Vintage style and decor have seen a major resurgence in recent years. Many people are drawn to the classic, timeless aesthetic of vintage. When designing a vintage look, color palette is one of the most important elements. Certain hues immediately evoke a retro feel. So which colours exactly scream vintage style? Here’s a quick overview of the most popular vintage colour choices and how to incorporate them into your home.
Earthy Neutrals
Neutral colours like beige, tan, cream and wheat have been staples of vintage decor for decades. During the 1950s and 1960s, earthy neutrals were widely used for everything from furniture to walls. Natural, muted shades provide a calming, welcoming backdrop. They let bolder accent colours pop without overwhelming a space.
Vintage neutrals easily coordinate with one another and lend a light, airy feel to rooms. To create a vintage look with neutrals:
– Paint walls in a matte finish creamy beige or light tan
– Choose area rugs with warm earth tones like sand or taupe
– Upholster furniture in natural linen or cotton textures
– Display antique kitchenware in muted clay or terracotta hues
Neutrals work especially well in boho, farmhouse, cottage and eclectic spaces. Layer plenty of natural materials like wood, rattan, clay and woven fibres for extra vintage appeal.
Pastel Hues
Soft, dreamy pastels are synonymous with vintage charm. Popular during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, shades of pink, blue, green and yellow bring a delicate, feminine touch. Using pastels sparingly prevents overwhelming a space. Pastel accents pop against neutral backdrops.
Some key ways to incorporate pastels into vintage decor include:
– Painting an accent wall in a muted robin’s egg blue or blush pink
– Displaying antique china, milk glass and ceramics in minty greens or buttery yellows
– Choosing a vintage pastel fridge, range or kitchen cabinets like retro mint green or sky blue
– Adding pastel rugs, pillows and throws in the bedroom or living room
– Hanging framed floral art prints with soft pastel backgrounds
Focus on one or two pastel colors rather than the whole rainbow. Mint, peach, lavender and pale yellow are popular vintage options.
Jewel Tones
While pastels are muted, jewel tones are bold and striking. Deep, saturated hues like emerald, ruby and sapphire were prevalent during the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 30s. Retro color palettes featured dynamic color combinations like sapphire blue with canary yellow. Using just one or two jewel tone accents prevents loud, gaudy spaces.
Vintage ways to incorporate jewel tones include:
– An emerald green velvet sofa or armchair
– Rich blue curtains or accent walls
– A vibrant orange or yellow mid-century modern rug
– Red vintage Pyrex containers displayed in the kitchen
– Jewel tone glass lampshades like deep purple or cobalt blue
Jewel tones pop against clean white backdrops. Add warmth and depth by pairing them with natural wood tones. Use jewel tones sparingly to let them shine as bold accents.
Black and White
The classic black and white combo never goes out of style. This timeless two-tone scheme has graced vintage spaces for over a century. Black and white creates a clean, elegant look. During the 1930s and 40s, black and white checkerboard tile was popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Monochrome photography and framed prints also emerged in this era.
Some easy ways to work black and white into vintage interiors include:
– Black and white chevron tile flooring
– Monochrome botanical or typography wall prints
– A black framed full length mirror leaning against a white wall
– Bold black kitchen cabinets or appliances paired with white quartz countertops
– White ship lap walls with black iron sconces and hardware
Black and white automatically gives a space an inviting, nostalgic feel. Add pops of color with red accents like bar stools, coffee makers or kitchen utensils.
Warm Metallics
Warm metallics bring a glam flair to vintage design. During the Art Deco era, shiny accents like brass, copper and gold were featured heavily. Warm metals lend vintage charm while still feeling fresh and current. Metallic finishes work for everything from lighting and hardware to furniture and accessories.
Creative ways to incorporate warm metallics include:
– A brass chandelier or pendant light over the dining table
– Antiqued copper sconces, mirrors or picture frames
– A gold bar cart styled with glassware and books
– Geometric copper or brass side tables
– Vintage-style metal bed frames in bronze or antique nickel
A little metallic goes a long way. Limit major metallic pieces to one or two so they can shine. Black, white and wood tones beautifully balance the brilliance of metal accents.
Primary Colors
No vintage palette is complete without splashes of primary red, blue and yellow. Primary colors were widely featured during the 1950s and 60s. Red kitchen appliances, bright blue bathroom tile and cheerful yellow walls could all be found in midcentury homes. Primaries instantly evoke a playful, retro vibe.
Some ways to brighten up vintage spaces with primary colors include:
– A cherry red retro fridge or stand mixer
– Perky yellow cafe curtains in the kitchen
– A royal blue clawfoot tub or statement tile backsplash
– Red shelving or bar stools at the breakfast counter
– Vintage yellow metal outdoor chairs around a patio table
Limit primary colors to smaller accents like appliances, stools, curtains or artwork. Too much red, blue or yellow overwhelms a space. Keep your wall colors, sofa and larger furniture pieces neutral or subtle.
Rich Wood Tones
The natural beauty of wood never loses its vintage appeal. Dark walnut, mahogany and teak wood were used extensively in midcentury furniture and cabinetry. Wood paneling also gained popularity in dens, offices and rec rooms during this era. Rich wood tones provide organic texture and warmth.
Some ways to incorporate wood’s vintage vibe include:
– Refinishing antique wood furniture in a rich walnut or ebony stain
– Installing wood paneling along a wall or ceiling
– Choosing a mahogany dining table and buffet
– Displaying decorative wood bowls, trays or cutting boards
– Adding woven wood blinds or bamboo window shades
Wood effortlessly complements both warm neutrals and bold brights. For extra dimension, pair different wood tones like light oak floors with dark mahogany furniture. Distressed, weathered finishes boost the vintage feel.
FAQs
Still have questions about achieving the perfect vintage color scheme? Here are some common questions and answers:
What are the best vintage paint colors?
Popular vintage paint colors include light neutrals like antique white, almond, and linen. Robin’s egg blue and blush pink are classic pastel choices. Deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and ruby also have a retro vibe.
How do I choose vintage fabric colors?
Look for retro floral prints in muted earth tones or ditsy pastels. Vintage linens and upholstery often featured stripes or medallion patterns in neutrals with pops of primary colors.
What are some vintage kitchen color ideas?
Retro kitchens commonly mix neutral tile or wood floors with bright red appliances and cheery cafe curtains. Glassware and dishes often came in pastel hues like mint green.
Can I use vintage colors in a modern home?
Absolutely! Just use vintage hues sparingly as accents against a clean, contemporary backdrop. A blue Smeg fridge or brass pendant light instantly adds retro flavor.
How do I transition my home from modern to vintage?
Start by replacing cool grays with warm antique white or cream paint colors. Bring in curved midcentury furniture, woven rugs and bold retro artwork. Add pops of primary colors with your accessories.
Conclusion
Vintage design has timeless, nostalgic appeal. Incorporating colors that were popular decades ago is an easy way to create vintage flair. Earthy neutrals, pastel hues, black and white, warm metallics, primary brights and rich wood tones all evoke retro charm. Use a blend of these iconic shades to craft a cohesive, tasteful vintage color palette that won’t appear dated. With the right combination of classic colors, you can fashion a home with vintage panache.