Last week, I was browsing Amazon for Fall decor to deck the dining room for Thanksgiving. And, as you know, Amazon suggests products based on your browsing and shopping history. In my feed, I came across this beautiful mid-century chair. At first, I thought this was an advertisement banner for a furniture brand. But as soon as I clicked on the item, Amazon feed was flooded with an endless array of fascinating vintage decor and retro furniture. It was a delightful discovery. Normally, when we want to buy new furniture or home decor, we’re used to checking Wayfair or by visiting local stores and retailers. To find vintage decor on Amazon seems like an unconventional way of shopping for furniture. Doesn’t it?
Vintage decor is the rage in Fall & Winter
According to Homes & Gardens, repurposed, antique and retro pieces are elements within the trending vintage decor this year. You may have noticed decor themes that resemble your parent’s or grandparent’s home. People are embellishing their cabinets and shelves with vintage decor that traverse them back to a period of comfort and belonging.
Why do we suddenly see a shift from modern and minimalist to traditional and vintage decor? It is most likely a result of months of isolation away from family. In the midst of the pandemic, people missed physical interactions with parents and grandparents; the ritual family gatherings on weekends and Holidays. We wanted to lay down and take a nap on grandma’s old coach, listen to the grandfather chiming on bells clock and savor the smell of mom’s signature meal. Like any form of art, home decor is a reflection of the social mood. And the 2021 frame of mind is all about going down memory lane and feeling sentimental.
How to apply vintage decor at home
There’s no need to revamp your home decor to get that vintage vibe. Instead, use antique and retro decor to add finishing touches to what you have. For example, place a rotary phone on a modern table to create excitement, mount vintage posters and rustic lighting. You can also set up a reading nook with vintage boho decor. Here are eight simple techniques to infuse retro at home.
Vintage posters
One of the simplest ways to update your decor is by adding wall art or replacing old ones. Vintage posters of old Hollywood movies and stars are lively conversation pieces. We recently placed large posters of our favourite old Hollywood stars in the family room. Everyone who comes over marvels at the walls and asks where we got them from. It’s a chance for us to tell them stories about how, when and why we acquired each piece. Some of the best trending retro posters are Marvel superheroes, art-deco, and magazine covers which you can fetch on Amazon for a bargain.
Rustic lighting
Installing Industrial rustic lightings suits kitchens and bathrooms brilliantly. They are a charming addition that gives off an intimate vibe. Rustic lighting fixtures feel less uniform and modern which is suitable for most modern urban homes.
Retro lamps
These industrial retro lamps are quintessential elements in a blended modern and vintage decor style. This twin set can be placed in the living room on the opposite side of your coach. Or you can place each lamp in separate rooms like a study room or a guest bedroom. I like that these are fully functional tripods with soft warm lights. You can use the tripods to create rich indoor photos for holiday photography.
Mid-century coffee tables
Coffee tables take a lot of beating at home, don’t they? They have to be replaced frequently, especially if you have kids. They spill liquid on the tables, scratch them, mark them and leave crumbs on the surface. That’s why you should take advantage to update them over time. And if you long for a vintage sensation at home, replace the coffee table. Mid-century coffee tables are my favorite because they are delicate and combine modern and vintage styles. I particularly like coffee tables with storage features to hide gadgets like remote control, reading glasses and joysticks.
Reading corner
Reading is one of the most relaxing ways to meditate, especially if you have your own reading corner to enjoy. I am obsessed with this mid-century lounge chair which has exceptional reviews on Amazon. It’s a piece you can place by a window and pair it with a small cabinet and one of the tripod floor lamps. As well, I would throw a soft knitted blanket on the chair to cozy up in when it’s dark and cold.
Country rugs
Decorating the floor with retro rugs is another step towards achieving a vintage style. Look for new spots to place a small rug, either in hallways, bathrooms, or laundry rooms. Rugs protect your floors from damage and weathering. And in cold seasons, they keep your feet warm. As well, rugs are cozy in functional rooms such as laundry rooms.
Coffee table decor
If you are on a budget or don’t need new furniture pieces, your other option is placing repurposed table decor. Or meddle in your mom’s cabinets for the original antiques. Amazon though has a cute selection of unique and useful vintage decor to place on your shelves and tables.
Plants and vintage vases
Lastly, to complete the vintage decor theme, place florals and plants in repurposed cans or metal vases. Consider filling the vases with carnations, as your grandmother did back in the 70s and 80s. These nostalgic flowers bring back many memories and are sturdy enough to last for a week, as long as you water them every 2 days.
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