When it comes to vintage, one distinguishes between Classic Vintage, Mid-Century Vintage, Shabby Chic, French-Country-Style, Art Deco, Retrodesign, and Industrial Style Vintage – styles that look quite different. What all vintage directions have in common, however, is a focus on authentic aesthetics. Wood, metal, and glass, leather and velvet dominate the materials. Natural colors combined with strong colors or pastels, depending on the vintage style, complete the look.
Classic Vintage uses a lot of wood and calm colors, Mid-Century Vintage features strong colors and leather, velvet, and opulent lighting, Shabby Chic uses light wooden furniture, linen, and pastels, while Industrial Style Vintage is dominated by cool materials like metal or glass.
A vintage interior is nostalgic, romantic, and exudes an old-fashioned charm of the 1940s and 50s.
The floor ideally consists of wide plank boards that look as if they have been walked on for years. The grain of the wood, knots, imperfections, and saw marks are particularly effective with such plank floors.
The furniture should be used and show it, or at least look as if it has been used for many years. Scratches, worn areas, faded colors, and signs of use are a must – unless you want to resort to new furniture with a used look. Ideal here are dining tables and furniture with a used-look grain , for example, made of heavily textured mango wood. At flea markets, second-hand shops, designer stores, auction houses, or private sales, you can find old pieces, but then you should allow some time for furnishing. A professional restoration that emphasizes the vintage style but lets the furniture shine with new charm is worth considering. Wardrobes, nightstands and dressers with carved handles, chairs and sofas with wooden frames and rounded carved legs are characteristic of vintage furniture.
Vintage colors are rather soft and feminine. Neutral colors like white, cream, and beige are often combined with soft grays and pastels like light blue, pink, and lilac. As an eye-catcher, an accent wall with a floral pattern – as wallpaper or a wall tattoo – works well with such a subtle color scheme. These floral patterns can also be picked up in upholstery, cushions, and fabrics with faded colors and decors.
