22 Interesting Vintage Items People Added To Their Homes
Have you ever stepped into someone’s home and felt like you were suddenly transported to another era? That’s the irresistible charm of vintage items—they don’t just decorate a space, they tell a story.
Whether it’s the comforting glow of a lava lamp, the bold patterns of retro wallpaper, or the unmistakable hum of a record player spinning classic vinyl, these pieces add personality and nostalgia in all the right ways. From quirky collectibles to timeless classics, vintage decor has a way of bringing the past into the present with flair and warmth.
Even the humblest item—like a rotary phone or a typewriter—can become a conversation starter, a piece of art, or a cozy reminder of simpler times.
So dust off your time-traveling goggles and get ready for a whimsical journey through 22 fascinating vintage treasures that enthusiasts everywhere have lovingly welcomed into their homes. Trust me, you’re in for a delightful blast from the past!
1. Sunburst Clock
Tick-tock goes the sunburst clock! With its radially arranged spikes, this 1959 atomic-era gem isn’t just about telling time. It’s a statement piece that screams ‘modern’ even decades later. Placed proudly in my living room, it draws curious glances and sparks conversations about its design roots.
Did you know that it was once the epitome of futuristic style? Imagine owning a piece of the future, right in your living room—without a DeLorean in sight. It’s not just a clock; it’s a time traveler!
If you ever find one at a yard sale, grab it faster than you can say ‘Marty McFly’. It’s a sure way to add retro charm and a sprinkle of nostalgia to any room.
2. Plastic Couch Covers
Ah, plastic couch covers—the unsung heroes of upholstery protection. My grandmother swore by them, even if sitting down felt like preparing for takeoff. It’s an acquired taste, like olives or jazz.
The covers preserved the vibrant floral patterns underneath, albeit at the cost of comfort. Imagine offering a guest a seat and hearing the telltale crinkle of plastic. It’s nostalgia wrapped in practicality, with a side of sweat.
But who needs comfort when you can have a spotless couch for half a century? If you’ve got a sense of humor and a knack for preservation, these covers might just be your next vintage conquest. Just don’t expect any nap enthusiasts to stick around.
3. Console Stereo System
Nothing quite says ‘welcome to my home’ like a console stereo system that doubles as furniture. My uncle had one, a giant walnut box that dominated the living room. It played everything from Elvis to The Beatles as if it had a personal connection to the stars.
The sound was warm and inviting, unlike today’s digital perfection. There’s something about physically placing a record that makes the music feel more alive. It’s the heartbeat of any vintage-loving audiophile’s home.
These systems are more than just sound delivery devices; they’re conversation starters, memory makers, and timeless design icons. If you find one, don’t resist the urge to give it a new home and let it sing sweetly once more.
4. Bubble Lamps
Illuminate your life with bubble lamps, where soft light meets cool shapes in mid-century magic. I added one to my den, and it’s transformed the space into a cozy sanctuary.
These lamps cast warm, inviting glows, creating an ambiance that whispers serenity. Each bubble seems to float in its own little world, just like my thoughts when I relax beneath its light.
If you find yourself in need of a lighting upgrade, consider this touch of elegance. It’s not just about light; it’s about creating moments of peace in our bustling lives.
5. Rotary Phones in Wild Colors
Dial up the nostalgia with rotary phones in wild colors—harvest gold, avocado green, or baby blue, to name a few. Remember the satisfying click, click, click as you dialed each number? I do, and it was oddly therapeutic.
These phones are so vibrant, they could double as art pieces. They’re a splash of color in a monochrome digital world, reminding us of simpler times when patience was a virtue.
Owning one is like having a hotline to the past. Who wouldn’t want that kind of connection? These beauties are perfect for adding a pop of personality to any room.
6. TV Trays with Matching Stands
Who knew TV dinners could be so stylish? TV trays with matching stands made dining in front of the tube a coordinated affair in the past. I remember unfolding a tray with a flourish—a personal performance art display.
The trays came in groovy patterns, each more psychedelic than the last. They were the perfect companions for couch-bound meals and lazy movie nights.
Practical yet quirky, they add a dash of retro flair to any living room. It’s like inviting your inner child to dinner, without the mess.
7. Wall-Mounted Intercom System
Want to communicate without moving a muscle? Enter the wall-mounted intercom system, a staple in homes that needed efficient yelling from the kitchen. I’ve always found talking to a wall to be oddly satisfying.
Whether it’s summoning the family for dinner or announcing ‘I’m not a cat!’—because, why not?—these systems were the original group chat. They had a charm that modern devices just can’t replicate.
If you stumble upon one, consider giving it a place of honor in your home. It’s sure to spark joy and a few chuckles.
8. Bar Carts with Crystal Decanters
Roll out the glamour with bar carts decked in crystal decanters. Even if nobody drank scotch, these carts were always stocked—a silent nod to good taste and hospitality. I had one in my dining room, a shrine to the gods of leisure.
Crystal decanters gleamed with elegance, their faceted surfaces playing with light. Each pour felt like part of a grand performance, even if it was just ginger ale.
These carts are more than just a place to store spirits; they’re about elevating everyday moments. So why not indulge in a little luxury and roll one into your life?
9. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling—love it or loathe it, it’s the quintessential vintage wall treatment. My basement had it, and while it added warmth, it sometimes felt like living inside a giant cigar box.
It’s a design choice that wraps a room in nostalgia, each panel whispering stories from the past. It says, ‘I’m rustic and proud of it.’
If you’re seeking character and a bit of kitsch, consider paneling for your next home project. It’s the perfect way to add texture and a touch of history to modern spaces.
