7 Vintage Coastal Decor Finds to Start a Charming Guest Bedroom Makeover

Looking for vintage coastal decor ideas to style your summer guest bedrooms?

I spent the day antiquing just outside Bar Harbor, Maine at a charming shop called Two Old Goats—and I found a haul of treasures perfect for our attic bedroom makeover.

Today, I’m sharing what I found and how I plan to use these vintage pieces to bring charm and character to our newly wallpapered spaces—plus ideas to help you restyle your own room with coastal antique finds.

Coastal Maine Guest Bedroom Makeover with Vintage Charm

After nearly a month on the road through Newfoundland, we’re thrilled to be back at our summer home in Southern Maine—and even more excited that our upstairs guest bedrooms are finally finished! With fresh wallpaper, repainted trim, and all the attic charm you’d expect in an old New England coastal cottage (think vaulted ceilings and latched doors), it’s time to decorate.

I found seven vintage coastal decor pieces from Two Old Goats Antique Center near Bar Harbor that are perfect for starting this guest bedroom makeover—and I can’t wait to show you how they’ll add charm, character, and that classic New England storybook feel.

Where This Vintage Guest Bedroom Makeover Began

Before wallpaper and vintage coastal finds came into play, these attic bedrooms—with their wood floors, latched doors, and vaulted ceilings—were cozy New England spaces we created while my parents were still living. Here’s a look back at where they started.

7+1 Vintage Coastal Decor Finds to Spark Your Guest Bedroom Style

These vintage coastal treasures aren’t just pretty pieces—they each tell a story. From a beloved blue chippy bucket I couldn’t bring home (but still plan to style in spirit!) to small-space-friendly finds with big charm, I’m sharing how I plan to use each one in our attic guest bedroom—and how you can bring similar vintage touches into your own home.

1. Vintage Ironstone Soup Tureen — A Coastal Cottage Classic

While browsing this new-to-me antique shop in Maine, I spotted this timeless white ironstone soup tureen—and couldn’t believe it was just $12! Complete with delicate handles and just enough crazing to show its age, it’s the kind of piece that fits beautifully into any vintage coastal home.

Why I bought it

Okay—yes, the $12 price tag was irresistible! But what really drew me in was the authentic ironstone patina: the age spots, the fine crackle, and the soft discoloration inside. This vintage soup tureen is full of character, and I love using pieces like this for everything from seasonal flower arrangements to coastal coffee table styling. It’s timeless, affordable, and full of vintage cottage charm.

How I Plan to Style It

This vintage ironstone soup tureen will find its new home on a dresser in our freshly finished guest bedroom. I’m envisioning it resting on a delicate vintage doily, filled with a loose summer bouquet or maybe even a few pieces of driftwood from our Newfoundland trip. It could also sit beautifully on an old wicker chair in the corner or even serve as a charming doorstop with a touch of floral whimsy. However you choose to style a piece like this, it’s a simple way to add vintage character and coastal charm to any bedroom space.

2. Classic White Ironstone Pitcher — A Timeless Thrifted Favorite

White ironstone is a dense, durable ceramic that dates back to the early 1800s, originally created as an affordable alternative to porcelain. Known for its creamy white glaze and sturdy feel, ironstone became a household staple across England and America—and today, it’s a favorite among vintage collectors for its timeless appeal. Whether you’re drawn to its subtle hairline cracks, chunky handles, or elegant simplicity, ironstone pieces like this pitcher add instant charm and history to any antique or cottage-style home. And, ironstone is one of my 9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling.

Why I Bought It

For just $12, this solid white ironstone pitcher was a no-brainer. Its classic shape and clean, creamy glaze make it a go-to vintage decor piece for every season—whether styled with winter evergreens, spring blooms, or fall foliage. Ironstone is beautifully versatile, pairing effortlessly with all colors and patterns, and this piece will look especially charming alongside the soup tureen I found. It brings that understated, elegant simplicity that works so well in a vintage coastal bedroom.

How I Plan to Style It

In our attic guest bedroom, I’ll likely let this ironstone pitcher stand alone—it’s that striking on its own. Whether placed on a side table or dresser, it adds quiet beauty and timeless appeal. Its clean lines and sturdy shape make it a unique accent that doesn’t need much else to shine in a cozy, antique-inspired bedroom setting.

And see this old wicker hamper I found for these bedrooms, too in this 6 Summer Home Decor Finds I Scored at Goodwill (and How I Styled them!) post.

