The vintage and farmhouse aesthetic has taken the home decor world by storm. It’s a style that evokes a sense of rustic charm, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. It celebrates the beauty of imperfection, embraces the warmth of natural textures, and incorporates well-loved vintage finds that tell a story.
Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting out, the vintage and farmhouse style offers endless possibilities to create a warm and inviting space. This blog will explore 17 amazing vintage & farmhouse favorites that can add a touch of personality and timeless charm to your home.
1. Galvanized Metal Tins: Timeless Versatility
Galvanized metal tins are a true staple in farmhouse decor. These versatile beauties, typically made of corrugated galvanized steel, come in various sizes and shapes. Their silver sheen adds a touch of industrial chic, while their rustic charm seamlessly blends into any farmhouse setting.
But what truly elevates galvanized metal tins is their incredible versatility. Here are just a few ways you can use them to enhance your space:
- Storage Solutions: These sturdy tins are perfect for storing anything from kitchen utensils and dry goods to blankets and toys. Their airtight lids keep contents fresh and dust-free.
- Planter Powerhouses: Repurpose these tins as charming planters for your favorite herbs, succulents, or even small flowers. The galvanized finish complements the greenery beautifully, creating a rustic yet elegant display.
- Candlelight Delights: Turn a galvanized tin into a unique candle holder. Simply line the bottom with sand or another fire-resistant material and add a pillar candle. The metal reflects the candlelight, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
DIY Inspiration:
Don’t be afraid to personalize these tins! Here are some ideas:
- Paint It Pretty: Give your tin a pop of color with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that complements your existing decor or go bold with a contrasting shade.
- Label Love: Add a touch of vintage charm by stenciling on labels or using decorative tags to identify the contents.
- Distressed Delight: For a more aged look, you can distress the metal with sandpaper or vinegar to create a chipped and worn effect.
Finding Your Perfect Tins:
The beauty of galvanized metal tins is that they’re readily available and budget-friendly. You can find them at antique stores, flea markets, and even some online retailers. Look for tins with interesting shapes or sizes to add visual interest to your decor.
2. Vintage Suitcases: A Touch of Travel-Worn Charm
Vintage suitcases are more than just functional storage; they’re conversation starters with a rich history. These well-traveled pieces come in various sizes and styles, from classic leather trunks to steamer trunks adorned with brass details.
Functional Flair:
Vintage suitcases offer a surprising amount of storage space. Use them in your living room as a unique coffee table ottoman or a charming side table. Stack a few suitcases of different sizes for a layered look. In your bedroom, they can serve as stylish nightstands or even additional seating.
Styling Tips:
The beauty of vintage suitcases lies in their versatility. Here are some ideas to incorporate them into your space:
- Living Room Luxury: Nestle a vintage suitcase under a console table to create a hidden storage unit. Add a throw blanket and some decorative pillows on top for extra seating.
- Bedroom Bliss: Turn a vintage suitcase into a unique nightstand. Prop it up on its side, add a small lamp or a vase of flowers on top, and you have an instant conversation piece.
- Open Shelving Display: Leave a vintage suitcase open on a bookshelf or display shelf. Use it to showcase travel memorabilia, vintage books, or decorative items.
Finding Your Perfect Suitcase:
When hunting for vintage suitcases, consider the condition and size you need. Look for pieces with interesting details like leather straps, brass buckles, or colorful stickers.
Here are some places to find vintage suitcases:
- Thrift Stores: A treasure trove of hidden gems, you might find a vintage suitcase at a fraction of the cost.
- Estate Sales: Estate sales can be a goldmine for vintage finds. Be prepared to bargain and act quickly!
- Online Marketplaces: Several online platforms specialize in selling vintage items. You can find a wide variety of suitcases with detailed descriptions and photos.
3. Wrought Iron Hooks: Rustic Functionality
Wrought iron hooks are the unsung heroes of farmhouse decor. These sturdy and stylish hooks add a touch of rustic charm to any space while providing much-needed functionality.
