Five living-room looks with vintage chic

How to use vintage and reclaimed pieces for a living room you won’t want to leave

Dedicated almost solely to comfort, your choice of decor in your living room should tell a story about the people who live there, from the books on the coffee table to the photography and artwork on the walls. Whether you’re more at home with elegant minimalism or practical country chic, fine antiques or quirky collectables, the aim is to create a welcoming retreat, and with so little to restrict your design decisions, why not get creative?

Check out our five vintage-inspired styles, with tips on how to get the look.

Retro vibes

Capture a sense of nostalgia for the vibrant, design-led style of the 1960s and 70s, but with a stylish, contemporary update – and maybe a splash of psychedelic colour. It’s a fun option for fans of mid-century design, whether you’re keen to source original designs or mix and match with other pieces. There’s no need to slavishly recreate one era, but pick and choose the elements that work for you.

Look out for original 60s lighting such as Anglepoise lamps in vibrant shades or statement sculptural Danish pendants. Make cushions, curtains and blinds in original mid-century fabrics, or choose from modern prints by brands such as Marimekko or Orla Kiely that reflect the same graphic style.

Source original G Plan and Ercol sofas and chairs with their simple, smooth lines – reupholster if necessary – and add a vibrant geo-print rug  for a more contemporary take on the old-style patterned carpets. Complete the look with fun finishing touches – vintage film or art posters, an elegant old typewriter, displays of collectable LPs or Penguin classics, and a kitsch accessory makes a great talking point too.

Rustic heritage

A celebration of reclaimed and natural materials, the rustic aesthetic showcases unadorned wood, stone, concrete, steel and bricks alongside collected pieces that reflect our industrial and agricultural heritage.

With a palette of white, greys or neutrals, the look should also have as a grittier edge incorporating darker shades and pieces with unpolished surfaces. Peeling paint and distressed finishes, even a touch of authentic rust, are all acceptable here. Aged leather chairs, battered vintage suitcases and coffee-sack curtains all look the part.

Dress reclaimed wooden flooring with cosy sheepskin or deep-pile Berber rugs and make cushions from hessian sacks or recycled linen. A feature log burner or open fire will add winter warmth and all-year style, while whitewashed wooden clapboard wall panelling conveys that half-converted barn look – the ideal backdrop for displaying quirky objets trouvé, such as vintage tools or signage.

Old wooden ladders can be used as display shelves or to hang throws; galvanised barrels, buckets or dolly bins can be repurposed as log baskets, small side tables or planters; while original cast-iron radiators, industrial metal light fittings, and solid pieces of furniture such as a beautifully aged oak dresser, finish the scheme perfectly. Mayfly Vintage is good hunting ground for these sorts of pieces. Keep an eye out for intriguing collectables too, from small items such as weighing scales or candleholders for interesting displays, to trolleys that make quirky coffee tables.

Vibrant opulence

Of course, the muted neutral look isn’t for everyone. From the Georgians to the Victorians, deep, sumptuous colours were popular for living rooms, and it’s easy to see why – combining richness in textures, jewel tones and ornate accessories conveys a real sense of luxury.

Don’t be afraid to layer different colours; deep shades often harmonise well together and soften the look. Be playful: a daring contrast colour on the chimney breast draws attention to an elegant period fireplace, or hang an ornate gilt mirror or statement piece of artwork above the mantel to achieve a similar effect.

While this style can suit substantial antique furniture such as a heavy Victorian armoire or dresser, especially in a large room, freestyling with pieces from a range of eras prevents a stage-set effect. The streamlined, curvaceous shape of mid-century chairs and sofas upholstered in plush velvet are luxe with a contemporary edge (Pamono stocks a wide range, with plenty of jewel-coloured options); while a gilt-and-glass art deco bar trolley or coffee table can add a touch of glittery 1920s Jazz Age glamour.

Traditional Victorian drawing rooms often had a busy feel, with the walls and furniture providing a gallery for multiple artworks and collectables. Paring back on the clutter and making a feature of a design-led piece or two – a statement light fitting or an oversized print with the wow factor, for example – will add an element of surprise that keeps the look fresh and modern.

Scandi chic

If you’re hoping to give your living space a thrifty makeover, Scandi style is practical and works perfectly with preloved, handmade and upcycled pieces. A coffee table made with old pallets or scaffolding boards will fit right in, while pine dressers can be picked up cheaply and given a chalk paint makeover.

For fans of tidying guru Marie Kondo, this is also a look that eschews clutter in favour of carefully chosen, harmonious pieces set against a clean backdrop of white, grey and palest pastels – with a hint of black, navy or charcoal to add a little edge. If you’re looking for inspiration, Design Vintage specialise in a mix of old and new pieces, all with this muted Scandi-style aesthetic, where you’ll find everything from furniture to textiles and accessories.

Simple accessories can become features in a minimalist landscape. An oversized station-style clock, a battered old trunk used as a toy box or side table (Scaramanga is a good source), or reclaimed wooden planks turned into shelving, while an industrial trestle table doubles up as a console or occasional desk. There’s no need for pricey antiques – those charming finds of driftwood, shells, pebbles, dried seedheads and feathers gathered on walks capture the aesthetic as well as your memories.

Classic cottage

The traditional country-style living room epitomises comfort, and this homely feel can be replicated in almost any style of property. It’s the antithesis of the formal drawing room, characterised by pieces with a lived-in look to create a space that invites relaxation.

Nothing should be too new or shiny – an eclectic blend of vintage and contemporary pieces will feel right at home here – while a focus on artworks and accessories inspired by nature all blend perfectly into a country-living look.

Sticking to a soft palette of harmonious, warm colours – encompassing neutrals to soft, nature-inspired shades such as sage, sand or terracotta – will keep the look from veering towards boho. For soft furnishings, reupholster plump vintage sofas or expansive occasional chairs in traditional wool or linen fabrics, and enhance the sense of informality by layering textures – look for chunky crochet or tapestry cushions, English lambswool blankets and  curtains in stripes, floral chintz or checks (we love the pretty linen fabrics in muted shades at Olive + Daisy).

An open fire with a wicker log basket is an essential focal point of the cosy cottage look, so if your room doesn’t have a fireplace then consider adding an antique surround, or installing a log burner. Just add a Labrador and your work is done.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD