Decorating with vintage – 7 of the best ways to bring character into the home

The shift away from cookie-cutter design has meant that designers are increasingly being drawn to decorating with vintage. From upholstered furniture to antique lighting, you'll likely find a second-hand piece featured in at least one of your favorite interior design projects.

Decorating ideas change year on year, but vintage style has long been proven to be popular among designers. Known for its ability to bring charm and character into the home, vintage decor provides a space with originality and eclecticism. The beauty of decorating with vintage is its ability to translate into any style of home, reflecting the owner's refined and cultivated taste.

We've put together our favorite ways to decorate with vintage, suggested by interior design experts who love to take inspiration from the past.

1. Invest in quality furniture

No home is complete without a collection of lasting furniture. There are plenty of questions to ask yourself before buying vintage furniture, but there's one that's key to consider – what is a piece made from? It's important to always prioritize high-quality materials as these will stand the test of time and prevent future costly repurchases.

'One of my favorite ways to incorporate vintage into my home at the moment is large items of furniture, particularly antique, handcrafted, wood items like tables and armoires,' says interior designer and homeware founder Margo Roth. 'I personally love antique English pine so I often center rooms around a very large item of wooden antique furniture that has a soft neutral color and good texture.'

Vintage furniture trends are constantly changing but the beauty of second-hand pieces is their versatility. There's such a range of furniture styles that all vary in age and design, from mid-century Scandinavian chairs to antique French dressers, the internet makes sourcing second-hand furniture so easy.

Cal Stemp from Studio Sascal sourced a new dining table and pendant light in a recent project (pictured above). To make the room feel more eclectic, she brought in vintage chairs, artwork, and cabinets to 'help the furniture to feel as though it has always been there.' She says vintage pieces 'create layers taken from different periods and help your home to feel as though you have collected it over the years rather than gone out and bought everything new in one go.'

2. Incorporate pattern with vintage rugs and textiles

Inspired by past designs, vintage patterns are one of the easiest ways to bring character into the home as they come in many forms. Whether showcasing a statement tapestry or laying down an antique woven rug, decorating with vintage fabrics is about layering pattern, color, and texture.

'Incorporating patterns and rich colors from vintage rugs or textiles can help create a timeless and inviting atmosphere', says Studio Dorion founders Michelle Ficker and Peter Dolkas.

Decorating with antique textiles is a long-loved technique that brings refinement and coziness to a space. 'I just love that vintage textiles are one-of-a-kind, I’m drawn to the colors and patterns that tell the tales of time,' says Chloe Jonason who creates beautifully handcrafted homewares. 'They have a certain faded elegance which makes them easy to mix and match as the muted colors all work really well together.'

3. Incorporate antique lighting

Vintage lighting ideas have long been popular in home design. From fluted wall sconces to extravagant chandeliers, classic styles are an easy and reliable choice for the home.

Due to their ability to enhance a space with warmth and charm, Michelle and Peter always look out for second-hand lamps or pendants when sourcing vintage decor. They say, 'We’re big fans of incorporating vintage lighting in a space. Fixtures with patina, a timeless shape, and details carry a sense of enduring quality and presence.'

Lucy Tonge, owner of decorative antiques and lighting dealer LCT Home says it's important to find a lighting feature 'that has the same impact when it is off as it does when illuminated.' She adds, 'Decadent and glamorous, function and form, it needs to light a space, but also ignite the imagination.'

Don't be afraid to mix and match your lighting styles. The bedroom (pictured above) features an array of lamps, all unified by the printed soft furnishings.

4. Source eclectic, meaningful trinkets

If you've ever wondered how to make your home more unique, look no further. Meaningful trinkets are important in any home, no matter the style. Whether it's a set of photographs, a handmade vase, or a vintage painting, including personal decor in your scheme is a great way of embracing the popular eclectic look.

Maximalist interiors often feature vintage trinkets because they look great layered together and give a room tons of rustic charm and character. Antique lover Margo says that unique keepsakes and ornaments are an easy way of decorating. 'I think the easiest way to add some vintage flair to a space is by decorating with antique accessories like books, mirrors, pottery, and artwork.'

The world is your oyster when it comes to second-hand keepsakes. Margo has a few go-to pieces she always looks out for when hunting for vintage decor.

She says, 'The number one item that I am addicted to thrifting no matter where I am is a good basket. I love the texture, color, and utility of a basket not only as decor but also as a useful item around the house.' Margo definitely channels maximalist decor ideas, proven by her impressive array of baskets that are hung around the fireplace in her living room (pictured above).

5. Cover walls with vintage art

Decorating with art is a much-loved way of bringing personality into the home. Showcasing the tastes and interests of the owner, vintage art does this and more while providing a room with a dose of character and patina.

Vintage art is a wide realm so the choice is yours when featuring these pieces in your home. A botanical print (featured in the interior above) is a classic example that pairs well in any setting. Or, for lovers of color, opt for an impressionist-style landscape that will pop against an empty wall or mantel.

Vintager-lover Katie Rosenfeld says, 'I love to use vintage in any capacity but the easiest way for me is in art.' She adds, 'Embrace things with patina and age and imperfection- all of these layered things tell stories, provide warmth, and keep your home from looking like a hotel!'

Sara Hill, Chief Creative Officer at Clarendon Fine Art knows how to decorate with vintage art. She says, 'The most important thing is to choose artwork that you love and that reflects your style. Focus on quality pieces that feel special to you, whether purely traditional or blending old and new styles. Creating a collection that mixes different periods, styles, and sizes allows you to develop a space that feels both personal and curated.'

6. Decorate with vintage kitchenware

You might think that kitchenware typically belongs in the kitchen (and it does) but it's also a form of decor that can lend itself well to neglected surfaces, such as bare walls or empty cabinets and dressers.

There are many ways to turn your kitchenware into decor. Imagine a set of handpainted plates on a dining room wall or a trio of vintage mugs hung above a sink, decorating with vintage kitchenware honors the farmhouse kitchen aesthetic while fulfilling any storage needs.

And it's not just ceramics that work as decor. Vintage utensils and cookware can make the perfect ornament too. A collection of copper pans positioned above a stove embraces the traditional, country look, just like a row of vintage glassware on a shelf does.

7. Upcycle vintage pieces

Whether it's recovering a mid-century armchair, giving a lick of paint to an old sideboard, or framing a new artwork with an old gilt frame, giving vintage finds a new lease of life is a great way to create unique pieces for your home, plus it helps reduce waste, too.

Consider using authentic materials if you're looking to honor the age and style of old furniture. Vintage fabric is the perfect upholstery choice when repurposing a piece to its rightful state.

'There are many places to find wonderful antiques and you don’t need to have a big budget to find pieces which can be restored, re-upholstered, and renewed whether you choose to go to a decorative fair or an auction house,' says Clara Ewart, Head of Design at Kitesgrove.

'Re-purposing one-off pieces of furniture or lighting will also provide a great sense of satisfaction to be continuing the life of an item which may otherwise have been discarded.'

If you're looking to embrace the past while following the latest fashions, look out for vintage trends for 2025 that are filled with creative and classic ideas perfect for lovers of second-hand decor.