Beyond the Coat Rack:
While wrought iron hooks are perfect for hanging coats, scarves, and bags near the entryway, their versatility extends far beyond the mudroom. Here are some additional ways to incorporate them into your farmhouse haven:
- Kitchen Charm: Install wrought iron hooks on a wall in your kitchen to hang pots, pans, utensils, or even mugs. This not only frees up cabinet space but also creates a visually appealing display.
- Bathroom Bliss: Use wrought iron hooks behind the bathroom door for hanging towels, robes, or bathrobes. For a touch of whimsy, hang a vintage washboard alongside the hooks.
- Organized Entryway: Create a designated entryway for dog leashes, backpacks, or sports equipment by installing a row of wrought iron hooks along the wall. Add a rustic wooden shoe rack below for a complete mudroom look.
- Creative Craft Corner: Wrought iron hooks are perfect for hanging crafting supplies like scissors, ribbons, or yarn in a dedicated craft space. This keeps your tools organized and readily accessible.
DIY Project: Wrought Iron Hanging Herb Garden
Here’s a fun DIY project to personalize your wrought iron hooks:
- Gather small terracotta pots, wrought iron hooks, S-shaped hooks, and a variety of herbs.
- Drill a small hole near the rim of each terracotta pot for drainage.
- Attach an S-shaped hook to the rim of each pot.
- Hang the S-shaped hooks from the wrought iron hooks you’ve installed in your desired location (kitchen window, sunny wall).
- Plant your favorite herbs in the terracotta pots and enjoy your very own hanging herb garden!
Finding Your Perfect Wrought Iron Hooks:
Wrought iron hooks are readily available at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers. You can find them in various sizes, finishes (black, silver, bronze), and styles (single hook, double hook, decorative scrollwork). Choose hooks that complement your existing decor and match the weight of the items you intend to hang.
4. Mason Jars: Timeless Treasures
The humble mason jar has transcended its canning roots and become a beloved staple in farmhouse decor. These versatile glass jars come in various sizes and shapes, offering endless possibilities for storage, display, and even lighting.
Beyond the Pantry:
While mason jars are perfect for storing dry goods and pantry staples, their uses extend far beyond the kitchen. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your farmhouse decor:
- Rustic Lighting: Turn mason jars into charming pendant lights by adding fairy lights, small Edison bulbs, or even candles (for a safe, flameless option) inside the jar. Hang them individually or in clusters for a unique and romantic touch.
- Bathroom Beauties: Fill mason jars with cotton balls, bath salts, or Q-tips for organized bathroom storage. Add a decorative twine or ribbon around the lid for a touch of farmhouse charm.
- Floral Fantasies: Mason jars are perfect for displaying small bouquets of wildflowers, succulents, or even air plants. Play with different sizes and colors of jars to create a visually interesting centerpiece.
DIY Project: Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
Here’s a simple DIY project to transform a mason jar into a stylish soap dispenser:
- Find a mason jar with a pump dispenser top (available at craft stores or online).
- Choose your favorite liquid soap and carefully pour it into the jar.
- For an extra touch, add a sprig of rosemary or lavender to the soap for a subtle scent and a farmhouse aesthetic.
Finding Your Perfect Mason Jars:
Mason jars are readily available at grocery stores, kitchenware stores, and online retailers. You can find them new or vintage, with smooth or textured glass. Consider the size and style that best suits your needs and desired aesthetic.
5. Grain Sacks: A Touch of Textural Interest
Grain sacks, once used to store grains and other agricultural products, have become a popular choice for adding a touch of rustic charm and textural interest to farmhouse decor. These natural-fiber sacks come in various sizes and often feature bold stripes or stenciled lettering.
Beyond the Throw Pillow:
While grain sacks can be used to create charming throw pillows or even table runners, their uses extend beyond basic textiles. Here are some additional ways to incorporate them into your decor:
- Wall Hangings: Transform a grain sack into a unique wall hanging by framing it or simply hanging it on a decorative dowel rod. Layer it with other textiles like lace or burlap for added visual interest.
- Window Treatments: Use grain sacks to create rustic Roman shades or simple cafe curtains. They add a touch of privacy while allowing natural light to filter through.
- Upholstery Refresh: Reupholster a chair or bench with a grain sack for a unique and textural addition to your living room or bedroom.
