Source: @bryartonfarm
To start with, let’s break down the term vintage farmhouse decor.
There is no unambiguous answer as to what makes an item vintage. As far as we all know, to be vintage an item must be old. But how old? According to Wikipedia:
“There is debate over what
determines if an item is vintage.
Some rely on the definition
of anything old and of value.
The most widely accepted definition
used by antique and vintage professionals
is anything older than 40,
(and less than 100) years old.”
Now, the term farmhouse doesn’t really require further explanation: it’s a house that’s attached to a farm. In vintage farmhouse decor, rustic elements (think solid wood beams, stone or tile floors, wooden doors, wooden tables, fireplaces) play the main role, but any added accents should be vintage or vintage-inspired.
Source: @littlesquaresofjoy (Instagram)
In this blog post, I will explore key elements of the vintage farmhouse decorating style. I will also provide tips on how to incorporate the vintage farmhouse aesthetic into your own home and go over the most popular vintage farmhouse styles used today.
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When considering the key elements of the vintage farmhouse style, we must distinguish the use of natural materials.
Distressed wood pieces are a staple of vintage farmhouse design – the natural and worn look of this type of furniture adds to the overall nostalgic vibe. Wood is also welcome in the form of shiplap walls, wainscoting, flooring, or furniture. Stone is another key component when creating a vintage farmhouse interior. In my opinion, it’s not absolutely essential and it can easily be replaced with the ever-so charming brick. The Hinton Lodge is a lovely testament to brick being an indispensable element of vintage farmhouse decor:
Source: @hintonlodge_ (Instagram)
Galvanized metal accents, such as tin or metal baskets, are another common element in achieving the vintage farmhouse look. These materials add a touch of raw industrial charm and provide a great contrast to the warm and natural feel of the wood elements.
Source: Photo by Debbie Dusenberry, aka curioussofa.com
Another key element in furnishing or decorating farmhouse-style homes is reclaimed wood furniture, and in this case, it should be in the vintage style. This can include anything from old doors (think also antique barn doors) and windows to vintage hutches. Simple and functional decor items, such as a vintage washboard or old school clock, are also a great way to decorate rustic farmhouse interiors.
Source: Liz Marie Blog
A low-key, neutral color palette is yet another defining feature of old farmhouse interior design. This style is all about creating a warm and inviting feeling, so colors like white, beige, brown, and gray are often used to create a sense of calm and tranquility. These colors are often contrasted by a single bold color like navy or olive green.
Source: Kevrose Home
Lastly (and most importantly, too) come antique and vintage home decor pieces such as furniture and accessories. A home in the vintage farmhouse style should showcase a good amount of nostalgic items, such as an antique couch, some old paintings, vintage armchairs, a vintage grandfather clock and more. Smaller items such as dishes, utensils, light fixtures, and such should also be antique or at least look antique.
Source: The Honeycomb Home
Well, of course, a vintage farmhouse interior will look best in an old home – anything built pre-1950s/1960s. However, not everyone is lucky enough to own a classic farmhouse or a Victorian. A home’s architecture and the time period it comes from shouldn’t come as an obstacle to implementing design elements characteristic of the antique farmhouse style. With some interior design tweaks here and there, a modern home can also slowly transition into a vintage farmhouse, well, at least on the inside.
Source: @littlesquaresofjoy (Instagram)
To incorporate the vintage farmhouse style into their home, homeowners should start by thinking about the key elements of this style. The previously mentioned distressed wood furniture, galvanized metal accents, reclaimed materials, and antique-style paintings and artwork featuring farmhouse animals are all great places to start.
Source: Etsy
Additionally, you can amass items that weren’t necessarily intended for use as decor in the first place. Look for:
Source: @vintage_square_
Source: @vintage_square_ (Instagram)
All these will make a perfect addition to a vintage farmhouse interior. Also, always be on the lookout for salvaged architectural materials and architectural details like:
You may utilize such precious details in your upcoming refurbishment or as decor. Add trim to the floors and ceiling, casing around the windows, and wall paneling like shiplap, beadboard (on the ceiling too, if possible), or board and batten.
Source: Midcounty Journal
To achieve a vintage farmhouse style in the bathroom, it would be a good idea to go for:
Source: Vintage Tub
As for the smaller accents, opt for rustic, vintage-style:
Source: @lizlovegrowswild (Instagram)
Try to keep as much as possible out of sight – keep your beauty and skincare products stored away in nice vintage-style containers, baskets, or a nice weathered hutch.
If you’re lucky enough to own a bathroom with windows, then plants will be a wonderful choice to add coziness and warmth to the space. Melanie Bendavid’s vintage-style cottage in the Catskills is a great example:
Source: Town And Country Living
Though not always very practical, I personally also love the idea of adding artwork to a bathroom. I don’t mean the usual cheesy sea or water-related images, but something like classical drawings or even portraits or pastoral scenes.
