Does Vintage Necessarily Mean Old?

by jessica ackerman

vintage refurbished chair

The word vintage often makes us think about antiques, from furniture to home decor styles, but there is more than old stuff to a vintage look. You do not have to head to the thrift store to get vintage items either, although this is a great place to start looking for items for a vintage, shabby chic or eclectic design style for any room. Vintage does not mean old, although it does lend a classic, traditional, or antique look to the room. Here are some helpful tips:

A vintage look can also mean that the colors or furniture styles look antique, even if they are new. Consider a couch from a modern designer that has a great 1950s look. It is considered vintage in style, but it is a brand new couch still. Colors that are classic choices, such as striking color contrasts like black and white, are also considered vintage, although many contemporary designers use them in all sorts of design styles. Using the word “vintage” in this way indicates that the item looks antique or the color style is traditional or classic.

Vintage can indicate that you bought the item from an antique store, too. The most common perception of vintage is that the item is antique, and this is true in some cases. While many antiques are prohibitively expensive, you can also find affordable antiques at antique and resale stores, flea markets, antique shows, garage sales and from other second hand sources, including your grandmother’s attic!

You can make furniture or accessories look vintage with some creativity. There are a few painting and staining techniques that can give furniture an antique look, which is a great way to decorate with a vintage sense of style without spending a lot of money. Many websites and blog forums are dedicated to painting methods that allow the furniture to look aged but offer a contemporary twist. This is a great option if you want to decorate with a vintage look but do not have a big budget to fund the project.

Do not believe the myth that vintage items are all going to need repair or updating. Whether you purchase something antique or get a great piece from your parent’s attic, a vintage item does not have to be something that needs a lot of work in order to be presentable. This is a misconception that often causes people to avoid shopping for or purchasing vintage items.

You can decorate with a vintage look in any room of your home, not just those that have less traffic. We often see vintage styles associated with bedrooms and living rooms, but you can have a lot of fun with a vintage design throughout your home. For example, vintage dishes and colors can help you create a fabulous dining room table. A vintage coffee table from the 1960s or 70s can look terrific with a contemporary couch and you may be able to pick one up for next to nothing at a neighborhood garage sale. Mix vintage finds with modern furnishing to create unique style.

Designer and writer, Alyssa Davis of Metal-Wall-Art.com, has many ideas for bringing style to your home with coffee cup wall art and trumpet metal wall art.