DIY Project: Grain Sack Basket
Here’s a fun DIY project to create a versatile grain sack basket:
- Gather a large grain sack (look for one with a sturdy weave), sewing thread, scissors, and a hot glue gun (optional).
- Lay the grain sack flat and cut out a large square or rectangle, depending on your desired basket size.
- Cut four equal strips of fabric from the remaining grain sack material for the basket handles.
- Fold the large square in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Sew the long side closed, leaving a small opening at the bottom for turning.
- Clip the corners diagonally to reduce bulk at the base of the basket.
- Turn the fabric right side out and push out the corners with a blunt object.
- Fold down the raw top edge of the basket about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and iron it flat.
- Sew a topstitch along the folded edge to create a finished look.
- Take the four fabric strips for the handles and fold them in half lengthwise. Sew along the long edge to create two long tubes.
- Turn the handle tubes right side out and iron them flat.
- Attach the handles to the inside of the basket using a strong sewing thread or hot glue gun (ensure the glue is suitable for fabric).
- Position the handles evenly spaced on the top rim of the basket.
Finding Your Perfect Grain Sacks:
Vintage grain sacks can be found at antique stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces. Look for sacks with interesting stripes, textures, or stenciled lettering. Alternatively, some fabric stores sell reproduction grain sack fabric by the yard.
6. Rustic Tables: The Heart of the Home
A rustic table is a cornerstone of farmhouse decor. These sturdy and often well-worn tables provide a gathering place for meals, conversation, and activities.
Beyond the Dining Room:
While a rustic table is a natural fit for the dining room, its versatility extends to other areas of the home. Here are some ideas:
- Coffee Table Charm: A rustic coffee table in your living room creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Add a rustic tray to corral coasters, remotes, and decorative items.
- Console Table Chic: A narrow rustic console table behind your sofa provides a surface for lamps, photos, or even a small collection of vintage finds.
- Rustic Entryway Table: Welcome guests with a rustic table in your entryway. Use it to display a charming vignette with a vintage lamp, a bowl of decorative keys, and a framed mirror.
Choosing Your Perfect Rustic Table:
There are endless possibilities when it comes to rustic tables. Here are some things to consider:
- Material: Wood is the most common material for rustic tables, but you can also find tables made from reclaimed metal or even stone.
- Style: Rustic tables come in various styles, from farmhouse tables with turned legs to trestle tables with a more industrial feel.
- Size: Choose a table that fits the scale of your room and your needs. Consider how many people you need to seat and how much surface space you require.
7. Throw Pillows: Cozy Comfort
Throw pillows are a simple yet impactful way to add color, texture, and personality to your farmhouse decor.
Beyond the Sofa:
While throw pillows are perfect for adding comfort and visual interest to your sofa, their uses extend beyond the living room. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your farmhouse haven:
- Bedroom Bliss: Layer throw pillows on your bed for a cozy and inviting feel. Choose a mix of textures and patterns to create visual interest.
- Reading Nook Comfort: Spruce up your reading nook with a comfortable armchair and a pile of throw pillows for extra support and a touch of color.
- Outdoor Oasis: Add some cozy charm to your porch or patio with weather-resistant throw pillows on your outdoor furniture.
DIY Project: Stenciled Throw Pillows
Here’s a fun DIY project to personalize your throw pillows:
- Gather plain throw pillow covers in your desired fabric (linen, cotton, burlap), fabric stencils with farmhouse designs (florals, stripes, lettering), stenciling paint suitable for fabric, and a stencil brush.
- Secure the stencil onto the pillow cover using painter’s tape.
- Apply a thin layer of stenciling paint to the brush and dab it gently onto the stencil, creating a crisp design.
- Repeat the process with different stencils and colors to create a unique and personalized throw pillow.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil and washing the pillow cover according to the fabric care instructions (if applicable).
Choosing Your Perfect Throw Pillows:
Throw pillows come in a variety of sizes, materials, and patterns. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect ones for your farmhouse decor:
- Size: Consider the scale of your furniture and the space you have available. Standard throw pillows are typically 18″ x 18″, but you can also find them in smaller sizes (16″ x 16″) or larger sizes (20″ x 20″) for added comfort.
