10 Vintage Furniture Trends That Should Have Never Gone Out of Style
Some styles should never go out of, well, style.
The good old days are making a comeback! From quality craftsmanship to retro seating, we'd love to see these classic furniture ideas come back in style.
Empire Chest
"One of the things I miss most about vintage furniture are the pieces reminiscent of simpler times and that showed true craftsmanship," says Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces. "I'm referring mainly to the early 1900s where function and form were both found in a piece. You were proud to display it in your home as well as utilize it for daily grind activities." Take this American Empire-style, or Federal chest, which could be used as a dresser in the bedroom or entry. "Versatile and functional," Haynes says.
Wardrobes
Another piece of furniture that merged function with beauty? Antique wardrobes, or armoires, which offer extra space to compensate for teeny tiny closets.
Murphy Beds
We're not sure why Murphy beds, also known as fold-down beds, wall beds, or pull-down beds, ever fell out of favor. Developed in 1900, the clever contraptions can save space in a studio apartment, or instantly convert an office into a guest room. Check out this updated DIY version.
Conversation Pit
OK, so the '60s and '70s trend of sunken rooms with built-in seating might be a bit difficult to pull off in your home, but you can create the same kind of atmosphere by arranging the furniture to focus on conversations with each other rather than the TV.
Brass Furniture
Antique brass furniture, like beds, bring a luxe quality to homes that we'd love to see again. Julie Holloway of Milk and Honey Home says aged brass is one of the elements she remembers from her grandma's house—and misses from modern homes.
Plush Sofas
Bye, modern minimalist sofas! We'd like to welcome back a much cozier trend: tufted vintage velvet couches that are actually comfortable.
Built-In Dining
Breakfast nooks built right into kitchens have been around since the '20s, but they really hit their stride in the late '40s and '50s, when uncomfortable pews made way for cozy banquette-style booths. Today, there are many charming ways to incorporate a dining nook.
Colorful Kitchen Appliances
Why buy a plain old white refrigerator when you could have one in a pastel shade? That seemed to be the thinking in the '50s, and we can't help but long for this lovely, cheery look today. Thankfully, both Smeg and Big Chill have introduced a retro line of fridges, ovens, and microwaves in all kinds of colors, so you can have the vintage-inspired aesthetic with modern functionality.
Heavy Desks
The digital age diminished demand for gorgeous wooden writing desks (whether pedestal, secretary, or rolltop), but we think it's about time to bring back the stately furniture—and letter-writing, for that matter.
Basement Bars
An earlier (and more sophisticated) version of the man cave, basement bars were the ultimate in entertaining in the '70s. You can still find houses with cozy wood-paneled, bar-boasting basements totally intact, as if they've traveled through time. We love the idea of recreating the retro space.
Our Very Best Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas
Upgrade Your Staircase With These Stylish Ideas
Living Room Decorating Ideas You'll Love
Our Favorite Ways to Add Soul to the Bathroom
