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20 Best Vintage Furniture to Decorate With 20 Best Vintage Furniture to Decorate With

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20 Best Vintage Furniture to Decorate With

Written by: William Harrison

As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Here are some amazing pieces of vintage furniture to give your space so much life and unique character.

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The world is definitely in no shortage of old souls and with it comes a plethora of different tastes and preferences. That is why the furniture market today has become so extensive as there truly is a market for almost any kind of aesthetic and design style. The world of interior design and furniture has come so far and way beyond the factor of “trends.” And it’s more focused now on catering towards personal taste.

 

 

Vintage Furniture Is Still in Style

It’s no secret that one’s furniture is an extension of their personality, and there are a lot of people that have a very special connection with older styles such as vintage furniture. This design style is a whole class of its own and contains a lot of different aesthetics under its category. The concept of vintage is a collection of pieces that belonged to past eras of design and people may resonate with them for so many different reasons – some of which could range from nostalgia to just pure fascination. To this day, there are so many vintage furniture stores that not only sell second-hand pieces but also, brand new ones that are designed to look authentic.

 

 

Today, there are so many cool applications for vintage furniture. The most popular of these is giving them a whole new contemporary look by turning them into painted vintage furniture. You would be surprised at how a fresh coat of paint can totally transform the look and vibe of a piece of furniture and the effect it can have on your space. For example, a very traditional grandfather clock can look so modern and fresh if it was given a vibrant teal coat.

 

 

Factors to Consider

When you’re shopping for vintage furniture, there should be a couple of considerations that come into play before you make that purchase. The most important factor here is definitely the quality and condition of the furniture. Especially when buying used vintage furniture that’s been used for decades, it’s important to note any possible weaknesses and flaws that could be a deal-breaker. Moreover, price is also a big factor that could be unpredictable.

 

 

Certain vintage furniture can be bought for cheap as they are essentially used pieces. However, there are also pieces that can be considered rare or special editions that can cost a fortune. For example, buying a vintage Eames chair will probably cost you tens of thousands of dollars. While last but not the least, it definitely has to be a piece that works for you. We also have tons of great furniture tips here on the site. After all, the best thing about new technology is we’re able to create better experiences. Try to avoid vintage pieces that will eventually turn into a headache in terms of maintenance or functionality.

 

 

Key Features

  • Perfect storage rack for your entryway
  • Has a unique industrial look

Specifications

  • Has 7 front hooks, 2 side hooks, and 4 adjustable horizontal feet
  • Stable on carpets or uneven floors

Pros

  • Materials used are safe for the family
  • Super sturdy build

Cons

  • Exposed storage can gather dust

The industrial design style still looks very much current despite it being influenced by the Industrial Revolution. It looks very mechanical and rustic, but it’s still so widely used to this day. This storage rack will frame your entryway perfectly and it can hold so much stuff that you could make it a hub for all of your essentials every time you leave home. The sleek black metal frame combined with the prominent wood grain also results in a very beautiful contrast that would look good anywhere.

 

Key Features

  • Gorgeous vintage clock design with pendulum
  • The movement of the pendulum can be stopped

Specifications

  • 14 inches by 3 inches by 32 inches in dimensions
  • 2 batteries for the clock hands and 1 for the pendulum

Pros

  • Matches with authentic vintage furniture

Cons

  • Can be hard to clean with all the chains.

A clock can be the focal point of your entire space and the best vintage furniture stores will have at least a few in their catalog. This is one decor item that can complete the look of great vintage interiors. This brand new clock, in particular, has been designed to look authentic so it can match your other true vintage pieces. The brand recognizes that the swinging pendulum can be a source of nausea and discomfort so you can also disable this portion while the whole clock still works by removing one of the batteries.

 

Key Features

  • Iconic rustic style for armchair
  • Plush cushions and padded arms provide added comfort

Specifications

  • It weighs 40.12 pounds
  • 28 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 33.5 inches high

Pros

  • Subtle vintage furniture aesthetic goes with anything
  • Works great as an accent chair

Cons

  • The colors of the legs could be better

Seeing this pretty armchair will make you realize that vintage furniture is all around us. This is because the designs are considered very timeless they can still be applied in more contemporary settings. This particular armchair could almost be part of Pottery Barn’s latest collection. It’s always important to remember that some of the best vintage furniture will look absolutely ageless and can still be very much appreciated no matter the year.

 

Key Features

  • The piece of furniture perfect for bookworms
  • Unique English Style Library decor

Specifications

  • 18.5 inches in diameter with 20.5 inches in height
  • This piece weighs 28 pounds

Pros

  • Adorable book design makes it so unique
  • Perfect for thematic interiors

Cons

  • Lots of surfaces for dust to gather

The best part about vintage furniture is how it can also encompass design eras. One is the Arts and Crafts movement where people weren’t afraid to get more personal imaginative pieces than the usual mass-produced pieces we see today. If you are the type of person who just loves to be surrounded by books, then why not have your side tables show it? This glass top table features a stunning illusion of stacked books that are really just molded to look real. It’s then finished off with a sheet of glass to hold your real books or even a steaming cup of cocoa.