- Material: Choose natural fibers like linen, cotton, or burlap for a classic farmhouse look. You can also incorporate textured fabrics like faux fur or cable knit for added visual interest.
- Pattern: Mix and match solid-colored pillows with patterned ones. Popular farmhouse patterns include stripes, checks, floral prints, and gingham. Consider using throw pillows with words or vintage-inspired designs to add a touch of personality.
- Color: Opt for neutral colors like white, beige, and cream as a base. You can then introduce pops of color with throw pillows in muted blues, greens, or yellows.
8. Chipped Enamelware: A Touch of Shabby Chic
Enamelware, once a staple in kitchens for its durability and easy cleaning, has transformed into a beloved farmhouse find. These vintage pots and pans with their charmingly chipped enamel add a touch of shabby chic to your decor.
Beyond the Kitchen Counter:
While chipped enamelware can create a nostalgic display on your kitchen counter, its uses extend beyond the culinary realm:
- Rustic Planter Power: Repurpose chipped enamelware as unique planters for succulents, herbs, or small flowering plants. The contrasting textures of the chipped enamel and vibrant greenery create a visually appealing combination.
- Candlelight Charm: Turn a chipped enamel colander or a small pot into a rustic candle holder. Add a pillar candle or a grouping of tea lights for a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Bathroom Bliss: Use chipped enamelware as a toothbrush holder, soap dish, or even a small vase for wildflowers in your bathroom. This adds a touch of vintage charm while keeping things functional.
Finding Your Perfect Chipped Enamelware:
Embrace the imperfections! Look for chipped enamelware at flea markets, antique stores, or online marketplaces. The more worn and chipped, the more farmhouse charm it exudes.
9. Vintage Ladder: A Multifunctional Marvel
Vintage ladders aren’t just for climbing anymore; they’ve become a popular farmhouse decor element. Their versatility and rustic charm make them a welcome addition to any space.
Beyond the Wall Hanging:
While leaning a vintage ladder against the wall adorned with blankets or fairy lights is a classic farmhouse look, its functionality extends beyond mere decoration:
- Towel Rack Delight: Transform a vintage ladder into a towel rack in your bathroom. Install small hooks or shelves on the rungs to hang towels, robes, or washcloths.
- Book Nook Charm: Repurpose a vintage ladder into a unique bookshelf. Lean it against a wall and use the rungs to display books, magazines, or even small plants and decorative items.
- Kitchen Towel Haven: Hang a vintage ladder in your kitchen and utilize the rungs to display colorful kitchen towels, oven mitts, or pot holders.
Finding Your Perfect Vintage Ladder:
Look for sturdy vintage ladders made of wood or metal at flea markets, estate sales, or online marketplaces. Consider the size and style that best fits your space and intended use.
10. Vintage Milk Crates: Stackable Storage Solutions
Vintage milk crates are more than just nostalgic reminders of the past dairy industry. Their sturdy construction, stackable design, and rustic charm make them perfect for farmhouse storage solutions.
Beyond the Entryway:
While vintage milk crates can be used to create a charming shoe rack in your entryway, their storage potential extends to other areas of the home:
- Magazine Rack Magic: Stack a few vintage milk crates to create a unique magazine rack in your living room or bedroom. It provides easy access to your favorite reads while adding a touch of rustic flair.
- Toy Time Corral: Use vintage milk crates in your child’s room to corral toys, books, or stuffed animals. Their stackable design allows for customization based on storage needs.
- Bathroom Basket Beauties: Line vintage milk crates with fabric or decorative paper to create charming laundry baskets in your bathroom. They offer a unique alternative to traditional hampers.
Finding Your Perfect Vintage Milk Crates:
Look for vintage milk crates at flea markets, antique stores, or online marketplaces. You can often find them pre-painted in various colors, but you can also refurbish them yourself for a personalized touch.