There is plenty of vintage bathroom art to be found on Etsy and other online marketplaces. You can also look around your home to see if there’s any artwork (old photos, posters, postcards) that could find a new life adorning the bathroom walls.
Source: French Country Cottage
As far as the kitchen, explore online marketplaces or flea markets for:
Go for open shelving, weathered finishes, wood and wicker accents and, if possible, copper pans.
Source: Inspired by Charm
Source: Shabby Love Blog
Exposed wood beams would look wonderful in the kitchen and beyond, but of course, that requires further remodeling. However, if time and resources allow it, then it’s one of the essentials of the vintage rustic farmhouse style.
Source: @alexandratolstoy
For the dining room or dining area, it would be ideal to invest in a wooden, early 20th-century dining set with hoop-back chairs.
Source: @brittany.morian (Instagram)
Even if it’s impossible to find a matching set, mix-and-match seating is the way to go in vintage farmhouse interiors. As long as all the pieces are vintage-style, made from natural materials (preferably various types of wood), and blend well together.
Source: The Elliott Homestead
You can scour online marketplaces, like the Facebook marketplace for vintage furniture finds and other amazing vintage items!
Other rustic farmhouse items to be used in the dining area include:
Source: Moore House Interiors
My absolute favorite idea for a vintage farmhouse dining room, however, is setting up a gallery wall made up of antique-style blue and white plates. A vintage blue willow plate wall will add so much vintage charm to the overall feel of the dining nook.
Now, moving on to the living room area! Here, you should still stick to a neutral palette, but with a little pop of color. Whether this is sea blue, olive green, or brown will depend on the type of vintage farmhouse decor you’re going for (more on that below).
An antique fireplace in a color that complements neutral shades is a foolproof way to transform your space into a vintage farmhouse haven. Speaking of which, I am so enchanted by the Bryarton Farm, which, to me, is a perfect embodiment of vintage farmhouse decor:
Source: Brayrton Farm
But don’t worry if you don’t have a fireplace – look for an old mantel that can be utilized as a decorative piece for seasonal vignettes. Use it to showcase your plants, brass candlestick holders, books, and vintage items like a mirror.
Source: @littlemamawandering (Instagram)
And if there’s a fireplace or a mantel, there should also be paintings above it – at least one prominent painting or poster. When decorating in the antique farmhouse style, look for paintings depicting pastoral scenes or old-style portraits. They will look great encased in gilded ornate frames or just hung on their own for a rustic charm vibe.
Source: relic_interiors (Instagram)
Some other elements and items to consider when decorating your living room in the vintage farmhouse style are:
The fundamental thing to consider when incorporating vintage farmhouse decor into your bedroom is the use of natural fabrics and materials and lots of (natural) textures. Some decor elements that will work great in a vintage farmhouse bedroom are:
Source: @michaela_lorren (Instagram)
When putting together bedding, avoid being matchy-matchy and just make sure that all the items are made of natural materials and go well together.
Use from four to eight throw pillows of different neutral tones and textures. Or six matching throw pillows + one or two in a bold color like brown, green, or blue, depending on the vintage farmhouse style you’re going for.
If possible, get rid of the carpet if you have one, and expose wooden panels or stone instead. Get a natural rug made of jute, linen, sisal, or seagrass (again, look for vintage items).
Source: Rain and Pine
Create a vintage farmhouse gallery wall above your bed for a lovely decorating idea. Look for paintings or posters of pastoral scenes, farmhouse animals, flowers, landscapes, and old portraits. And definitely encase them in vintage gold-tone ornamental frames. Go for a mix of square, rectangular, and oval.
There are several different styles of vintage farmhouse decor, each with its unique distinctive elements. However, what each of these vintage farmhouse styles has in common is the implementation of natural materials and vintage accents. Below I will go over some of the most common styles and their characteristics.
Source: Homes and Gardens
When we hear the word “French”, we usually think of luxury and elegance. Though not all things French are chic, it’s a common belief that does apply to French vintage farmhouse decor.
Source: @_petitpanier (Instagram)
The vintage French farmhouse style is all about elegance and charm and its main features involve:
Source: The Cottage Journal
“The first farmhouse homes in America were built by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, some of the earliest settlements, such as the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, had farmhouses that were built in the early 1600s.”
The American vintage farmhouse style focuses on rustic charm and country elements and is characterized by the use of:
The term industrial is often associated with loft-style decor and the use of metals and wires. The industrial vintage farmhouse combines vintage and industrial elements to create a look that is both stylish and functional.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens / Photo: John Granen
Some of the main features of industrial vintage farmhouse decor include:
Source: @littlesquaresofjoy (Instagram)
Despite its overall cool aesthetic, I think that coastal interior design elements have a certain type of coziness and tranquility to them. It’s no different when it comes to the vintage coastal farmhouse, which is a charming and relaxed interior design aesthetic that draws inspiration from traditional farm houses located near the coast.
