I am a self-declared (moderate) maximalist, and I adore antiques, vintage decor, and the Victorian era. So it is only right for me to write a post about vintage maximalist decor. Vintage eclectic maximalism celebrates the beauty of colors, patterns, and textures. Let’s begin with the definition of vintage maximalist decor.
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Vintage maximalist decor is a design movement that supports bold, daring, and vibrant design choices. In vintage maximalism, mixing and matching is more than welcome. But vintage maximalism doesn’t mix and match with just colors, but also fabrics, textures, styles, and eras.
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This type of maximalism rejects the minimalist notion of “less is more.” Instead, it celebrates the idea of “more is more” and encourages individuals to incorporate vintage items from various design periods.
Before I discuss how you can achieve this decor style in your home, let’s talk about its characteristics.
Vintage maximalists prefer a combination of different styles, periods, and textures, such as vintage furniture, antique accessories, and artwork.
Vintage maximalist decor is filled with a vibrant and bold color palette that incorporates rich jewel tones. You can also opt for metallic, brass, gold, and/or silver accents.
There’s a mix of different patterns and textures, such as stripes, florals, and geometrics, combined with velvet, linen, and other materials.
Vintage maximalism takes a layered approach to decorating. Different elements are combined to create a visually interesting and aesthetic space.
There is no vintage maximalism without a personal touch, and sentimental objects, such as family heirlooms, vintage collectibles, and artwork.
Source: Atomic Ranch
To achieve a vintage maximalist look in your space, you must possess a willingness to experiment and take risks. Here are a couple of tips you can go by.
Source: Flower Mag
Begin with a neutral base, such as a white or beige wall, and then add layers of color and texture through furniture, accessories, and artwork. I advise most people to start with neutral colors, making layering easier as you go.
However, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can go in with whatever color you like. You can also try a wallpaper if you’re up to it.
Remember – mixing and matching is very welcome in vintage maximalist interiors. I even dare say it is the theme of vintage maximalism.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles, periods, and textures. For instance, if you’re into both the Victorian era and old Hollywood glamour, add elements of each!
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When you want to add bold colors to your space, you can do so through statement furniture and accessories. You can also go for bold-colored walls if the previously mentioned neutral base is not your thing.
Consider using deep, rich jewel tones like:
Source: Claire Brody
If you do decide to paint your wall a dark color, make sure the vintage artwork that you hang up is lighter, so it stands out like in the photo above.
Stripes, florals, plaids, polka dots, leopard print, toile – all these (and more!) are welcome to mix with vintage fabrics and elements, such as:
through upholstery, curtains, and accessories.
Source: Robert Hadley
When layering, do two things: start with a neutral color and pick a color scheme. So if you used a neutral color for your wall, now it’s time to pick a color that’ll tie everything together. The same principle applies to a bold-colored wall – choose colors that complement it well. It may be helpful to look at a color wheel.
Source: @goldenhourabode (Instagram)
You can use up to three different patterns, but stick to a consistent color scheme. There should always be one color tying them together.
When layering texture, also pick a scheme. There should be one dominant texture in the space. It could be any of your choosing.
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Don’t forget natural textures such as wood, stone, and plants to create a cozy and ambient atmosphere.
In vintage maximalism, you are the creative director. So incorporate some elements of you in your space:
Books are also a wonderful way to add depth and interest to a vintage maximalist interior.
Source: The Glam Pad
I strongly recommend this article about antique dealer Martin Montagut for more inspiration on vintage collecting.
Adding a gallery wall to your vintage maximalist decor is the ultimate move. Nothing says eclecticism and extravagance like a well curated gallery wall.
Source: House & Garden UK
You can use different frame styles, artworks, and colors. But it is important to have a theme. It could be a gallery wall of family photos, abstract art, or artworks from different eras.
You could even go as far as adding three-dimensional elements if you’re up to it.
In vintage maximalist decor, you can just be one accessory away from a clutter-full space. So let’s discuss how you can prevent your space from looking messy and unpleasantly overwhelming.
After every step of your decor process, take a minute or more to assess. Assess what you’ve done so far and remove items that are not adding to the beauty of your space.
Don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer bring you joy.
Pick a focal point in each room, such as a statement piece of furniture or a work of art, and then balance the rest of the space around it.
In eclectic maximalism, it is not uncommon to want to spice up your space seasonally. But repeatedly buying new items can cause you to have more items than you need. Plus, it may overwhelm you financially as well.
So when you’re vintage maximalism shopping, buy items you can use all year round.
Not only will vertical decorating make your space feel bigger, it is also a great way to store all the vintage items you have amassed.
If you have a lot of knick-knacks and thingamabobs, you’re going to need some shelves.
This will help you keep your clutter organized, and still serve as a showcase. You can arrange your items vertically in a color scheme on each row.
Arranging your items in a color scheme and vertical manner, is bound to add more pizzazz to your space.
This has been an exhaustive post, so understandably, there may still be some questions.
Vintage maximalism is a type of maximalism that focuses on extravagant vintage and antique aesthetics. It is all about how one can properly blend different elements from different eras, to showcase personality and drama.
Vintage maximalist decor style is a decor style for the lovers of drama, and extraordinariness. This is a decor style that is characterized by bold color choices, an eclectic mix of patterns, fabrics, and textures.
In a world where seemingly everyone is trying to be minimalist, it is refreshing to find those who don’t believe “less is more”. Vintage maximalist interior design is meant to allow you to express yourself in as many colors, patterns, and eras as you’d like. I hope this article will help you on your vintage maximalism journey.