11. Wrought Iron Lanterns: A Touch of Old World Charm
Wrought iron lanterns add a touch of old-world charm and rustic elegance to any space. Their intricate details and warm glow create a welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond the Porch:
While wrought iron lanterns are perfect for adding ambiance to your porch or patio, their uses extend further indoors:
- Statement Lighting: Hang a wrought iron lantern from your living room ceiling for a unique and rustic statement piece. Add a decorative Edison bulb or fairy lights for a warm and inviting glow.
- Bedroom Bliss: Place a wrought iron lantern on your nightstand for a touch of rustic charm. It provides a warm ambiance for reading or creating a relaxing atmosphere before bed.
- Bathroom Beauty: Hang a small wrought iron lantern on the wall near your bathroom mirror for a decorative touch
Beyond the Bathroom Beauty:
- Bathroom Beauty (continued): The lantern can also be used to house a small votive candle, offering a soft and flickering light for a spa-like experience.
Finding Your Perfect Wrought Iron Lanterns:
Wrought iron lanterns come in various sizes and styles, from simple hanging lanterns to elaborate wall sconces. Look for them at antique stores, flea markets, or online retailers. Consider the size and style that best complements your existing decor and the desired function.
12. Vintage Glass Cloches: Displaying Delights
Vintage glass cloches offer a beautiful way to showcase and protect treasured collectibles, plants, or even decorative vignettes.
Beyond the Cake Stand:
While vintage glass cloches were traditionally used to cover cakes and pastries, their uses extend far beyond the kitchen:
- Botanical Beauties: Create a miniature terrarium inside a cloche by adding small plants, moss, and decorative stones. It’s a charming way to bring a touch of nature indoors.
- Collectible Showcase: Display a treasured family heirloom, a vintage figurine, or a collection of seashells inside a cloche for a unique and protected display.
- Candlelight Delights: Place a pillar candle or a grouping of tea lights inside a cloche for a warm and inviting centerpiece on your coffee table or dining table. The glass creates a beautiful flickering effect.
Finding Your Perfect Vintage Glass Cloches:
Vintage glass cloches can be found at antique stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces. Look for cloches in various sizes and shapes, with round, square, and bell-shaped options adding visual interest.
13. Galvanized Metal Buckets: Versatile Charm
Similar to galvanized metal tins, galvanized metal buckets offer a unique blend of rustic charm and versatility. Their sturdy construction makes them perfect for storage, planters, or even ice buckets.
Beyond the Mudroom:
While galvanized metal buckets can be used to hold gardening tools or firewood near the back door, their uses extend throughout the home:
- Laundry Basket Chic: Repurpose a galvanized metal bucket as a unique laundry basket in your bathroom or bedroom. Add a fabric liner for a touch of softness and to prevent snags on delicate clothing.
- Ice Bucket Extravaganza: Keep drinks chilled in style with a galvanized metal bucket as your ice bucket at your next gathering. It adds a touch of rustic charm to your bar cart or party table.
- Outdoor Oasis Delight: Plant flowers or herbs directly in a galvanized metal bucket for a charming addition to your porch or patio. The bucket’s portability allows you to move it around to maximize sunlight.
Finding Your Perfect Galvanized Metal Bucket:
Look for galvanized metal buckets at hardware stores, home improvement stores, or online retailers. They come in various sizes, so choose one that fits your intended use and aesthetic preference.
14. Vintage Jugs & Pitchers: Rustic Functionality
Vintage jugs and pitchers, often crafted from ceramic or stoneware, transcend their utilitarian past to become charming decorative pieces. Their timeless shapes and muted tones seamlessly integrate into farmhouse style.
Beyond the Shelf Sitter:
While vintage jugs and pitchers look lovely displayed on a shelf or hutch, their functionality extends beyond mere decoration:
- Fresh Flower Haven: Fill a vintage jug or pitcher with a splash of water and a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers or seasonal blooms. It creates a rustic yet elegant centerpiece for your dining table or coffee table.
- Utensil Oasis: Repurpose a vintage jug or pitcher as a utensil holder in your kitchen. This keeps spatulas, spoons, and whisks readily accessible while adding a touch of vintage charm.
- Bathroom Bliss: Use a small vintage pitcher to hold hand soap or lotion on your bathroom vanity. It adds a touch of rustic elegance and complements other vintage bathroom accessories.
