Discover how to design a stylish and inviting vintage aesthetic bedroom. Embrace the beauty of the past to create a small, cozy sanctuary with thrifted treasures.
I haven’t been out to do any “real” thrifting in a few weeks, but I’m headed to Maine today to hit up all the shops up and down the coast. See my favorites in the Vintage Shops Near Me: Vermont to Maine post. It’s a great time of the year to do this, as it’s quiet and the shops are all reopening. I’ll be joining my friend Molly in Maine on Monday, too, so stay tuned for all the thrifted goodies on the horizon.
In the meantime, let’s talk about vintage aesthetic bedrooms!
What is a Vintage Aesthetic Bedroom
A vintage aesthetic bedroom is a charming and nostalgic space that incorporates elements from different eras to create a cozy and timeless atmosphere. This style embraces the beauty of vintage furniture, decor, and textiles, giving the room a sense of history and character. Here are some key features and design elements to consider when creating a vintage aesthetic bedroom:
What makes a vintage room look vintage?
Creating a vintage aesthetic bedroom is about curating a space that reflects your personal style and appreciation for the past. Mix and match vintage elements with modern conveniences to create a comfortable and inviting space that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Thrifting with the Gals
It’s the third Thursday of the month, which means it’s time for “Thrifting with the Gals.” A monthly blog series where my friends and I share vintage finds, tips, tricks, and home decorations from around the country. You may sign up here for Dabbling & Decorating and never miss a post.
First up on today’s “Thrifting with the Gals” blog series is Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse, who is sharing Repurposed Architectural Salvage Ideas Budget Vintage Decor. And you won’t want to miss the other gals sharing all their vintage finds today, too!
New Hosts
We have a new monthly host joining us permanently, too: Lora from Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder. I’m sure many of you remember Lora, as she’s joined us as a guest host on many occasions. I hope you’ll drop by and welcome her! And, of course, we’d also like to welcome back our monthly guest host, Joanna from Joanna Anastasia Blog, who is sharing Fun and Colorful Spring Decor in 3 Easy Steps.
Vintage Aesthetic Bedroom Ideas
Vintage aesthetic bedrooms are all about creating a charming and nostalgic space that reflects the beauty of bygone eras. Whether you love the elegance of Victorian decor, the rustic charm of farmhouse style, or the retro vibes of the 1950s, here are some vintage bedroom ideas to help inspire you.
Bedroom Walls
Bedroom Wall Paint
Let’s start with the bedroom walls. Choose your favorite color theme. If your bedroom is small, choose lighter color patterns to keep the bedroom bright and looking airy. Larger rooms can handle darker, bolder color choices.
Bedroom Wallpaper
My favorite for a vintage aesthetic bedroom is wallpaper. Every time I see a bedroom with wallpaper, it looks so charming, inviting, and unique. I just love it! Last year, we wallpapered three of our bedrooms. See more in the 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn post.
The wallpaper in this small guest bedroom is Karins in Sky Blue, gifted to us by Wallpaper Direct
Vintage aesthetic Wall Art
Collect and add vintage wall art like this old framed needlepoint piece and this antique “Age of Innocence” framed print that I found at an estate sale, which you may learn more about in the Country Estate Sale: A Vintage Treasure Hunt post.
Vintage Aesthetic Bed
Vintage aesthetic beds refer to beds that have a vintage or retro-inspired design. These beds often feature ornate details, intricate carvings, and antique finishes. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and can add a touch of old-world charm to a bedroom. Vintage aesthetic beds come in various styles, such as Victorian, Art Deco, or mid-century modern, and they are often made of wood or metal.
Now, this can be tricky. We all want a comfortable bed to sleep in. Therefore, if you are looking to find a vintage-aesthetic bed, you don’t want one that creeks or is unstable. It’s important to really inspect your vintage and antique beds before purchasing one.
Pro Tip:
Did you know that antique beds can only be found in Twin and Full sizes? Queen and King beds were not introduced to the market until the 1950s.
My Favorite Bed Styles with a Vintage Aesthetic
You may also be inspired by this Cottage Core Inspired by 3 Days Glamping in the Adirondacks post.
Bedroom Dresser
A vintage bedroom dresser is a piece of furniture with a nostalgic or antique appeal that was popular in the past. It often features unique designs, craftsmanship, and materials that reflect the style of the era in which it was made. Incorporating a vintage dresser into your bedroom can add charm and character to the space.
You can find vintage or antique bedroom dressers without breaking the bank, too. Try shopping your local flea markets, thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity stores, and more. You can also DIY your own dresser to make it look old. See more in these posts:
I honestly love incorporating vintage and antique dressers into every room of our homes. From the living room to the bathrooms, you will find a vintage bureau. They are wonderful storage solutions, too.
Vintage Aesthetic Bedding
Quilts
My favorite bedding for vintage-aesthetic bedrooms are old handmade quilts. I fold mine and display them on the bedroom’s dresser, as I’ve done with these quilts, which I inherited from my mother. But I also use the quilts on our beds too. See more in the How to Fold and Display Heirloom Quilts post.