 

Key Features

  • Retro design makes it perfect for modern interiors
  • A sturdy metal frame makes it also lightweight

Specifications

  • Measures at 12.75 inches by 17.4 inches by 23.4 inches
  • Storage shelf area is 12.75 inches by 17.4 inches by 6.6 inches

Pros

  • Construction quality is great
  • Works with almost any interiors style

Cons

  • Cleaning can be slightly tedious

Now going into the more mid-century modern territory, this wireframe side table is a sleek choice for vintage furniture. It belongs to an era where designers really tried to tone everything down and left the life of excessive ornamentation behind. As you can see, this design style is still very much prevalent to this day, and for good reason. It’s so lightweight as the wireframes compose the majority of the furniture. The slight transparency to show the contents of the storage make it almost appear like it’s floating. This is also used vintage furniture that you can give new life to by covering it with a fresh coat of paint.

 

Key Features

  • Mid-Century Modern style bookcase
  • Storage cabinet for books, photos, decorations

Specifications

  • This cabinet supports up to 110 pounds
  • Measures 23.7 inches by 11.9 inches by 47.3 inches

Pros

  • Sturdy vintage wood look
  • Makes use of engineered wood

Cons

  • Could pull too much attention from other furniture

Here’s another vintage furniture piece that still speaks to us to this day. It’s a very simple wood frame with jaunty legs that very much signifies the early modern design movement. In this era, almost every piece of furniture had the same design for the legs. It looked more slim and lightweight but also rejected the common notion that it had to have floral details that cover the length of the leg. In terms of function, this bookcase will never disappoint with its two large open shelving units and one big concealed storage at the bottom.

 

Key Features

  • Elegant vintage look with worn effect
  • Has beautiful classic detailing

Specifications

  • Has a 3-panel mirror
  • Measures 54 inches by 18 inches by 59.5 inches

Pros

  • Assembly instructions are easy to follow
  • Perfect for a lot of different design styles

Cons

  • Can look a bit too worn for brand new

What is a period drama without an iconic scene of a woman getting ready in front of her immaculately crafted vanity? If you’ve ever wanted a moment like that to yourself, then this piece of French vintage furniture is the answer to your prayers. Although it is sold brand new, the designer of this has made sure that it has all the small touches that make it feel worn and passed down for generations. After all, the reason why a lot of people opt for vintage furniture is to have pieces that tell a story and wraps the home in a lot of character.

 

Key Features

  • Hand rubbed mahogany finish and genuine metal hardware
  • Has wire record slots for record storage

Specifications

  • Inspired by classic mid-century modern design
  • Expansive storage behind sliding doors

Pros

  • Beautiful minimalist design

Cons

  • The wood texture could be improved

This little console table could fit perfectly in an office in the hit TV show, Mad Men. It’s absolutely chic with its minimal detailing and simple leg design, but what really takes the cake here is the sleek design used for the gold cabinet handles. Not only do they act as a convenient pull bar to access the storage areas, but they also act as stoppers for each other to prevent the sliding doors from flying right off the rails. The best part is that this design will certainly look fantastic in any home as it doesn’t really bear any outlying details that could clash. What you have here is a highly versatile piece of vintage furniture.

 

Key Features

  • Sturdy metal frame structure
  • Has 13 inches of storage space under the bed

Specifications

  • Maximum support is 550 to 660 pounds
  • Measures 83.5 inches by 60.6 inches by 43 inches

Pros

  • Very easy to assemble

Cons

  • Metal maintenance can be tricky

One look at this bed frame and you will be immediately transported to a bedroom set in your favorite 90s movie. It really is quite amazing when you think about how vintage furniture has the unique power to instantly take you to a certain era. Today, with all the new design concepts available, you can be even more experimental with this bed frame design by coupling it with more touches and finishes to create a more unique and personal interior design.

 

Key Features

  • Gorgeous tufted leather armchair
  • Makes for a fantastic vintage furniture accent

Specifications

  • Measures 35.75 inches by 39.75 inches by 41.25 inches
  • Upholstered in bonded leather with wood frame

Pros

  • Easy assembly for the furniture

Cons

  • Can be tricky to balance with lighter elements

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sit in a big cushy leather armchair that executives in the movies never seem to get enough of? Well, now you actually can bring this experience right into your own private spaces. This tufted leather armchair is probably the big daddy of vintage chairs as it really marks an iconic era of people wearing suits and drinking whisky as they smoke a big fat cigar. Of course, you don’t have to mimic their lifestyle, but you can definitely sink into this cushy leather chair and just feel the day melt away.

