The Art of Decorating with Vintage

By Marianne Wallace

“Your home should be curated over the years; it should reflect your story, not a store catalog.”

- Learn how vintage and antique furniture can create a curated look and add a touch of sophistication to your home.

You know the feeling. You have a beautifully decorated home, Instagram ready. Yet, there’s something missing. Somehow, it feels a bit flat, ordinary; a common narrative that you would find in any social media posting. What is missing, is that “je ne sais quoi”. What is missing, is a touch of vintage. 

As Albert Hadley would say, “a room should feel collected, not decorated”. Your home should be curated over the years; it should reflect your story, not a store catalog. Resist the urge of purchasing low-quality, mass-produced items. Yes, we all want our homes to be ready here and now, but what you will end up with is a home that lacks character, a home that lacks a soul.

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cabinet

One of the easiest ways to achieve that curated look is through the use of vintage and/or antique furniture, accessories or collectibles. Try not to view it as “old”. Look at it as “timeless”. Learn to appreciate intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship. Whenever possible, choose solid wood over particle board; heirloom pieces over temporary and disposable ones.

The so-called juxtaposition 

Decorating with classic pieces will add interest, personality and a touch of sophistication to your home. However, it doesn’t mean your entire home needs to resemble a museum. We often see beautiful, classic, traditional Parisian apartments, full of beautiful architectural details (mouldings, cornicing, pediments, etc) decorated with extremely fun, modern furniture. This juxtaposition of old and new adds depth and visual appeal. And the same goes for the opposite! If you live in a modern build, just one piece of antique furniture will add visual interest and character to your space. 

Looks can be deceiving 

When buying vintage or antiques, you must learn to look beyond what’s right in front of you. Educate your eye and learn how to spot beautiful things and recognize pieces of high caliber. And use your imagination! Visualize it in a different setting, in a different surrounding. Picture it in your own home, maybe with a different upholstery or even a different colour or finish.

Think laterally 

When it comes to drapery, decorating with vintage can be quite tricky. The reason why is because there’s no “one model fits all” premise. Windows come in different shapes and sizes. Besides, other factors need to be considered as well: sunlight damage, odours, stains, etc. But not all is lost. If you do find a vintage curtain fabric that you love but doesn’t fit your space, try using it in different ways: you could reupholster a small accent chair or a stool; turn it into a cushion cover; make little curtains for around a bathroom or laundry sink; or maybe even café curtains! 

In this day and age, buying vintage couldn’t be easier. The internet is a smorgasbord of vintage and antique websites for all tastes and pockets. Keep your eyes open: now is the time to invest in your brand new antique find.

*Images Credit: Marianne Wallace

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