10. Shag Rugs
Step onto a shag rug and you might think you’re walking on a vibrant muppet. These plush rugs were the epitome of luxury and quirkiness in their heyday. I had one in my living room, and it was like a perpetual foot massage.
The thickness and texture beckoned you to kick off your shoes and sink into comfort. They were statement pieces, each fiber a testament to the bold style of the past.
If you’re looking to add a splash of color and whimsy, a shag rug might be your new best friend. It’s like inviting a piece of delightful chaos into your home
11. Beaded Door Curtains
Step through a doorway with beaded curtains, and you’re instantly transported to a world of groovy flair and trippy vibes. I hung one in my study, and it turned every entrance into an adventure.
The gentle clatter of beads was like music, adding rhythm to the everyday comings and goings. Each strand offered a sense of mystery and charm, inviting you to peek beyond.
If you’re in the mood for a touch of whimsy, these curtains are a perfect choice. They’re a delightful throwback to the era of peace and love, with a dash of the exotic.
12. Tiki Bar in the Basement
Transform your basement into a tiki paradise, where Midwestern suburbia meets Polynesian fantasy. I did just that, and now every cocktail feels like a vacation.
The bamboo and tiki masks create an atmosphere that’s both kitschy and magical. It’s like having a permanent summer escape just downstairs.
If you’re craving an exotic getaway without leaving home, a tiki bar might be just what your space needs. It’s a nod to the adventurous spirit in all of us.
13. Macramé Wall Hangings
Tie your room together with macramé wall hangings, where DIY art meets bohemian dreams. I hung one in my hallway, and it’s like a tapestry of memories and knots.
Each piece is a labor of love, weaving together strands of creativity and personality. They offer texture and a touch of the artisanal to any space.
If you’re seeking to add depth and character, these hangings are a perfect choice. It’s like inviting a bit of handmade soul into your home.
14. Framed Needlepoint Art
Bless this mess, indeed! Framed needlepoint art brings a touch of homey charm and humor to any wall. I remember one in my grandmother’s kitchen, offering wisdom with every stitch.
These pieces are labors of love, each thread telling a story of patience and creativity. They’re like having a little piece of heart displayed for all to see.
If you’re looking to add a personal touch with a dash of nostalgia, needlepoint art is a delightful choice. It’s a craft that speaks of simpler times and heartfelt messages.
15. Lava Lamps
Ah, the hypnotic dance of the lava lamp! It’s the vintage pièce de résistance that’s both impractical and oddly soothing. I have one on my desk, and it’s like watching a slow-motion fireworks show.
The wax twists and turns, creating a mesmerizing display of color and light. It’s an ever-changing art piece that invites you to pause and ponder.
If your space needs a touch of whimsy, consider adding a lava lamp. It’s a perfect reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to just sit back and enjoy the show.
16. Accordion Room Dividers
Need a wall but only kinda? Accordion room dividers to the rescue! I used one to carve out a little reading nook, and it was like magic.
These dividers offer flexibility and style, folding away when not needed. They’re the perfect solution for those who like to keep their options open.
If you’re looking to divide and conquer with flair, consider an accordion divider. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best barriers are the ones that can move.
17. Velvet Paintings
Velvet paintings bring a touch of drama and kitsch, especially if they feature Elvis or a matador. I hung one in my den, and it’s like having a slice of Americana right at home.
The rich texture adds depth, making every image pop with vivid intensity. It’s art that’s both tactile and visual, inviting you to reach out and touch.
These paintings are the perfect choice if you’re looking to add a splash of personality. They’re a nod to the bold and the beautiful in vintage decor.
18. Ceramic Poodle Figurines
Ceramic poodle figurines—one is cute, but twelve? A bit unsettling. I inherited a collection, and they’ve become quirky guardians of my mantelpiece.
Each poodle strikes a different pose, their glossy finishes reflecting a bygone era of elegance. They’re like little snapshots of whimsy, each with a personality all its own.
If you want to add a playful touch to your space, consider these figurines. They’re a reminder that sometimes, more is more in the world of vintage charm.
19. Wrought Iron Anything
Wrought iron adds a touch of industrial elegance to any space. I have shelving that stands as a testament to its enduring strength and charm.
The intricate designs offer both functionality and style, making any room feel like a masterpiece in ironwork. It’s like having a piece of art that serves a purpose.
If you’re looking to add structure with a hint of romance, consider wrought iron accents. They’re timeless pieces that bring both beauty and resilience.
20. Ashtrays in Every Room
Ashtrays in every room were the norm in bygone days—glass, ceramic, even pedestal ones. My grandfather collected them, and each had a story.
They were little pieces of art, celebrating the design sensibilities of their time. Even if you’re not a smoker, they make fascinating conversation starters.
If you’re seeking a decorative touch with a hint of history, ashtrays are a quirky addition. They’re a nod to a past where style was in the details.
21. Built-in Phone Nooks
Built-in phone nooks, complete with a tiny seat and a shelf for the phone book, were the social media hubs of their time. I have one, and it’s like a portal to the past.
These nooks offer charm and practicality, creating a dedicated space for conversation. They’re relics that speak of a time when communication was an event.
If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia with functionality, consider a phone nook. It’s a charming reminder of simpler times when connections weren’t just digital.
22. Floral Couch That Matched the Drapes
Matching your couch to your drapes was once the ultimate design goal. I had a floral set that miraculously survived the decades, and it’s like living in a coordinated masterpiece.
This level of dedication to harmony creates a visual symphony in any room. It’s an aesthetic choice that’s bold and unapologetically maximalist.
If you’re craving a cohesive look with a vintage twist, consider embracing matching patterns. It’s a delightful nod to a time when more was definitely more.