Where to Find Vintage Quilts?
My favorite place to purchase vintage quilts is River House Designs on Etsy. Her quilts are beautifully cleaned and restored, and the colors and patterns are classic vintage aesthetic.
Throw Pillows
Collect and add vintage throw pillows, like embroidery or retro pillows, to your bed. You can find pillows very affordably at your local thrift shops, second-hand shops, and flea markets. If you are crafty, you could also make your own vintage-aesthetic throw pillows like the ones here that Rachel shared in her Easy to Make Decorative Pillows with Scrap Fabric post.
Vintage Aesthetic Window Treatments
Add a touch of romance and vintage charm to your bedroom with lace curtains. My favorite lace curtains, which I chose for all three of our bedrooms, are FINECITY Lace Curtains. They add privacy yet let the light flow in, all combined with an easy vintage aesthetic vibe. And extremely affordable.
You may also enjoy the Coastal Curtains for Living Room: A Nautical Vintage Story and How to Fold and Hang Tie-Up Valance Curtains posts. They are both unique vintage aesthetic window treatment options.
Vintage Luggage Racks
Vintage luggage racks are a charming and functional addition to a vintage-style bedroom. They provide a nostalgic touch while offering a practical solution for storing and displaying luggage, blankets, or other items.
When thrifting for vintage luggage racks, look for ones made of sturdy materials like wood or metal. Consider the overall style and color scheme of your space to ensure the rack complements your existing decor. Whether you use it for storage, display, or as a decorative element, a vintage luggage rack adds a touch of character to any room.
Vintage luggage racks are also easily customizable. You can paint them and add new strapping to match your bedroom’s decor.
Breakfast Trays
Breakfast trays are a delightful and practical addition to any morning routine. They offer a touch of nostalgia and elegance while providing a convenient way to enjoy breakfast in bed or a cozy meal anywhere in your home.
Treat yourself or a loved one to a luxurious breakfast-in-bed experience with a breakfast tray. Serve a tray filled with delicious goodies like fresh fruit, pastries, and a cup of coffee or tea. The vintage charm of the tray will elevate the experience and make it feel extra special.
Vintage Aesthetic Bedroom Accessories
Lastly, you’ll want to add bedroom accessories that will accent your vintage aesthetic bedroom style. Here are a just few ideas…
You may also find inspiration in this Vintage Vibe Aesthetics to Treasure post.
You may also enjoy the 21 Vintage Finds: 4 Days Thrifting in Coastal Maine post.
Vintage Clothes Hangers
Vintage clothes hangers are a unique and stylish way to add a touch of nostalgia to your closet and enhance the presentation of your clothing. They can be functional and decorative at the same time.
Display vintage clothes hangers to showcase your collection of vintage clothing. Hang your favorite dresses, blouses, or bathrobes on the hangers and display them in an open closet or on a clothing rack. The vintage hangers will add an extra layer of authenticity and charm to your vintage pieces.
Create a vintage-inspired closet by replacing your regular plastic or wire hangers with vintage clothes hangers. The unique shapes, materials, and designs of the hangers will instantly elevate the look of your closet. Opt for wooden hangers with carved details or crochet hangers with ornate hooks for a vintage touch.
Hand-tied Bed Canopies
If you have a canopy bed, one of my favorite vintage-aesthetic bedroom additions are these hand-tied bed canopies made by the Hand Tied Bed Company, inspired by our friends at The Grafton Inn in Vermont.
See more in the Hand Tied Bed Canopies Merge Vintage Charm with Modern Finishings post.
If you like this handmade spindle canopy bed, you may find a similar one here: English Farmhouse Spindle Canopy Bed.
In Conclusion
Creating a vintage aesthetic bedroom is all about capturing the essence of the past while infusing it with your personal style. By carefully selecting furniture, colors, patterns, and accessories, you can transform your bedroom into a cozy and nostalgic retreat reminiscent of a bygone era.
Happy thrifting~
Gratefully Vintage
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
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So many beautiful ideas in your post Ann!! I love the way your collections come together! Your bandaids in the basket is the cutest!
Thank you Kristin!
Wow, what a thorough post full of great vintage bedroom ideas, Ann! Loved seeing all your bedrooms full of amazing vintage finds; your homes are so cozy and welcoming. Excited to be joining you ladies each month:)
Thanks so much Lora! Happy Sunday.
I’m obsessed with all these details -your wallpapers, the accessories and the pops of colour- everything is so gorgeous!
Thank you so much Joanna!
Ann, I discovered a few years ago that the queen size mattress is a “newer” size that most old bed frames. But! Most mattress stores and furniture stores that sell beds, sell a converter rails for the double to fit a queen mattress! The mattress is only 1” wider on each side of the headboard and footboard. I have done this with two vintage double bed frames and have been very happy with the results!
Thank you for all your wonderful ideas!
This is such great information, thanks so much for sharing Katherine and always glad when you drop in and say hello. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ann
All the vintage bedroom aesthetic is so charming. Have fun today.
Thanks Rachel!