Photo: snck / Flickr

Vintage décor can add interest and elegance to your home, be it in the form of a simple lampshade or an extravagant floral couch. Vintage pieces can give rooms a sense of character and their history can keep you talking for hours. The trick to vintage style decorating is in knowing how much is enough as you want to keep your home looking modern and chic not like your grandmother chose your furniture.

The furniture

A vintage couch or bed in a floral fabric with ornate woodwork can be a stunning focal point of a room. Big vintage pieces like furniture should be paired with neutral, simple cushions, curtains and ornaments. If vintage furniture isn’t your thing consider going for modern furniture in a neutral colour like brown or cream, while bringing vintage patterns in on your scatter cushions or blankets.

Outside of the box

You can add gorgeous vintage touches to your home by thinking outside of the box. Old road signs and shop posters can be refurbished and hung in bar or kitchen areas for a cute vintage look. Your old teddy bear can be re-stuffed and patched up as a sentimental bedside ornament. Peeling paint, children’s scribbles and missing buttons can add charm to vintage pieces but be careful they don’t end up looking worn and tacky.

Elegance

For the perfect vintage piece you may want to consider spending a little bit extra. A stunning, crystal chandelier or copper vase can add elegance and sophistication to your home. Although these key pieces can be a bit pricey, one great item can make the whole room look and feel expensive.

Stay away from

If you want to avoid your home looking to much like your grandmother’s stay away from patterned wallpaper that can overpower anything else in the room. Yellowing and frayed fabrics should also be avoided. Certain ornaments like animal shaped salt and pepper shakers and small porcelain dolls should be displayed individually; too many and you’ll look like a hoarder.

Tags: home decor