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How to Refresh Your Bedroom with Affordable Vintage Decorating Ideas

Are you looking for affordable ideas to refresh your bedroom space this season? I’ll share some of my favorite vintage decorating ideas that add charm and character to your bedroom.

From antique mirrors and vintage textiles to rustic accents and upcycled furniture, plenty of simple ideas I’m sharing today will bring a charming vintage look to your bedroom retreat without breaking the bank.

bedroom vintage decorating: cottage bedroom nightstand

It’s no secret that my home, built in 1920, is filled with the most fabulous vintage finds. I don’t know what I enjoy more…the hunt, the find, or styling these unique pieces with my other home decor.


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bedroom vintage decorating: bedroom chandlier

Lighting Fixtures are the Best Vintage Bedroom Decor

Adding a vintage lighting fixture to your bedroom is the best way to create a warm and inviting vibe to your space.

We fell in love with this vintage chandelier when we saw it in a small antique store in Tacoma, WA. It needed some electrical work and cleaning up, so we got a great deal.

By installing a dimmer, we can control the amount of light the chandelier gives off. It’s such a romantic statement piece in our bedroom.

bedroom vintage decorating: bedroom built in and vintage mirror

Another great place to incorporate vintage lighting would be on nightstands or end tables. We’ve found some unique lamps over the last few years at local thrift shops at very reasonable prices.

You can always find a good deal when you spot a vintage light fixture that needs updating, so keep an open mind and plenty of imagination when shopping around.


bedroom vintage decorating: dog sitting on vintage quilt on bed

Mirrors for Your Vintage Bedroom Decor

Adding vintage mirrors is another vintage decorating idea to refresh your bedroom.

There are many different ways to decorate antique mirrors, and they come in various shapes and sizes. A larger ornate mirror can make a beautiful focal point, bringing a timeless charm to any bedroom space.

bedroom vintage decorating:
 cottage style bedroom

Our vintage mirror hanging on the wall is the first thing you see when walking into the bedroom, so it makes quite a statement.

One of my favorite small bedroom ideas is using antique mirrors to create an illusion that a smaller space seems larger.

bedroom vintage decorating:

I love mixing different styles, shapes, and sizes of vintage mirrors to create interest on my faux fireplace mantel. It’s easy to group old and new mirrors in this space. The large vintage-inspired mirror is a reproduction, but they all look amazing together and create the best vintage vibe.

If you want a less expensive option, look for a vintage frame without the glass. It will still make the same strong statement as a mirror grouping but at a fraction of the cost.


vintage nightstand

Using Upcycled Furniture in Your Vintage-Inspired Bedroom

Here’s another one of my favorite vintage bedroom ideas. Instead of buying something new, consider rescuing an old furniture piece and transforming it into something you love. You can add a classic vintage feel to your bedroom by incorporating upcycled furniture.

An easy and affordable way to upcycle antique furniture, like an old dresser or some bedside tables, is to change up the hardware and add a fresh coat of paint.

This nightstand on the side of the bed is one of my favorite vintage pieces I’ve ever found. Do you see how the drawers aren’t centered? I LOVE perfectly imperfect flea market finds like this. Talk about character!

When it comes to vintage bedroom decorating, upcycling antique furniture is a great way to add personality and character to your bedroom space. It’s also an eco-friendly choice that reduces waste.


bedroom vintage decorating:  mantel with vintage pieces

Mixing Patterned Quilts and Textiles Into Your Vintage Bedroom Decor

Adding a vintage quilt to the end of your bed creates the perfect bedroom retreat. Not only is it a functional piece, but incredibly charming as well.

For more vintage decorating ideas, bring in vintage patterned textiles like a vintage rug, window curtains, and decorative pillows to your bedroom for the most beautiful vintage room decor.

faux fireplace mantel

Rustic Accents and Details for the Perfect Vintage Flair

Another vintage decorating idea for using vintage decor for bedroom spaces is to mix in wooden elements for a rustic cottage-core feel. I’ve listed a few ideas.

  • a distressed antique dresser
  • vintage wooden shutters
  • reclaimed wood side tables
  • wooden vintage headboard

These vintage furniture pieces will add warmth and texture to your bedroom.

Rustic accents can include metal elements such as a wrought iron bed or vintage-inspired light fixture for an industrial feel. Antique pull handles are a rustic dream for any vintage piece of furniture with drawers.

vintage pieces on mantel

FAQ About Vintage Bedroom Decor

Q: What is the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Decor?

A: Items can be considered vintage when they’re at least 20 years old and bring back a feeling of nostalgia. Antique pieces are at least 100 years old.

Q: Where Can I Find Vintage Home Decor Items?

A: There are several different ways to find vintage and antique pieces. Here are some of them.

  • Flea markets
  • Thrift stores
  • Estate and garage sales
  • Antique stores and malls
  • Online such as Facebook Market and Craigslist

dried hydrangeas in vintage galvanized container

I hope these vintage bedroom ideas were helpful and inspired you to shop for your personal vintage style. Adding vintage bedroom decor is perfect for an affordable seasonal refresh.

I’d love to hear what you think. Be sure to leave a comment below.

My friends and I get together monthly to bring you our favorite thrift store finds, vintage tips, and flea market ideas. Be sure to click the links below to see their blog posts for this month.

Until next time,

Happy Thrifting!


Thrifting Tips and Flea Market Finds

STACY | BRICKS ‘N BLOOMS

Check out my friend Stacy’s vintage crock bouquet of bright and beautiful sunflowers.


JENNIFER | COTTAGE AT BUNKER HILL

From drab to fab, see how Jennifer upcycled an ugly thrift store lamp.


LORA | LORA BLOOMQUIST

Lora shares the best vintage décor ideas.


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More Vintage Decor Posts for You

14 Thrift Store Finds for Your Spring Home Décor

Using Architectural Salvage Finds to Refresh a Hallway

Add Charming Timeless Style to Your Home with Vintage and Antique Décor


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13 Comments

  1. Hi Kim — I love how you incorporate all these different vintage pieces into your home! They add so much character and charm! I never noticed that the bedside table was uneven! How fun and quirky! Your home is beautifully styled!

  2. Absolutely LOVE your bedroom!! So fresh and cozy looking,,,everything I’d love for a bedroom. Thank you for such great ideas…I feel a change coming on in mine! Lol!

    1. You are so sweet, Karolyn, thank you! I’m so happy to hear that you got some great ideas form my post. Thank you so much for being here.

  3. I love your bedroom; it’s so cozy! Your vintage pieces are drool-worthy, and you style them so beautifully. Great vintage decor ideas; if only I had enough room for a mantel! I can just picture the sea breezes blowing the curtains:)

    1. Thank you, Lora. You are so sweet. I was over the moon when my husband said he would build the mantel for me. It is such a great way to display my home decor in such a small bedroom.

  4. Awesome decorating ladies. We are moving from a Victorian built in 1890 to a twin home built in 1987, so I need all the suggestions I can get. The new house has no architectural details and is basic. I’m going to try to make it charming and vintage. Wish me luck!

    1. You will do great, Joyce. I know it’s a big adjustment, but with some crown molding, vintage columns, corbels, and an old light fixture or two, you’ll have that vintage vibe right back in your life. Thanks for being here.

    1. Thank you, Stacy. It’s funny how many vintage decor items I really have in my small bedroom. I didn’t realize it until I started this blog post.

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