Decorating with Vintage Fashion

The Vintage Fashion Guild recently received a request for tips on decorating using vintage items in a modern setting. We puzzled over this, thinking that the inquiry was about vintage interior decorating items. However, when the writer clarified that she was interested in our tips as long as they involved styling an interior, we sensed a compelling challenge!

Here are our proposed ideas for decorating using vintage fashion items.

For the sentimentalist: Many have family history in the form of clothing and accessories. These are so often tucked away and forgotten. Instead of simply framing a photo of someone you want to remember, consider protecting and preserving more of their story in a shadowbox frame. Frame a baptismal gown and baby photos, or a necklace, gloves and lace handkerchief with a photo of the loved one who used the items.

For the mid-century kitsch lover: You can use cheerful vintage aprons across a line to curtain your kitchen or breakfast nook. The half aprons that once were ubiquitous often represent DIY in the most charming way, with mid-century prints, interesting trims and extras like ruffles and embroidery.

For the modernist: Set a tone with a grouping of framed scarves or handkerchiefs. Vintage Vera scarves are particularly artful and many of Vera Neumann’s designs are akin to fine art. In fact, you can set a tone to suit almost any style with the right garment on display.

For the collector: Some highlight their vintage fashion item collections by displaying them decoratively. After all, anything in groups becomes more interesting. Try lighting behind Lucite purses on a glass shelf in a modern interior. Especially if carved or with encased confetti, the Lucite will glow and sparkle.

For the romantic: It’s not hard to love old dress forms and hat-display mannequin heads or hands. You can display a beautiful vintage hat on a vintage head mannequin or hat stand for an air of romance. (If you are more the fun-loving type, there are vintage mannequin parts—think leg upside down in an umbrella stand!)

For the prepster: Vintage swimwear in primary colors framed in white would give a sporty look to a beach cottage.

For the Western lover: A line up of perfectly worn vintage cowboy boots, cowboy hats and maybe a spur or two? Yee-haw!

For the girly-girl: A display of colorful vintage shoes make great bedroom decor.

For the practical: To make a useful and beautiful display you can pin brooches on a cloth-covered dress form or some other soft decorative item. Looks good and it’s easy to see and select what you will wear. You can cover a wall with handbags that you can select for use, or fill an emptied chocolate box with jewelry, using individual paper cups (like the chocolate was in). This looks great with a Valentine heart-shaped box!

Read the entire article that resulted from our and others’ tips, “Timeless Fusion: How to Blend Vintage and Modern Design According to Experts” by Holly Hooper, on Redfin.

A caveat for display of vintage clothing and accessories: Keep in mind that vintage fashion items, to one degree or another, are ephemeral. To preserve the pieces you are displaying, you will want to protect them from harsh conditions, including moisture, big temperature swings, direct sunlight, dust, and critters. Keep the items clean and be sure anything delicate (think beaded silk flapper dress) is not strained on a hanger.