There’s something enduring about a home filled with well-loved things. In a world of fast decor and fleeting trends, vintage pieces bring grounding, beauty, and a sense of story to our spaces. Whether you’re just beginning to collect or are layering character into a home you love, these five vintage staples have earned their place.
They’re not only beautiful, they’re useful, too. If you’re wondering how to decorate with vintage, start with these core pieces that combine style and purpose.
1. Candlesticks: Mood-Makers for Every Corner
Whether metal, wood, ceramic or glass, vintage candlesticks are the quiet heroes of a soulful home. They catch the light, anchor a vignette, and add a flicker of ceremony to everyday moments. Place them on a mantle for atmosphere, a kitchen table for quiet dinners, or a bathroom shelf for candlelit baths. Mismatched pairs can look especially charming and don’t be afraid to let patina and imperfection shine. I personally prefer an aged unpolished brass over the polished look. For those passionate about vintage home decor, candlesticks are a must-have accent and incredibly versatile.
2. The Vintage Jug (That Doubles as a Vase)
A sturdy, sculptural jug in stoneware, enamel, or hand-painted pottery earns its keep ten times over. Fill it with garden stems, use it for serving drinks at a dinner party, or leave it empty, it’s art on its own. I have a penchant for studio pottery, I love the idea of each piece being completely unique and made by hand. Garden stems in a vintage jug are hands down the quickest way to achieve the cottage core feel and can instantly give the feeling of countryside chic to a room. Choose one that feels weighty and tactile. Earthy tones work beautifully in most interiors, but don’t overlook a soft blue or rustic green—they can surprise you with their versatility. This is a top vintage styling tip: pick multi-functional items that offer both form and function. This assists in the justification for such a purchase!
3. A Vintage Artwork: For Wall, Shelf, or Mantle
Art is the soul of a home, and vintage art—whether a still life, abstract, or landscape—adds depth, history, and mood. A small oil painting on a shelf or propped casually on a sideboard can feel effortlessly stylish. Look for pieces that speak to you rather than match your decor. It’s the emotion that makes it work. Framing can elevate the simplest print—don’t be afraid to reframe something you find at a market or auction. A single unique artwork can transform an entire room and showcase your personality. At the same time, don't assume all artwork needs to be framed, an old still life canvas can often look fresher, once it's heavy gilt frame is removed.
4. The Side Table That Does Everything
This is the piece you’ll wonder how you lived without. A small, well-made vintage side table has endless uses:
- A perch for a glass of wine by the sofa
- A candle-holding bath companion
- A plant stand near a sunny window
- A bedside companion when space is tight
Look for solid wood, metal or cane, with a beautiful finish. Round or square, ornate or minimalist, whatever sings to your style. If you love vintage home decorating ideas that are adaptable, this piece is essential.
5. A Ceramic Bowl (for All the Little Things)
The simplest objects are often the most loved. A hand-thrown ceramic bowl can live by the front door for keys, on your nightstand for jewellery, or in the kitchen for garlic bulbs or limes. Choose one with texture and glaze that invites touch. Once more, look at the form and the function. Where do you see it being used best in your home? If you get drawn to a particular piece, then go for it! These bowls are an easy entry point into vintage decorating, perfect for any home.
Vintage pieces don’t just sit quietly on shelves. They offer warmth, function, and a thread of the past woven into your present. Start with one—or all five—and let your home grow with stories over time. If you come across a piece and it captures your heart, then it belongs in your home!
What’s your favourite vintage staple? I’d love to hear what piece you couldn’t live without. Let’s keep the conversation going and follow along for more vintage styling tips and stories from The Blue Loft.
Anna x