 

Key Features

  • Gorgeous French vintage furniture design
  • Looks great anywhere you put it

Specifications

  • Measures 31 inches by 14.25 inches by 31 inches
  • Weighs 88 pounds as a whole

Pros

  • Painted vintage furniture looks super contemporary
  • Works as a console or counter

Cons

  • Can be a heavy piece of furniture to move around

Painted vintage furniture is the best way to bridge that old-world charm to a new breath of life. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Queer Eye, then you know the incredible power that a fresh coat of paint can bring to vintage pieces. It’s because, in that era, everything was painted black, brown, or white, and your senses completely turn upside down when intricate wood is covered with bright yellow, calming teal, or even flat stone gray. This counter is the perfect example of this. Normally, it would’ve been this dark walnut with diamond patterns on the glass, but now, with its gray color, it looks fresh and chic.

 

 

Key Features

  • Gorgeous industrial style perfect for a retro porch
  • Also works as a bench for the inside of your home

Specifications

  • Measures 44.88 inches by 21.65 inches by 35.43 inches
  • Made with high-quality durable iron

Pros

  • Very comfortable despite being a metal bench
  • Can hold up to 529.11 pounds

Cons

  • Can look flimsy because of the thinness
  •  

Here’s another unique piece inspired by the Industrial Revolution. It’s an all-metal bench that would look stunning in a lot of restaurants with an industrial motif. Everyone would just love to chow down on some chicken and waffles while sitting on this stylish and comfortable bench. This piece of vintage furniture is a bit of a unique find as it usually just comes in the design of a single dining chair. You can also use this at home as an informal bench for your dining area and then partner it up with the single dining chair version to have a cohesive dining set that looks chic and totally sleek.

 

Key Features

  • Classic vintage styling
  • Requires bunkie board or box spring

Specifications

  • Stunning metalwork detailing
  • Headboard works with bed frame

Pros

  • Stunning red metal frame makes it a perfect accent

Cons

  • Might lack comfort elements that are soft and tufted.

Probably our favorite piece from this entire line-up, this day bed is a modern take on the metal bed frame that has become so iconic at this point. However, it takes it to the 21st century by being coated with red oxide, which not only gives it a bright red hue but also protects the metal from degradation. It’s one of the best vintage furniture options you’ll probably come across and it doesn’t even cost an arm and a leg. You can style it in the same way as the photo by combining it with more eclectic prints to boost its vibrancy. Make it the only accent piece that your space will ever need!

 

Key Features

  • Adorable wet bar stool that looks like a fire hydrant
  • High-quality construction and materials were used

Specifications

  • Measures 13 inches by 13 inches by 23.6 inches
  • The seat size is 13.11 inches

Pros

  • Sturdy and durable design
  • The industrial fire hydrant design is so unique

Cons

  • Can look a little too rustic. Hard to pair with other furniture
  •  

If you ever want to make your kitchen feel like a cool cafe, then these unique bar stools are worth the consideration. It’s a wonderful piece with a vintage tone and an interesting upcycled furniture vibe. It’s no secret that a lot of people enjoy hanging out at cafes for interior design because it creates a beautiful atmosphere that you don’t want to leave. More often than not, they incorporate furniture that’s a little bit outside the norm to help people remember their space. Similarly, these fire hydrant stools give the vintage furniture a whole new vibe the same way that cafes try to make you fall in love with their interiors.

 

Key Features

  • Gorgeous velvet loveseat
  • Ships in one easy-to-handle box

Specifications

  • The sofa weighs 69.5 pounds and carries up to 400 pounds
  • The sofa measures 60 inches by 17 inches by 27 inches

Pros

  • Decadent velvet furniture
  • Comes in various colors

Cons

  • Can be challenging to maintain

Velvet has always been attributed to luxury and opulence, which is why vintage furniture stores today still stock a whole lot of velvet chairs. From a design standpoint, they provide so much texture and sheen that makes them hard to resist. Other users enjoy the plush feeling whenever they sit on a velvet chair. The great modification here is the choice of color for the fabric which is a vibrant lime green that’s very much on-trend at the moment. As you can see in the photo, just because it’s considered a vintage design, definitely does not mean it can’t look super modern and chic.

 

Key Features

  • Classic French vintage furniture design
  • White brushed legs with carved flora patterns

Specifications

  • Seat height is 16.5 inches
  • Simple assembly required

Pros

  • Beautiful vintage look
  • Has authentic details that make it look worn

Cons

  • Wood tone on legs could be better

Whether it’s at the foot of your bed or just by your foyer, a plush bench is essential as a buffer between private areas. Here, you can take a quick rest to either put your shoes on or just watch a little TV before going to sleep or take a shower. There’s certainly a huge cultural significance associated with a plushy bench and this combines that comfort with details that make it look like fine French vintage furniture. The best part is that it makes use of a lot of neutral shades so it will go with absolutely anything you can think of.

