Vintage decor is spreading like wildfire. From numerous antique resellers on Instagram to blogs dedicated to old-fashioned home decor (Hello), everyone seems to want a slice of the vintage cake. But what makes vintage home decor, or I should rather say antique home decor, so appealing? This post is more of a rant than anything, but let’s explore the topic further for our own amusement.
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Trends are there to be followed and the same applies to home decor. Whatever is currently in vogue all
of a sudden seems attractive to us.
The trend of vintage home decorating has become increasingly popular and even those who normally aren’t into antiques have been incorporating vintage pieces into their spaces. Owning rustic, vintage, or antique furniture is simply trendy.
It’s the truth – furniture pieces and home decor accessories were a lot more aesthetically appealing in centuries past. Particularly before the peak of mass production of furniture which occurred during the mid-20th century.
Source: Follow The Yellow Brick Home
Before that, furniture, lighting, hardware, and other home decor elements were a lot more decorative.
For example, Victorian furniture is particularly noted for its ornate details, heavy use of dark woods, and embellishments such as tufting, fringe, and intricate upholstery.
Since expensive home decor pieces weren’t being mass produced and the focus was on craftsmanship, naturally, they were of better quality. When we compare plastic furniture to that made of mahogany or cherry wood, obviously there’s a difference in quality, and thus durability of the pieces.
In periods prior to about the mid-20th century, home decor items and homes themselves were sturdy and made to last for years and years to come.
I am definitely guilty of this one. Yes, in my opinion Victorian homes and furniture are exceptionally beautiful. But it’s also the nostalgia and a weird sense of longing for the late 19th century that makes me particularly attracted to the architecture and design of the period.
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However, those homes and that furniture were also modern at one point. It’s that Midnight In Paris effect. You see what I mean?
We like to think that things were easier and simpler in times before us. And while everyday life at home was literally quieter due to the lack of TVs, omnipresent music, car noises, smartphones, and so on, people obviously still dealt with lots of problems. It’s just that we weren’t there to witness it, so we tend to romanticize it.
It’s as simple as that – whether it’s a thrifted lamp, sofa, console table, or armchair, it’s most likely a one-of-a-kind piece. Most people value uniqueness, that’s why Etsy has been so popular over the years and that’s why it’s not going anywhere. Many vintage pieces are handmade, which also adds to their value.
Whatever the reason for one’s infatuation with vintage home decor, I believe it’s here to stay. And just like we love to decorate our homes with antique pieces from decades and centuries ago, the same way our great grandchildren will probably have a soft spot for furniture and interior design of the 2020s.