3. Pair of Red Vintage Carriage Lanterns — Bold Accents with Antique Charm

These two red vintage lanterns instantly caught my eye with their vibrant color and rustic patina. Likely once used on a horse-drawn carriage or early railway, they now offer a bold pop of character and history—perfect for adding a splash of color to a vintage coastal bedroom. Whether used for styling or storytelling, these lanterns are conversation pieces with coastal New England soul.

Why I Bought It

I couldn’t resist the bold pop of red and the timeless vintage charm of these carriage lanterns. While they were originally used on an old horse-drawn carriage, their rustic patina and vibrant color feel perfectly at home in a coastal-inspired space. I love how versatile they are—whether styled for function or flair, they’re a unique vintage find that adds personality and history to any room.

How I Plan to Style It

These lanterns will likely become statement pieces in our attic guest bedrooms. I’m considering hanging them from wall hooks near a window to catch the light or using them as doorstops on either side of the small latched attic doors. Either way, they’ll serve as both decor and conversation starters—bringing a pop of color and a touch of antique character to our cozy coastal Maine retreat.

4. Rare Cornishware Bowl — A Unique Blue and Brown Collectible

Cornishware is a beloved British pottery line that dates back to the 1920s, known for its bold bands of color—most famously blue and white. Originally made by T.G. Green & Co. in England, these pieces were created for everyday use in kitchens and quickly became a staple in homes across the UK. Today, vintage Cornishware is highly collectible for its cheerful stripes, sturdy design, and nostalgic charm.

Why I Bought It

I recently started collecting blue and yellow ware to style our kitchen in Vermont, and this bowl was a unique find I couldn’t pass up. I’ve never seen this exact color combination—blue and brown—on a Cornishware piece before, which made it feel extra special. For just $21, it felt like a bargain and a lovely addition to my growing collection, even if it won’t make its way into the guest bedrooms.

How I Plan to Style It

This Cornishware bowl will head straight to our Vermont kitchen, where I’ve created a cozy vintage display with my blue and yellow ware collection. You may see more in this How to Style and Collect Vintage Yellowware: Antique Mixing Bowls, Crocks, and More post.

5. Framed Sailboat Drawing — Soft Coastal Art with a Driftwood Touch

This small, numbered sailboat drawing titled “The Bland” immediately caught my eye. Set in a driftwood-style frame with soft pastel tones of yellow and blue, it feels like it was made for our coastal guest bedroom. With only 21 prints made, this one is number 17, and it carries a quiet charm that fits beautifully into a vintage New England cottage aesthetic.

Why I Bought It

I was drawn to this piece for its muted color palette and the natural texture of the weathered frame. The tones work perfectly with the sailboat wallpaper in our newly finished attic bedroom—the soft yellows and gold tie in beautifully, adding warmth without overpowering the space. It felt personal, peaceful, and just right for the room.

How I Plan to Style It

I plan to hang this artwork in our large attic guest bedroom, wherever it feels most natural once the rest of the decor is in place. It could go above a dresser or alongside other vintage art for a layered gallery wall look. With its coastal charm and calming palette, it’s a subtle piece that brings both texture and storytelling to the space.

6. Antique “Westward Ho” Nautical Tin — A Vintage Candy Box with Coastal Character

This charming antique tin from the 1920s once held chocolates made by Lovell & Covel, a company known for its beautifully designed packaging. Titled “Westward Ho,” the box features a clipper ship in full sail with colorful nautical graphics and timeworn brass edging. Measuring just under 8 inches wide, it’s a piece of maritime history—and a lovely decorative accent for any vintage coastal space.

Why I Bought It

With our guest bedroom featuring soft blue sailboat wallpaper, I’ve been on the lookout for unique vintage touches to complement the theme—and this tin was perfect. I loved the pastel hues, the old-world ship imagery, and the layered charm it brings. The weathered wear only adds to its character, making it a sweet and unexpected accessory for a nautical-inspired bedroom.

How I Plan to Style It

I plan to display this vintage candy tin on a dresser in the sailboat-themed attic bedroom, possibly filled with soaps or small guest essentials. Its colors tie in beautifully with the wallpaper, and the ship artwork adds just the right touch of maritime nostalgia and coastal cottage charm.

