decor, filled with charm and stories from the past!
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