I am so captivated by Melody’s beautiful home in Cape Cod — it’s a wonderful mixture of vintage farmhouse decor and coastal charm:
Source: @littlesquaresofjoy (Instagram)
Vintage coastal farmhouse decor is characterized by a mix of antique and rustic elements, such as:
Source: @helenastorp
Most of us associate Scandinavian home decor with hygge – the Danish and Norwegian concept of creating a cozy and comfortable home environment, especially in colder climates. Scandi decor also brings to mind minimalistic and functional spaces with the use of neutral colors. But Scandinavian vintage farmhouse decor is a thing. A thing that’s pretty close to the American vintage farmhouse style with some tweaks.
Helena’s absolutely gorgeous Sweden home is a wonderful reflection of the vintage Scandi farmhouse style:
Source: @helenastorp (Instagram)
Scandinavian vintage farmhouse decor often features:
Source: @masonandpainter (Instagram)
I know I’ve been mentioning the use of neutral colors throughout this post. That’s because a neutral color palette is part of vintage farmhouse or cottage decor. But if you, like myself, are a fan of some color, then maybe the colorful vintage farmhouse style is for you.
Source: @malthousecottage (Instagram)
In this version, all the rules remain the same but the color palette. Here, you can use any colors you like, and because this style is eclectic and full of whimsy, a lot is forgiven. For example, in the colorful vintage farmhouse style you can easily go for:
Jane Dowthwaite’s charming Malthouse Cottage is a wonderful example of colorful vintage farmhouse decor:
Source: @malthousecottage (Instagram)
To further expand on decorating in the vintage farmhouse aesthetic,
let’s go over some of the most
commonly asked questions on this topic.
Vintage farmhouse style refers to an interior design aesthetic that combines elements of rustic, country, and traditional decor with a nostalgic, worn-in feel. It draws inspiration from old farmhouses and rural homes, evoking a sense of warmth, simplicity, and nostalgia. This style often emphasizes natural materials, distressed finishes, and a mix of antique and vintage pieces.
Some popular decor items include distressed wooden signs, old-fashioned tin buckets, vintage birdcages, wooden crates, Mason jars, vintage mirrors, upcycled stools, antique vases, vintage crocks, barn doors, wire baskets, linen fabrics, or a brass paper towel holder.
Though very often used interchangeably, we can differentiate between antique farmhouse and vintage farmhouse decor in a way that antique items are generally considered to be at least 100 years old, while vintage items are 40-100 years old. Antique farmhouse decor is typically more valuable and is made from higher-quality materials, while vintage farmhouse decor is still highly sought after but may be more accessible and affordable. We can also come across vintage items with a distressed finish, stylized to look antique.
To decorate a room in the vintage farmhouse style on a budget, start by shopping for items at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales. You can also consider upcycling or repurposing items you already have in your home to give them a vintage farmhouse look. Additionally, consider adding vintage accents like vintage textiles, distressed wooden signs, and vintage-style light fixtures to complete the look without breaking the bank.
No. While an old house—anything constructed before the 1960s—will look best with a classic farmhouse interior, not everyone is fortunate enough to own a Victorian or a traditional farmhouse. It’s possible to incorporate design features reminiscent of the old farmhouse style regardless of the architecture or time period of a residence. A modern house can gradually transform into an antique farmhouse with a few small interior design changes, at least from the inside.
To decorate in vintage farmhouse style, start with a soft and muted color palette using shades of white, cream, and pastels. Incorporate natural wood elements like distressed furniture and exposed beams. Look for vintage furniture and accessories from flea markets or antique shops, such as a weathered rocking chair or an old farmhouse sink. Layer your space with cozy textiles in natural materials and patterns like gingham or ticking stripes. Choose farmhouse-inspired lighting fixtures and add natural elements like fresh flowers and potted plants. Incorporate distressed finishes, hang vintage artwork, and display old signs for a charming and cozy vintage farmhouse look.
You can find vintage farmhouse items at various places. Start by exploring local flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops in your area. Online platforms like Etsy, 1st Dibs, and Facebook Marketplace also offer a wide range of vintage farmhouse items. Additionally, consider attending estate sales or garage sales in your community, as they often have unique pieces with a farmhouse aesthetic.
Vintage farmhouse is a popular style in interior design that is characterized by its warm and charming atmosphere. This home decorating style combines rustic elements, such as distressed wood and galvanized metal, with vintage accents, such as vintage textiles and lighting fixtures, to create a cozy and inviting home.
Use this post to guide you in implementing vintage and antique-style farmhouse elements in your space, regardless of whether it’s a historic gem or a modern home!