Finding Your Perfect Vintage Jugs & Pitchers:
Look for vintage jugs and pitchers at antique stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces. Embrace the imperfections – a chipped spout or a hairline crack can add to the vintage character. Consider the size, material, and color to complement your existing decor.
15. Wicker Baskets: Woven Warmth
Wicker baskets, with their natural woven texture and warm tones, are a staple in farmhouse decor. They offer a versatile storage solution while adding a touch of rustic charm.
Beyond the Laundry Room:
While wicker baskets are perfect for storing laundry or throw blankets, their uses extend to various areas of your home:
- Magazine Rack Magic: A large wicker basket can serve as a unique and stylish magazine rack in your living room or bedroom. It offers easy access to your favorite reads while adding a touch of natural texture.
- Toy Time Corral: Use wicker baskets in your child’s playroom to store toys, books, or stuffed animals. Their open design allows for easy access and encourages tidying up.
- Bathroom Basket Beauties: Wicker baskets lined with fabric or decorative paper create charming laundry hampers or storage baskets for toiletries in your bathroom. They offer a natural and breathable alternative to traditional hampers.
Finding Your Perfect Wicker Baskets:
Wicker baskets come in various sizes, shapes, and even colors. Look for them at home decor stores, craft stores, or online retailers. Consider the size and style that best suits your storage needs and aesthetic preference.
16. Vintage Scales: A Balanced Touch of History
Vintage scales, once used for weighing ingredients or other household items, add a unique touch of history and visual interest to farmhouse decor.
Beyond the Kitchen Counter:
While vintage scales can be displayed on your kitchen counter with a decorative bowl or a collection of cookbooks, their uses extend to other areas of the home:
- Bathroom Bliss: Repurpose a vintage scale as a unique towel rack in your bathroom. Mount it on the wall and hang towels from the hooks on the scale beam.
- Entryway Elegance: Transform a vintage scale into a charming key holder in your entryway. Add small hooks to the scale beam for hanging keys, dog leashes, or lanyards.
- Living Room Display: Display a vintage scale on a console table or bookshelf in your living room. Place a decorative orb, a stack of vintage books, or a small potted plant on the platform for added visual interest.
Finding Your Perfect Vintage Scales:
Look for vintage scales at antique stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces. You can find platform scales, balance scales, or even letter scales, each offering a unique aesthetic. Choose one in good working condition if you plan to use it for light weighing tasks.
17. Distressed Mirrors: Reflecting Rustic Charm
Distressed mirrors, with their aged frames and imperfect finish, add a touch of vintage character and rustic charm to any space.
Beyond the Vanity:
While distressed mirrors are a classic choice for the bathroom vanity, their versatility extends to other areas of your home:
- Entryway Elegance: Hang a distressed mirror in your entryway to create a sense of spaciousness and allow for last-minute outfit checks. The aged frame adds a touch of character to your entry space.
- Living Room Light: A strategically placed distressed mirror in your living room can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. It can also draw attention to a specific focal point or artwork.
- Bedroom Beauty (continued): A distressed mirror hung above your dresser can add depth and dimension to your bedroom. Style it with decorative sconces on either side for a touch of vintage glam.
Finding Your Perfect Distressed Mirrors:
Distressed mirrors come in various sizes, shapes, and frame styles. Look for them at antique stores, flea markets, or even home decor stores that carry vintage-inspired pieces. Consider the size and style that complements your existing decor and the desired function in the room.
Conclusion: Embrace the Allure of Vintage Farmhouse
The vintage and farmhouse aesthetic offers a timeless charm that can transform your home into a warm and inviting haven. Try incorporating any of these 17 amazing favorites explored in this blog to add a touch of character, history, and rustic elegance to your space.
Remember, the key to creating a successful farmhouse look is to embrace the beauty of imperfection and personalize it to reflect your unique style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match vintage finds with new pieces, and have fun with DIY projects to add your own personal touch. So, get out there, explore flea markets and antique stores, and embrace the allure of vintage farmhouse!
Feel free to share your favorite vintage farmhouse finds in the comments section below!