7. Coastal Maine Cookbook — Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie for Seaside Storytelling

This delightful cookbook, Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie: Three Generations of Recipes and Stories from Summers on the Coast of Maine by Rebecca Charles and Deborah DeClemente, is filled with coastal charm. Blending classic New England recipes with family stories from summers spent in Maine, it’s the kind of book that doubles as decor and conversation starter—especially in a cottage or guest bedroom.

Why I Bought It

I love collecting vintage and coastal Maine books like this one to keep around the house. Guests are always drawn to these little pieces of local flavor, whether it’s for the recipes or the stories. The cover design and coastal theme also fit right in with the mood I’m creating throughout our attic bedrooms.

How I Plan to Style It

This book may land on a cozy chair in one of the guest bedrooms or perhaps make its way into our Maine kitchen. Either way, it’s a charming touch that invites guests to slow down and take in the flavor—literally and figuratively—of coastal New England living.

“7+1”. The One That Got Away — A Chippy Pale Blue Bucket with Coastal Charm

Every good thrifting trip has that piece—the one you can’t stop thinking about. For me, it was this pale blue wooden bucket sitting just outside the antique store. The weathered, marine-like patina and perfectly chippy finish made it an instant favorite—not just for me, but for so many of you who saw it on Instagram and messaged me about it! It was the perfect shade of coastal blue and would’ve looked right at home in either of our attic guest bedrooms.

Why I Didn’t Buy It

At $28, I hesitated. I told myself it might be too much for an old wooden bucket, even though I adored the color and character. I planned to circle back for it the next morning—but the shop didn’t open until 10 a.m., and we were already on the road home by 8:30. And just like that, it slipped away. Lesson learned!

How I Would Have Styled It

This charming bucket would’ve made such a sweet touch in our guest bedrooms—maybe tucked beside a dresser with rolled guest towels, filled with magazines, or holding a stack of vintage books. It had that perfect mix of color, texture, and patina that brings so much life to coastal vintage spaces.

Best Vintage and Antique Store Near Bar Harbor, Maine — Two Old Goats in Trenton

Just a few minutes from Bar Harbor, Two Old Goats in Trenton, Maine is a coastal vintage lover’s dream. I stumbled upon it during our stay nearby, and it quickly became one of my favorite antique stops in all of New England. With a variety of vendors, the shop offers a fun mix of vintage coastal decor, affordable Ironstone, and unique one-of-a-kind finds—many with that charming, timeworn New England look. Prices vary by booth, but many are incredibly reasonable (hello, $12 soup tureens!). If you’re planning a trip to the Bar Harbor area, this gem is absolutely worth the stop.

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Summer Guest Bedroom Makeover Plans with Coastal Vintage Charm

These attic guest bedrooms have been on my heart ever since our Country Sampler Magazine photo shoot, when the larger of the two rooms was first featured. Originally an open attic space refinished when my parents were still living, these two tucked-away bedrooms in our coastal Maine home are full of character—and now, they’re finally getting the cozy, vintage makeover I’ve always dreamed of.

This summer, I’m adding charm one thoughtful layer at a time. The larger bedroom will be wallpapered in Sarah Fitz’s sailboat pattern—a perfect nod to coastal Maine, created by a talented local artist with a shop right in York, Maine. The second bedroom leans more into a coastal grandmother style with a soft, Laura Ashley Blue Sea Spray wallpaper that brings warmth, nostalgia, and comfort.

My styling plan? A mix of pastel hues, blue-painted trim, antique dressers, vintage coastal artwork in gold frames, and my parents’ original wooden beds, now dressed in heirloom quilts and cozy bedding. I’ve been collecting just the right vintage touches—like the pieces I shared above—and I’ll be slowly styling the space throughout the summer. It’s not a race—it’s a process full of intention, story, and soul.

“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient… Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith.”
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

Follow along for the final reveal as I create two collected, charming guest bedrooms with vintage coastal style right here in coastal Maine.

Let’s Dive into More Vintage Coastal Decorating Ideas

Looking for even more ways to bring that breezy, nostalgic charm into your home? From thrifted treasures to vintage color palettes, here are a few of my favorite coastal cottage posts that explore blue and white decor, seaside antiques, and the magic of Maine-style thrifting.

Bringing Coastal Cottage Style Home

Looking for more vintage coastal inspiration? Be sure to explore the related posts above—and if you’re thrifting your way through Maine or styling your own flea market finds, I’d love to see what you’re creating. Subscribe to my newsletter for more vintage decor ideas, travel finds, and coastal cottage charm straight from New England.

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