A Look Back: Lilac Decor in Vintage Vessels

Lilacs have long been one of my favorite flowers to decorate with each spring—especially when paired with vintage vessels full of character and charm.

In this post, I’m taking a look back at some of the earliest ways I styled lilacs using old crocks, blue and white spongeware, terracotta pots, and classic ironstone pitchers.

The photos may be a little less polished, but the love for lilacs runs deep—and I hope this simple post brings you a bit of floral inspiration and vintage joy.

The Meaning and Magic of Lilacs

Lilacs aren’t just beautiful—they’re full of meaning, too. Often seen as symbols of love, renewal, and even the first stirrings of romance, lilacs bring a little poetry wherever they bloom.

With their fragrant clusters and vibrant purple hues, these springtime favorites have long been loved in gardens, bouquets, and vintage vessels alike.

Whether you’re drawn to their nostalgic scent or old-fashioned charm, lilacs are the kind of flower that always feels like a little celebration of the season.

I’ve been a fan of purple for as long as I can remember—I even begged my parents to paint my childhood bedroom purple (and they did!). So it’s no surprise I’m still head over heels for decorating with lilacs today.

When those first blooms appear, I’m ready to fill every room with their dreamy color and scent. And yes, I’ll admit—I get a little envious seeing all my Southern friends posting their lush lilac bouquets weeks before ours even think about blooming. But the wait is finally over here in the North, and I’m diving in headfirst.

Let’s get inspired by these gorgeous spring blooms!

6 Purple Lilac Bouquet Styling Ideas

Purple lilacs can add a touch of beauty and elegance to any space. Here are some decorating ideas incorporating purple lilacs:

Decorating with Lilacs in the Sunroom

Sipping coffee in the sunroom is one of our favorite ways to start the day—especially in spring when the lilacs are blooming.

Adding a simple bouquet to the space instantly brightens the room and fills it with that sweet, nostalgic scent we all love.

This arrangement, in a vintage ceramic vase, sits perfectly on the glass table, surrounded by soft spring light. A lavender-glass antique lamp glows quietly in the background, next to a well-loved blue coffee table book—it’s a dreamy little corner that makes mornings feel extra special.

A few years ago, I shared our Vermont sunroom makeover (my very first room reveal on the blog!), and these blooming purple lilacs made the space come to life.

Vintage Champagne Bucket Lilac Moment

For a little change-up, I swapped the lilacs into an old silver champagne bucket I found while thrifting—for just $8! It adds the perfect touch of vintage charm and feels a little fancy without even trying.

Meanwhile, our sweet Bernese Mountain Dog, Ella, patiently waited nearby, clearly wondering when dinner would be served instead of another photo shoot. She’s always part of the fun—and the flowers.

Coffee Table Blooms

In the living room, I added purple lilac to one of my mother’s vintage crocks and decorated the antique butter churn and coffee table, which has been in our family for decades.

Decorating with Lilacs and Antique Furniture

There’s something so timeless about the way purple lilac blooms pair with rich antique wood tones—I just love this cozy, collected look.

In this vignette, I styled a simple bouquet of lilacs in a vintage crock on an antique table at the end of our dining room in Coastal Maine.

With layered pine flooring, an old rug, and classic pieces throughout the space, the lilacs add just the right touch of color and freshness.

Want to see more of this room and how we style our antiques year-round? Visit our Coastal Maine Home Tour for all the latest updates and ideas!

Lilacs in the Bathroom? Yes, Please!

Have you ever thought about decorating with lilacs in the bathroom? It might not be the first place that comes to mind, but adding fresh blooms here is such a lovely surprise.

I styled this bouquet in a classic white ironstone pitcher and placed it on top of a cabinet my father built years ago—it’s one of those small touches that instantly makes the room feel special.

Next to the bouquet sit two of my favorite little treasures: antique mustache mugs. (Have you heard of them? They were designed to keep a gentleman’s mustache dry while sipping coffee or tea!) I always laugh at how delicate and feminine they look for such a practical purpose. These belonged to my mother, along with the tiny sterling silver baby hairbrush you’ll see tucked nearby—which was mine as a child.

On the windowsill, vintage tin jars filled with potpourri catch the light—another one of my mother’s sweet styling touches that still makes me smile every time I walk in. It’s proof that even the smallest spaces can be filled with beauty, memories, and a few lilacs.

And just like that, the lilacs have made their way into every corner of the house—baskets, crocks, pitchers, even the bathroom!

Decorating with lilacs is one of those simple joys that never goes out of style. Whether you’re snipping blooms from the backyard or gathering them from a generous neighbor, I hope these ideas inspire you to sprinkle a little lilac magic throughout your own home this spring.

Thanks so much for stopping by—and happy lilac season!

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