Styling with Soul: How to Bring Vintage Decor into Your Home

Vintage decor isn’t just about finding something old – it’s about adding pieces to your home with real character, soul and history. Whether it’s a reclaimed wooden stool, a set of antique candlesticks or a weathered washboard, each piece has a story to tell. If you love the idea of a home filled with warmth and personality, this blog is for you. Today, we’re diving into the world of vintage decor, reclaimed materials, and pre-loved accessories – and how you can effortlessly style them in a modern setting.

How to Style Vintage Decor

The beauty of vintage home accessories is how effortlessly they can blend with contemporary interiors. The trick is to keep the overall look curated rather than cluttered. One simple approach is to let one or two statement vintage pieces lead the look, surrounded by modern decor to balance the space.

Start with smaller pieces if you're unsure. A reclaimed wooden stool works wonderfully as a side table, plant stand or even stacked with books next to your sofa. Pair it with one of our hand-finished ceramic vases and a soft faux foliage arrangement for a look that’s both timeless and on-trend.

Old wooden crates or vintage washboards can also be repurposed as rustic storage or wall decor. They bring texture and warmth that’s difficult to replicate with mass-produced furniture. The key is to let the grain, chips, and wear tell their story. Use layered textiles like block-printed cushions and vintage throws to complete the look.

What Type of Vintage Pieces Are Worth Investing In?

When shopping for vintage home decor, it helps to know what’s worth snapping up and what you can pass on. A few staples that always stand the test of time include:

• Reclaimed wooden stools and benches: Beautifully worn and endlessly versatile.

• Vintage mirrors: Especially those with ornate frames or a patina on the glass.

• Ceramic and glass vases: Choose soft pastel tones, milky glass or weathered neutrals.

• Old botanical prints or watercolour landscapes: Perfect for creating a cottage-style gallery wall.

• Worn wooden boxes and crates: Use them for storing blankets, magazines or kitchen utensils.

Look for quality over quantity. Solid wood, hand-thrown pottery and traditional craftsmanship are always worth the investment. These are the pieces that won’t go out of style and can even be passed down through generations.

Our reclaimed collection is designed with this in mind. Each piece is selected not just for how it looks, but for how it adds texture, warmth and charm to your home.

Where to Shop and Source for Vintage Decor

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of uncovering a beautiful vintage treasure. Luckily, there are plenty of places to find unique vintage decor both online and off.

1. Ivy Grey Interiors

Let’s start with the easy one! We handpick every reclaimed piece for its beauty and story. Whether it’s a vintage washboard, aged pottery, or reclaimed wooden tray, you’ll find something with soul in our curated collection. This collection is one we hope to grow with new finds.

2. Charity Shops and Antique Centres

Your local charity shop can be a goldmine for hidden gems. Take your time to rummage, and don’t be afraid to haggle a little at antique centres.

3. eBay and Facebook Marketplace

Type in search terms like ‘reclaimed stool’ or ‘vintage vase’ and narrow your radius. You’d be surprised how many great pieces are available locally for a fraction of the price.

4. Car Boot Sales and Vintage Markets

Arrive early, take cash, and trust your gut. If something catches your eye, grab it! These places are brilliant for finding vintage glassware, crockery and old books for styling shelves and coffee tables.

5. Antiques Fairs and Reclamation Yards

These are ideal for bigger investment pieces like vintage furniture or architectural salvage. Think farmhouse dining chairs, old school lockers, or church pews that can double as hallway seating. Google is your best friend when it comes to these, a quick search of your local area will find the dates of these. It's best to arrive early and take cash, a lot of stalls will only accept cash.

How to Restore Vintage Furniture

You don’t need to be a professional upcycler to breathe new life into old furniture. A simple clean, sand and wax can work wonders. Here are a few gentle techniques to get you started:

• Clean with care: Use mild soap and water with a soft cloth to remove grime.

• Light sanding: Smooth out rough patches but don’t overdo it. You want to keep some of that character.

• Wax or oil: Beeswax or Danish oil can nourish the wood and enhance the grain beautifully.

• Paint, if you must: Only if the piece is too damaged. Stick with chalky finishes for a period-appropriate look.

Let imperfections shine through – they’re what give your piece a story.

Styling Vintage and New Decor Ideas

Mixing old and new is all about balance. Think of your space like a recipe: too much of one ingredient and it becomes overpowering. Here are a few ways to blend reclaimed charm with fresh, modern decor:

• Pair a vintage vase with new faux flowers: Our Faux Soft Pink Delicate Rose Spray or Faux White Spring Floral Arrangement work beautifully against weathered earthenware.

• Stack vintage books with a new candle: Add a soft flickering flame with our hand-poured soy wax candles in fresh seasonal scents.

• Layer old textiles with modern cushions: A block-printed throw with crisp linen cushions creates an effortlessly welcoming sofa.

• Use vintage crates with sleek faux greenery: Place a Luxury Faux Foliage Arrangement inside an old crate for a rustic-modern mix.

It’s this tension between old and new that gives your home depth. Each room becomes a little more intriguing when you combine stories from the past with the comforts of today.

Bringing Vintage Decor Into Each Room

Let’s look at how you can weave vintage charm throughout your home, room by room.

Living Room

• Use a reclaimed wooden stool as a side table or display stand.

• Style vintage mirrors and frames into a layered mantelpiece.

• Mix and match vintage textiles with neutral throws and scatter cushions.

Kitchen

• Add old washboards or wooden utensils as wall decor.

• Use reclaimed wooden crates for open shelving.

• Display a selection of vintage crockery with our modern glazed stoneware.

Bedroom

• A vintage stool makes a lovely bedside perch.

• Style with layered bed linens and vintage-inspired cushion covers.

• Add a framed botanical print for that English country feel.

Bathroom

• Old spice drawers or wooden boxes work well for organising toiletries.

• Add a hint of old-world charm with a framed black-and-white portrait.

Hallway

• Reclaimed church pews or wooden benches bring rustic charm.

• Use an antique mirror to reflect light and give the illusion of space.

Final Thoughts

Vintage decor isn’t a trend – it’s a lifestyle. It’s about surrounding yourself with pieces that matter, that have soul, and that bring a sense of charm to everyday life. Whether you’re collecting over time or shopping our reclaimed collection, the most important thing is to style your space in a way that feels personal to you.

Let worn woods, weathered ceramics and nostalgic textures guide you. Mix them with carefully chosen modern touches, and you’ll create a home that feels thoughtful, inviting and unmistakably yours.