SPLENDOR COLLECTIVE

Best Decades for Shopping for Vintage Furniture & Decor

Let’s take a journey through time to uncover the most captivating vintage furniture and decor from various decades because we know vintage is always the superior choice. While we know vintage rules and there are some statement pieces that are on most people’s shopping or unicorn lists, there are some low key iconic pieces that will transform your home and inspire some new flea market, estate sale and eBay shopping searches! I didn’t include the usual suspects on this list because we’re here to learn and to discover!

The Creme de la Creme

While vintage items can be found from almost any decade, some periods are particularly

noteworthy for their design and artistic movements. Here are some of the best decades for buying vintage furniture, home decor, and art:

1. 1920s: The 1920s saw the emergence of Art Deco, a style characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious materials. Look for vintage furniture and decor with clean lines, metallic finishes, and stylized motifs.
2. 1950s: The 1950s saw the rise of mid-century modern design, which has become a popular style in recent years. Mid-century modern pieces are characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality. Look for furniture and decor made from materials like teak, walnut, and brass.
3. 1960s: The 1960s were marked by the emergence of the psychedelic movement, which heavily influenced fashion, art, and design. Look for vintage pieces with bold colors, graphic patterns, and playful shapes.
4. 1970s: The 1970s saw a continuation of the psychedelic movement, as well as the rise of the bohemian and disco styles. Look for vintage furniture and decor with earthy tones, natural materials like wicker and rattan, and a relaxed and eclectic vibe.
5. 1980s: The 1980s saw a return to opulence and glamour, with the emergence of the Memphis design movement. Look for vintage pieces with bright colors, bold shapes, and a mix of materials like plastic, metal, and glass.

Of course, you should always be guided by your personal style and aesthetic preference to determine the ultimate decade for buying vintage furniture, home decor, and art for your home. However, these five decades are a great starting point for exploring vintage design and finding pieces that speak to you.

Statement Vintage Furniture and Decor to Shop from the Various Decades

We all know vintage furniture and decor can bring character and charm to any space, but sometimes a specific item can truly bring a room to life. There are plenty of standout pieces from each decade that can add a unique touch to your home, plus some low key finds that are testament to the decade without the over exposure. Here are some of the most iconic statement pieces from each decade to shop for, and how to incorporate them into your decor for a truly one-of-a-kind look.

1920s Interior Design & Furniture To Buy

• Sunburst mirror: A sunburst mirror with a gilded frame was a popular Art Deco accessory that reflected the style’s love of luxury and glamour that looks great in an entryway or hallway. 
• Globe lamp: A globe lamp with a frosted glass shade and geometric base was a popular Art Deco design that adds a touch of elegance to any space especially a bar or library.
• Vanity table: A vanity table with a mirrored surface and sleek lines was a popular Art Deco furniture piece that adds a touch of sophistication to any bedroom.
• Art Deco bar cart: An Art Deco-style bar cart made of gleaming metals and glass was a popular statement piece of the era. Bar carts are truly versatile and practical pieces that you can utilize in a living room, dining room or game room
• Peacock fan: A fan with a colorful peacock feather design was a popular accessory of the Art Deco era, adding a touch of exoticism and elegance to any room. I love the idea of displaying this in a library or entryway. 
• Marcel Breuer Cesca chair: created in 1928, this chair is still an icon featuring a tubular steel frame and rattan seat and backing. The Cesca chair is a style forward option for breakfast nook or dining room. 
• Thonet Chair: this timeless chair design is equal parts minimalist and aesthetically captivating.

1950s Interior Design & Furniture To Buy

• Boomerang coffee table: A boomerang-shaped coffee table made of teak or walnut wood was a popular mid-century modern design that adds a playful touch to any living room.
• Sputnik chandelier: A Sputnik chandelier with multiple arms and light bulbs was a popular mid-century modern lighting fixture that adds a space-age touch to any room.
• Eames lounge chair: A lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames with its molded plywood shell, leather upholstery, and distinctive curved shape was a popular statement piece of the mid-century era, representing the era’s sleek and sophisticated design aesthetic. It still remains an iconic accent chair that can serve as a focal point in a den or living room. 
• George Nelson wall clock: A wall clock designed by George Nelson with its playful and colorful geometric shapes was a popular statement piece of the mid-century era. It’s another piece that is equal parts practical and art for your wall because of its distinctive design. 
• Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa: Debuted in 1950, Kagan designed the snakelike shaped sofa to  complement the interiors of clients who wanted to showcase their art, a popular trend during the heyday of midcentury modernism. The sofa has evolved into the ultimate design-world status symbol. 

