Designer Vintage Decor Tips

Designer Vintage Decor Tips: How To Shop & Style Your Vintage Decor Treasures

Hello design lovers! I’m excited to share my best Designer Vintage Decor Tips on how to shop for and style vintage and antique treasures.

Join me as we explore some of my favorite local antique shops, where I’ll show you exactly what to look for when shopping for vintage items for your home.

Antiques vs. Vintage

Let’s clarify the difference between antique and vintage pieces. A vintage item is between 20 and 99 years old and often reflects the design style of its era.

On the other hand, an antique piece is over 100 years old. For example, I have a vintage brass candle snuffer and an antique lock to illustrate the distinction.

Vintage Shopping Adventure

One of the stores we went to was Sweet Home Furnishings, one of my favorite local shops known for its well-curated mix of vintage and antiques. I’ll share some of my favorite finds and offer tips on what to look for.

• Unique Finds: Look for sculptural pieces, hand-glazed pottery, and items with great patina. Descriptions provided by dealers can be helpful in understanding the history of the piece.
• Measuring Tape Tip: Always carry a measuring tape when shopping to ensure items fit your intended space. I maintain a list on my phone of areas in my home needing vintage treasures.

Vintage Finds on the Entry Table

After shopping at my favorite stores, we head back to the house to incorporate the vintage treasures we found into my home decor.

Decorating with Vintage on Various Tables

Next, we move on to styling a coffee table and a buffet, showcasing a variety of vintage pieces, and discussing design principles.

• Material Mix: Always aim for a mix of materials when styling. In this instance, leather, glass, alabaster, marble, ceramic, and metal create a layered and visually appealing look.
• Height Variation: Vary the height of items in your display for added visual interest. Coffee table books are excellent for achieving this effect.
• Pedestals and Risers: Elevate pieces using pedestals or risers to make them stand out. This technique adds dimension to your decor.
• Incorporating Organic Elements: Always include organic elements like flowers, potted plants, or branches in your styling for a fresh and lively touch.

Shop these pieces we used to style with our vintage finds

Thanks for joining me on this vintage shopping and styling adventure. I hope these tips inspire you to confidently shop for and incorporate vintage and antique treasures into your home decor.

If you enjoyed this post, let me know your favorite vintage piece in the comments. For more design inspiration, follow us on Instagram @ashleychildershome and explore our Pinterest boards.

And remember, good design is for everyone, so create a home that inspires you—one room at a time.

XO, Ashley