Everyone wants a beautiful, functional home.
But we all crave a little more than that.
We long for cozy furnishings that say “welcome home” after a long day. We are drawn toward personal reminders of our happiest memories. And, of course, we need quality materials that stand up to the rigors of family life with kids, pets, spills and splatters.
With an increased desire for a “lived-in” look, more homeowners are curating their decor with retro or vintage-inspired furnishings. Quality new designs that borrow from prior decades give your home a feeling of permanence and stability. It also adds a sense of history that helps you connect with simpler times.
Lifestyles Furniture offers a wide assortment of well-crafted furniture throughout our showroom. Almost all of our items are customizable, so you can choose the perfect upholstery pattern to create the look you want.
Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind for choosing quality retro items for your decor.
#1: Learn Your Terminology for Blending Old & New
Most people use words like antique, vintage and retro interchangeably. The truth is, they each mean different things. Knowing the difference will help you shop smart when choosing home furnishings and decorations from different eras.
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- An antique is any furnishing or decor item that is at least 100 years old. Many people already have antiques in their homes that were owned by prior generations of their families or purchased at antique stores. Examples would be a sturdy bookshelf from the 19th century or an old gramophone from the early 20th century.
- Vintage refers to an item that is between 20 and 99 years old. If you’ve still got a set of chairs from the 1950s, a dining table from the 1970s or a media console from the 1990s, those items are considered vintage.
- Retro describes newer items that are designed to resemble antiques or vintage pieces. An example here would be a beautiful new sofa that echoes popular themes from the 1980s. Retro gives you the best of both worlds: the nostalgic look you want, with quality, up-to-date materials you need.
#2: Choose Quality Materials with a Sense of History
Think of furniture as an investment. When you choose quality, you’re getting something that will look fabulous year after year and withstand the ups and downs of daily living. You can find a wide range of gorgeous furnishings made with beautiful and durable materials that evoke the sentimental memories of years gone by.
Here are some great ways to choose well-crafted new furnishings with a vintage feel:
- Rattan or wicker: Want to transform your home into a stress-free zone? The natural beauty of rattan or wicker tables, chairs or bookshelves brings a calming atmosphere to any room in the house.
- Rich woods and earth tones: The cool gray finishes of the last decade have given way to warm color palettes that evoke the cozy simplicity of decades past. A great example would be a wood cabinet with elegant hardware and vertical grooves.
- Pretty paint colors: The hand-painted furniture motifs of earlier times have made a comeback. Look for wood or metal bed frames, tables or chairs in a favorite shade.
- Elegant upholstery: Silk and other upscale materials are a perfect choice for sentimental design trends like coastal grandmother. This sumptuous fabric is the perfect way to impress your guests.
- Curved shapes: Want to recreate the feel-good vibes of the 1960s or ‘70s? Choose a fabulous, curved sofa for the living room, comfy chairs with curved arms or a round dining table for the breakfast nook.
- Carved detailing: Express your personal style with carved features that harken back to the classic looks of decades past. From floral designs to geometric patterns, you’ll find lots of wonderful options to choose from.
#3: Blend the Best Ideas from Different Decades
Think your furniture has to all look the same? Think again!
There’s no better way to give your home a welcoming vibe than by mixing and matching your favorite looks from different eras and style families.
Your goal is to balance character, functionality and comfort. Bring that antique dining table into the current century with a new set of modern chairs. Or let a fabulous new sofa breathe new life into a vintage coffee table. Choose custom upholstery in a classic style to give that new recliner a cozy feel.
Want to inject a sense of fun? Look for colors and designs from your youth, combined with quality construction and materials to meet your grown-up needs of today. For example, choose a retro dining table with a taller seat height for greater comfort for you and your guests.
To add a sense of history to a contemporary interior, choose a few mid–century modern chairs. It’s the perfect way to give your space a classic feel that’s also forward-looking.
#4: Accent with Throwback Decor & Appliances
Think holistically when choosing home decor items to complement your decor and bring back memories of times gone by.
- Vintage-inspired lighting: Create an eclectic pairing by placing a Victorian style lamp atop a modern accent table.
- Fringe and tassels: Cushy blankets and throw pillows aren’t just for napping. Bold prints and playful fringes add a dash of fun to your living room.
- Vibrant prints and patterns: Another great way to energize your space is to look for wallpaper, curtains and other accents in bright colors, bold floral motifs and other exciting designs.
- Keepsake art and decor: Vintage paintings or posters from previous decades help you personalize your space while complementing your furniture. From heirloom quilts to retro barware and souvenir collections, the possibilities here are virtually endless.
Shop Local for the Best Home Furnishings
Looking for well-crafted furnishings in a range of popular styles? Visit us at Lifestyles Furniture! You’ll find fresh designs as well as classic looks, and almost every item in the store can be customized to match your decor.
Not sure what you need? Let our friendly experts help you select the best options for creating the personalized home decor of your dreams.
Call us at 573-874-1550 or contact us online if you need more information.
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