1960s Interior Design & Furniture To Buy

• Egg chair: An egg-shaped chair with a molded fiberglass shell and a swiveling base was a popular design of the 1960s that adds a retro vibe to any living space. Think Palm Springs vibe! While the Arne Jacobsen egg chair is on many designers’ lists, you can find a knock off from the era that still delivers on style. 
• Mod area rug: A brightly colored area rug with a bold, graphic pattern was a popular design of the decade that can easily do all of the styling for you. 
• Hanging bubble chair: A clear, acrylic bubble chair suspended from the ceiling by a chain was a popular design of the 1960s that adds a fun, futuristic touch to any space.
• Moroccan accents: whether it’s a rug, pillow or ornaments, the popularity of foreign travel in the 60s sparked interest and influence of other cultures especially Morocco. If you’ve been to The Parker in Palm Springs, this is the vibe!
• Panton Chair: The Panton chair shape and shiny finish added a sense of space age-appropriate otherworldliness to a post-war world. This is one piece of furniture that screams the ’60s and is consistently featured in era movies and magazines. 
• Mushroom Lamps: This décor staple with a domed shade and sleek base has been sprouting across interior landscapes for decades, with roots in the ’60s. 

1970s Interior Design & Furniture To Buy

• Rattan peacock chair: A rattan peacock chair with a high back and intricate woven details was a popular bohemian design of the 1970s that adds a natural and earthy touch to any room.
• Macramé wall hanging: A macramé wall hanging made of knotted cotton or jute was a popular bohemian accessory of the 1970s that adds texture and interest to any wall.
• Glass globe pendant light: A glass globe pendant light with a brass or chrome base was a popular design of the 1970s that adds a retro and whimsical touch to any space.
• Platform bed: A platform bed with a low profile and sleek design was a popular statement piece of the 1970s, reflecting the era’s embrace of minimalism and simplicity.
• Popcorn Lamp: This funky, textured lamp has a round, sculptural shape and a surface that resembles popcorn kernels. Look for a lamp with a gold or bronze finish, and pair it with a chunky wooden coffee table.
• Space Age Design: The 1970s saw a surge in Space Age design, which was inspired by the futuristic vision of the Space Age era. Furniture and decor in this style often featured sleek, futuristic designs, metallic finishes, and asymmetrical shapes. Examples include the Joe Colombo Elda armchair, the Eero Aarnio Ball Chair, and the Warren Platner Lounge Chair.

1980s Interior Design & Furniture To Buy

• Memphis-style table lamp: A table lamp with a bold, colorful base and a geometric shade was a popular Memphis-style design that adds a playful and artistic touch to any room.
• Lacquered console table: A console table with a high-gloss lacquered finish and bold geometric shapes was a popular design of the 1980s that adds a sleek and modern touch to any entryway. 
• Postmodern wall clock: A wall clock with a quirky, postmodern design featuring bold colors and unexpected shapes was a popular design of the 1980s that adds a playful and whimsical touch to any wall.
• Postmodern chair: A chair with a playful and eclectic design incorporating bright colors, bold shapes, and unexpected materials was a popular statement piece of the 1980s, reflecting the era’s rejection of modernist design principles and embrace of individualism and self-expression.
• Memphis-style table: A table with a bold and whimsical design incorporating bright colors, geometric shapes, and asymmetrical forms was a popular statement piece of the 1980s, reflecting the era’s love of kitsch and pop culture.
• Michael Graves tea kettle: A teakettle designed by Michael Graves with its distinctive bird-shaped whistle and playful, postmodern design was a popular statement piece of the 1980s, adding a touch of humor and personality to any kitchen.

As we know vintage furniture and decor offer a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. From the roaring 20s to the colorful 80s, each decade brought its own unique touch to the design world. By incorporating iconic vintage pieces into your home, you can create a space that is both stylish and steeped in history. The beauty of vintage furniture is not just in its aesthetic value, but also in its ability to tell a story. By shopping for statement vintage furniture and decor, you can create a one-of-a-kind space that is truly your own.