 

Key Features

  • Rustic wooden chest is a great accent for your space
  • Has an aged wood finish with elaborate metal hinges

Specifications

  • Measures 25.75 inches by 14.5 inches by 15.75 inches
  • Large Victorian-style wooden chest with 2 feet and 2 metal ring handles

Pros

  • Authentic look for vintage furniture
  • It is surprisingly lightweight

Cons

  • Opening the chest instantly reveals the brand new interiors

Now, if you’re looking for vintage furniture that takes you to the past, then this wooden chest is right for you. It’s almost reminiscent of the Middle Age chests that you can even imagine it being carried on a carriage. However, this is still very much a brand new piece of furniture that you can use as a storage box or something to accent your living room. The design itself is pretty straightforward as it opens to reveal spacious storage space and that it’s not really an authentic vintage piece. Be sure to only open it when there’s no one around to keep the illusion.

 

Key Features

  • Beautiful gold details that scream luxury
  • Perfect for a vintage accent in your bedroom or dining room

Specifications

  • Makes use of 5 mm clear tempered glass
  • The bottom shelf is a 5 mm mirror panel

Pros

  • The gold framing is super stunning
  • Has a lot of small details that provide extra storage

Cons

  • The gold plating could be more seamless

What are vintage interiors without that metal tray cart with all your favorite whiskies and brandies? If the goal is to create interiors that can mimic an authentic vintage look, then you can’t skip on adding a cart. And while this is going to look pretty, it’s also actually quite useful and functional as it can trolley your freshly cooked meals effortlessly. It’s also going to be much easier to entertain guests as you have a convenient means of transporting food and drinks to any part of the home. So this definitely isn’t just an aesthetic investment, but it also makes you an efficient party host.

 

Key Features

  • Comes in a pair perfect for small spaces
  • Works as a dining chair and office chair

Specifications

  • Comes in four beautiful tones which are teal, pink, and white
  • The chairs measure 20.50 inches by 24.50 inches by 32.88 inches

Pros

  • Lots of color choices for different tastes
  • Easy assembly for fewer worries

Cons

  • The metal frame could be more seamlessly done

The Art Deco era took inspiration from flower designs which are probably how this dining chair came to be. It looks like it could belong in a fancy old theater based on its gorgeous detailing. However, modern influences come to play once you observe its structured bottom half. Either way, this chair is absolutely stunning and offers a breath of fresh air from all the rigid rectangles and edges we see everywhere today. You can combine this colorful chair with a more modern dining table such as a white marble tabletop or even gorgeous clear glass. It also comes in more subdued colors if you’re not a fan of the red.

 

Key Features

  • Has an adjustable height with a pneumatic lift
  • The chair has a button-tufted backrest

Specifications

  • This office chair measures 22 inches by 27 inches by 45 inches
  • This chair makes use of gorgeous vintage red grain leather

Pros

  • Great flexibility and comfort
  • Covered with smooth top-grain leather

Cons

  • Red color can be tricky to incorporate into the design

The demand for office chairs is now higher than it’s ever been with more people working from home every day. They realize it’s hard to work for eight hours a day with the chairs they currently have. It’s not uncommon today to see people investing in a chair that can support their posture or just a chair they can be really comfortable in throughout the day. This swivel chair is probably one of the best vintage furniture pieces you could come across. Not only is it very comfortable, but it also looks unique compared to the majority of commercial office chairs. It’s very reminiscent of the famous marshmallow chair by legendary designer, Irving Harper, which adds to its sense of prestige too.

 

 

Vintage Furniture for the Modern Home

These gorgeous vintage furniture pieces will no doubt add that dash of old-world charm that your spaces have been craving. If there’s one thing that a lot of vintage furniture has that modern furniture doesn’t is the fine detailing that takes so long to do. Stunning carved details and ornaments can make your space feel fit for royalty or just be enough to give your room that extra oomph of character and individuality. There are also vintage furniture pieces that are designed to become focal points in a room to break the monotony and ultimately steal the show. This is most commonly seen with small but stately pieces such as a gorgeous vintage lamp.

 

 

Whether it reminds you of cozy days at your family home or you just want to accent your home, adding vintage pieces will feel much more personal to you. At the end of the day though, the best vintage furniture is what makes your soul happy and fulfilled. You should find yourself in a space that you can feel proud of when you come home to it after a long day. It also doesn’t hurt when you select these recommended pieces and come out looking like a total pro at interior design.

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