How to Style Vintage Homeware in Modern Interiors, According to an Interior Expert
From statement Tiffany lamps to brass ornaments and antique oak side tables, vintage interiors are having a major moment. With searches for “vintage homeware” on the up and Pinterest naming Opera Aesthetics as a key trend this year*, it’s clear the appetite for vintage-inspired interiors is gaining momentum.
To help those looking to blend vintage elements into their modern-day interiors, Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, shares her top tips for styling vintage homeware and why homeowners are becoming more considered with their interior choices.
Natalia Willmott, Vintage and Antique Expert, also shares advice for those looking to invest in vintage homeware items, the items that are making a comeback, and how people can tell whether an item is truly vintage.
Why are vintage aesthetics gaining popularity?
Natalia Willmott, Vintage and Antique Expert, commented on the rise in vintage aesthetics, saying “I think people are craving homes that feel human again. After years of fast interiors and algorithm-led design, there’s a growing desire for spaces that feel layered, personal and emotionally grounding. Vintage and antique pieces offer instant depth as they carry craftsmanship, history and a sense of continuity.”
She continues, “There’s also a strong sustainability angle. Buying vintage is one of the most responsible ways to furnish a home, because you’re extending the life of something already beautifully made. But just as important is the story element. A few small vintage pieces on a coffee table can spark conversation and connection. For me, the home should be a place that hugs you and somewhere you find comfort and tell your story through the objects you live with.”
When it comes to specific items that are rising in popularity, Natalia says, “Decorative ceramics have made a huge return, particularly mid-century studio pottery, hand-thrown bowls and characterful glass vases. I’m also seeing renewed interest in Art Deco art and design, especially as we’ve recently celebrated 100 years since the famous Paris Art Deco exhibition.”
She adds, “Mismatched vintage tableware that can be collected and added to over time is also gaining popularity. These are pieces that feel tactile and expressive rather than overly polished. People aren’t necessarily chasing perfection, they’re drawn to items they can play with and reinterpret by styling them in different ways.”
Natalia’s top three tips to consider when purchasing vintage items:
- Buy emotionally, not trend-led. “If you’re drawn to a piece, it will always feel right in your home.”
- Start small. “Decorative objects and ceramics are an accessible way to build confidence and develop your eye.”
- Let pieces earn their place. “Choose items that add meaning or beauty, not just something to fill a gap.”
She gives additional insight on how people can distinguish between genuine vintage items and reproduced pieces. “Weight, materials and finish are often the biggest clues, along with hallmarks and signatures. Taking time to look at objects and slowly learn about them is essential. Visiting museums and auction houses is invaluable because you can handle pieces and train your eye.”
She continues, “Vintage ceramics, for example, usually feel heavier and more substantial, with glazes that have depth rather than uniformity. Signs of age, such as wear, patina and small imperfections, are usually reassuring, not something to be afraid of. I’d also encourage people to buy from trusted dealers who are transparent about age, origin and condition, rather than relying solely on visual cues.”
How to blend vintage with modern interiors
Magdalena says, “Vintage and antique décor has an unmatched ability to completely transform a space when styled thoughtfully. Vintage elements instantly inject a sense of character, charm, and storytelling to a room, making a space feel more curated and intentional rather than just buying furniture for a functional space.”
She continues, “We’re seeing many more trends lean into vintage aesthetics. This year especially, we can expect to see more of a rejection of modern minimalism and see people embrace characterful interiors through the opera aesthetic and curated clutter trends, both of which embrace eclectic maximalist spaces.”
Start with small items or décor if you’re new to vintage
“If you’re looking to incorporate vintage elements into your interior space, the key is to start small and build up your collection gradually. I’d recommend beginning with accent pieces like a Tiffany lamp, mirrors, artwork, or ceramics. These are all items that add visual interest and introduce vintage elements without overwhelming a space and can work in pretty much any room.”
Madgalena adds, “When introducing these smaller elements, try vertical styling. These items often create the most visual interest at eye level, rather than spread across side tables. Positioning ceramics on shelves or creating a gallery wall offers the perfect opportunity to really showcase these collected pieces.”
She continues, “Styling vertically can also add visual height to a room, making it feel much more spacious, which can work particularly well for curated clutter-inspired spaces, allowing you to layer personality and visual interest without overwhelming the room and making it feel much more open and breathable, while still incorporating charm and character.”
Curate with intention
Magdalena explains, “Vintage elements are best when they’re thoughtfully curated. The idea behind curated clutter is to create a cohesive collection of items that reflects your personal style and space, rather than literally cluttering it.”
She continues, “When purchasing vintage items, it’s easy to be a little more impulsive, particularly as many pieces are one-of-a-kind and unlikely to be found again. However, it’s important to consider how each item will work and look within your existing space. Think about the scale, colour, and function, and whether the item actually complements the furniture you already own. This will result in a space that feels more considered and cohesive, rather than messy.”
Balance old with new
Magdalena says, “A common mistake people make when styling a vintage-inspired space is going too heavy with the look, which can shift a space from feeling intentionally styled to appearing frozen in time. The key is to strike the right balance between vintage and more modern-day interior pieces.”
She suggests, “There’s a widely used interior rule that helps create a balanced and more visually appealing space when mixing styles. Around 60% of a room should be led by the dominant style, which would be the modern anchor pieces, such as a bed, sofa, armchair, and larger furniture typically bought new. The remaining 40% can then be dedicated to complementary styles, allowing vintage elements to be layered thoughtfully without overwhelming the space.”
Sources – *Opera Aesthetic according to Pinterest Predicts 2026.
Top photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash
