{"id":218437,"date":"2025-12-30T17:40:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T17:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/218437\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T17:40:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T17:40:23","slug":"the-vintage-interior-trends-designers-predict-will-define-homes-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/218437\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vintage Interior Trends Designers Predict Will Define Homes in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vintage is no longer a finishing touch \u2013 it\u2019s become the foundation many designers are drawing upon for depth and detail that\u2019s unique to found objects. As homes move away from fast furniture and fleeting design trends<\/a>, there\u2019s a renewed appetite for sought-after pieces with soul, substance, and story. Designers are increasingly turning to antiques and vintage finds not only for their craftsmanship and patina, but for their ability to instantly lend individuality to a space.<\/p>\n

Market performance reflects this shift. According to 1stDibs<\/a>, antiques and decorative collectibles are showing their strongest demand increases in years, while sculptural elements like glass lighting and furniture with expressive curves are among the fastest-growing categories. Anthony Barzilay Freund, Editorial Director at 1stDibs, says this is part of a broader recalibration: \u2018People want interiors that feel personal and intentional \u2013 and decorating with vintage<\/a> delivers that in ways new furniture simply can\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Spanning expressive glass, nostalgic patterns, and curvaceous forms, these are the vintage-led trends set to define interiors in 2026.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

1. Curvy and Irregular Silhouettes<\/p>\n

\n

\"An\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Ollie Tomlinson)<\/p>\n

For 2026, designers are embracing curvature as a way to soften spaces and break from boxy minimalism<\/a>. From rounded coffee tables and free-form mirrors to biomorphic lighting and generously shaped lounge seating, gentle geometry brings comfort and flow to interiors.<\/p>\n

Pointing to a growing interest in iconic curved sofas and expressionistic furniture, Anthony predicts \u2018a real emphasis on sculptural forms that feel tactile and welcoming,\u2019 noting that curves help to humanise a space \u2013 with vintage mid-century and post-modern pieces in particular driving the shift.<\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s a natural warmth to curvy vintage silhouettes \u2013 they immediately make a space feel more welcoming,\u2019 says interior designer Rachael Gowdridge<\/a>. \u2018Their fluid lines ease the harder edges of a room, softening the overall geometry and helping the eye move more gently through the space.\u2019<\/p>\n

That emotional pull is part of a wider rediscovery of organic form, according to design consultant Eleanor Taylor-Roberts<\/a>, who reveals that \u2018designers are rediscovering the emotional resonance of curves and irregular vintage silhouettes.\u2019 In an era of strict minimalism, she explains, these forms feel \u2018deeply human \u2013 imperfect, tactile and expressive\u2019 offering a counterbalance that softens a space\u2019s edges.<\/p>\n

Design expertise in your inbox \u2013 from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.<\/p>\n

How to use at home: Introduce curves gradually. A rounded armchair, free-form mirror, or vintage ceramic can soothe a space without overpowering it.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Jim\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

1stDibs<\/p>\n

Jim Sofa Xl Size by Proisy Studio<\/p>\n

A sculptural centrepiece from Proisy Studio\u2019s Modern Cowboy collection, the Jim Sofa XL Size is an oversized, hand-crafted curved boucl\u00e9-upholstered sofa.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Black\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Soho Home<\/p>\n

Hollis Wall Mirror, Black Bulgari Marble<\/p>\n

A sculptural wall mirror crafted from honed Black Bulgari marble with a gently curved silhouette and substantial frame, where the natural veining of the stone ensures each piece is unique<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Curved\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Vakkerlight<\/p>\n

Petalia Wall Light<\/p>\n

With its soft curves and organic elegance this vintage-style wall light would instantly soften any room. Flank a bed or add something unexpected to a kitchen. <\/p>\n

2. Murano Glass<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Design: Campbell-Rey, Photographer: Ollie Tomlinson)<\/p>\n

Statement vintage lighting<\/a> isn\u2019t new, but this year, Murano glass commands the spotlight as both light source and centerpiece. Whether gleaming pendants or colorful blown-glass clusters, these pieces act like functional art.<\/p>\n

As noted by Anthony, \u2018Murano lighting is one of the single biggest drivers of vintage demand right now. Collectors and designers alike are drawn to its combination of color, craftsmanship, and expressive shape \u2013 it\u2019s a sculpture that defines a room.\u2019<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

This is supported by Duncan Campbell and Charlotte Rey of Campbell-Rey<\/a>, who have \u2018worked in Murano glass for the past 15 years and have not stopped marveling at its beautiful texture, color, and versatility. Working alongside Murano craftspeople \u2013 who are at the height of European craftsmanship \u2013 is a constant source of inspiration to us.\u2019<\/p>\n

How to use at home: Think beyond lighting. Alongside chandeliers and sconces, display Murano glassware \u2013 vases, bowls, or sculptural objects \u2013 as collected moments that radiate vibrancy and personality shaped by hand.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Celine\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Rebecca Udall<\/p>\n

Celine Murano Tumbler<\/p>\n

Individually hand blown by artisans in Murano, each of these tumblers is a piece of art for your table. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pair\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

1stDibs<\/p>\n

Pair of Murano Sconces<\/p>\n

A pair of hand-blown Murano glass wall sconces defined by elegant, curved forms and a softly luminous finish, celebrating the enduring craftsmanship of Venetian glassmaking.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Merano\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Bottega Jacobs<\/p>\n

1960s Murano Glass Vase<\/p>\n

A vintage Murano glass vase from 1960s Italy, hand-blown with a distinctive tortoiseshell pattern and wavy rim.<\/p>\n

3. Pre-1920s Antiques<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Design: Wolf Holden Design Studio, Photography: Tria Giovan)<\/p>\n

The most successful maximalist interiors<\/a> begin with a sense of order \u2013 and that order often comes from pre-1920s antiques. Hand-carved furniture, patinated woods, and architectural silhouettes are increasingly used to ground layered schemes rich in color, pattern, and texture.<\/p>\n

Anthony explains: \u2018In the current mix of expressive palettes and materials, early antiques act like visual gravity \u2013 they calm a scheme and make it feel intentional. Designers are increasingly centering rooms around a single great antique.\u2019 Designers like Ann Wolf and Ashley Holden of Wolf Holden<\/a> echo this, noting that \u2018these earlier pieces introduce essential visual order. Their architectural lines and time-worn finishes anchor the composition and keep exuberant rooms grounded in history.\u2019<\/p>\n

How to use at home: Anchor a room with one serious antique \u2013 a refectory table, an early chest, or a carved armchair \u2013 then layer bolder elements around it. The contrast makes both feel more intentional.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Biedermeier\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

1stDibs<\/p>\n

Biedermeier Walnut Veneered Sleigh Daybed, Austria 1820s<\/p>\n

An early 19th-century Austrian Biedermeier sleigh daybed, finely crafted with walnut veneer and clean, flowing lines that exemplify the period\u2019s exceptional woodworking.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pair\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Chairish<\/p>\n

Pair Pre-1920 Thonet Bentwood and Cane Dining Chairs With Loop Shaped Leg Braces<\/p>\n

A rare pair of dining chairs, crafted in steam-bent wood with distinctive loop-shaped leg braces and woven cane seats, exemplifying the technical innovation and refined lightness of early Viennese furniture design.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Vintage\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Max Rollitt<\/p>\n

Early-19th Century Two-Door Cabinet<\/p>\n

An early 19th-century two-door cabinet, beautifully finished with curl mahogany veneers, brass wire grilles with original silk backing, and pilasters crowned by finely carved lotus-leaf capitals.<\/p>\n

4. Floral and Botanical Motifs<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Frampton Court Orangery: Frampton Court (interiors) and Paul Whitbread (photographer) Rose Ceiling: Amanda Austin (interiors))<\/p>\n

Florals are blooming again \u2013 but with more nuance, history, and artistry than ever before. In 2026, floral and botanical motifs rank as the most favored vintage pattern, according to 1stDibs, with Victorian florals, Arts & Crafts botanicals, and mid-century nature prints all resurfacing.<\/p>\n

Decorative artist Tess Newall<\/a> attributes their staying power to emotion and memory: \u2018Nature has always been a huge source of inspiration in my work. The enduring appeal of florals and botanicals in interiors is due to the softness they bring to a room, and the fact that they are so timeless.\u2019 Rather than feeling overly decorative, today\u2019s florals are layered thoughtfully \u2013 on walls, ceilings, and textiles \u2013 often drawn from archival sources and adapted for contemporary living.<\/p>\n

How to use at home: Treat vintage florals as you would artwork. Look to archival prints, historic textiles, or botanical illustrations, and let one considered application \u2013 a wallpapered alcove, hand-painted ceiling, or upholstered heirloom piece \u2013 carry the narrative of the room.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Set\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

1stDibs<\/p>\n

Set of 3 Decorative Swedish Folk Art Pieces, C. 1900-1930<\/p>\n

A set of three early 20th-century Swedish folk art pieces featuring hand-crafted forms and painted decoration that reflect the charm and regional traditions of Scandinavian vernacular art.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Tyrolean\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Mind the Gap<\/p>\n

Tyrolean Panel Wallpaper by Mindthegap<\/p>\n

A trompe l\u2019oeil wallpaper featuring painterly, folk-inspired florals and stylised foliage, framed within a panel-effect border to evoke the look of traditional Tyrolean painted furniture and decorative wall panels.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Hand-painted\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

GreenRow<\/p>\n

Hand-painted Floral Box<\/p>\n

Hand-painted and inspired by vintage floral patterns, these decorative boxes can store jewelry, photos or corral clutter on your bedside table. <\/p>\n

5. Color-Drenching with Vintage Palettes<\/p>\n

\n

\"Color\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Little Greene)<\/p>\n

Color-drenching<\/a> continues to evolve in 2026, with designers increasingly embracing the technique, but now through a vintage lens. Color trends<\/a> are gravitating towards historically inspired palettes, such as moody greens, burgundy, chocolate brown, and porcelain blues.<\/p>\n

Rather than chasing a single \u2018it\u2019 shade, palettes are becoming richer, more considered, and rooted in decorative history, says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director of Little Greene<\/a>. \u2018This contemporary, cohesive approach delivers high impact by painting woodwork, radiators, ceilings, and doors in the same color as the walls,\u2019 as part of a growing confidence with color that marks a clear shift away from default white. \u2018There is a move away from white woodwork and ceilings in favor of contrasting or coordinating colors to create cohesive design schemes,’ Ruth adds.<\/p>\n

For Jennifer Pelzig of Parsnip Design<\/a>, color drenching is also a powerful spatial tool. \u2018Color drenching a space, particularly a room that is a more awkward shape or that may not be blessed with period or interesting architectural features, softens and blurs the edges a little,\u2019 she says. When combined with a gentle, vintage-inspired palette, the effect becomes even more compelling, \u2018building on that cocooning feeling and giving the space an established, more lived-in feel.\u2019 Jennifer often turns to historically rooted shades such as Little Greene\u2019s Pale Wedgwood Blue<\/a> \u2013 derived from 18th-century Jasperware \u2013 which works wonderfully when paired with related neutrals.<\/p>\n

How to use at home: Take cues from paint brands that mine the past. Look to historically researched shades \u2013 those drawn from archival houses, museums, or period interiors \u2013 and blanket-apply them across surfaces.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"brown\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A deep stone-toned paint shade inspired by the pantry door at Wimpole Hall, reflecting the practical, muted hues traditionally used in back-of-house interiors and recreated in partnership with the National Trust.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Farrow\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Farrow & Ball<\/p>\n

Saxon Green<\/p>\n

A light, traditional green with gentle yellow undertones, Saxon Green has a soft, timeworn quality and draws on historic paint colors commonly used before standardized palettes were introduced in the early 20th century.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Purple\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A rich velvet purple with cool blue undertones, this moody shade features a smooth matte finish and draws inspiration from the creative energy of 1960s and 70s Brooklyn, reflecting the artistic heritage and industrial character of its namesake.<\/p>\n

6. Skirted Seating<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Sally Wilkinson)<\/p>\n

Skirted sofas and chairs are resurfacing as an intentionally relaxed, romantic counterpoint to rigid frames, bringing a sense of ease back into upholstered furniture. Once a hallmark of 1940s interiors, skirted seating is being reintroduced as a way to balance structure with comfort \u2013 a shift that reflects a broader desire for warmth and livability at home. According to Anthony, \u2018Furniture with skirts gives upholstery a cozy, personalized quality \u2013 it\u2019s a way of tempering hard edges without feeling too precious.\u2019<\/p>\n

That sense of ease is exactly what draws designers like Emma Sherlock<\/a> to the style. She notes that adding a skirt is an effective way of \u2018softening upholstered furniture and adding a bit of charm and interest to a room,\u2019 especially when working with seating that has harder-edged backs and sides. For designer Sally Wilkinson<\/a>, the appeal lies in the familiarity skirted pieces bring. Whether tailored or gathered, she says, a skirt \u2018instantly adds warmth and a relaxed, lived-in quality that feels timeless,\u2019 while also offering practical benefits when used as a loose, washable cover.<\/p>\n

How to use at home: A single skirted piece can feel quietly considered, while multiple skirted sofas or chairs work beautifully in more decorative, chintzy interiors \u2013 especially when fabrics and proportions are thoughtfully coordinated.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Vintage\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

1stDibs<\/p>\n

Vintage Traditional Accent Chair & Ottoman<\/p>\n

A late 20th- to early 21st-century vintage accent chair and ottoman by North Carolina\u2019s Highland House, upholstered in red-and-white plaid with overstuffed cushions and tailored skirts on both pieces, finished with wood legs and casters.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Cream\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Lulu and Georgia<\/p>\n

Leary Ottoman<\/p>\n

This modern stool nods to the vintage trend for skirts, adding a touch of whimsy to living room or bedroom. It’s available in 16 different fabrics to you can pick depending on how vintage to want the piece to feel. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Rust\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

daals<\/p>\n

Calliope Skirted Armchair<\/p>\n

Inspired by classic upholstery, the Calliope armchair features gently sloped arms and a skirted base in a compact silhouette, upholstered in fern green brushed velvet for a rich, tactile finish.<\/p>\n

7. Wallpapered Ceilings<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Design: Ariel Okin, Photography: Julie Leffell, Styling: Anthony Amiano)<\/p>\n

Ceilings are being drawn into the design conversation like never before, with the use of wallpaper quite literally on the up. Carrying vintage prints or archival patterns overhead creates an enveloping effect that adds intimacy and intrigue, particularly in rooms with architectural quirks. This sense of immersion is central to how designers are using the technique today.<\/p>\n

Ariel Okin<\/a> follows Mario Buatta\u2019s long-held belief in treating the ceiling as a fifth wall, often continuing wall coverings overhead to make a room feel \u2018extra cozy,\u2019 while contrasting papers, textured finishes, or even specialty paint techniques can \u2018draw the eye up and create different effects \u2013 from making a ceiling feel higher and airier, to grounding and creating a feeling of being ensconced.\u2019<\/p>\n

In more challenging spaces, this approach can be especially transformative. Anouska Cave, Head of Design at Cave Interiors<\/a>, points to the power of scale and continuity when working with awkward architecture. \u2018Small-scale patterns work beautifully on sloped ceilings,\u2019 she says, advising that larger prints can feel overpowering, while a delicate repeat creates a gentler, more cosseting atmosphere. In an attic bedroom project, the studio chose Howe London\u2019s<\/a> Rambling Rose, carrying the wallpaper seamlessly across both walls and ceiling so that \u2018the angles were softened,\u2019 and the space felt \u2018intentionally intimate.\u2019<\/p>\n

How to use at home: Look to historically scaled patterns \u2013 18th- and 19th-century florals, ditsy repeats, or Arts & Crafts motifs \u2013 which were designed to sit comfortably overhead.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Alma\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A refined small-scale print named for the Victorian era, Alma features a diamond trellis framing a delicate sprig motif, presented on powder blue, grey, sand and ecru grounds.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Bayham\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Little Greene<\/p>\n

Bayham Abbey by Little Greene<\/p>\n

Based on an original fragment discovered at Bayham Abbey on the Sussex\u2013Kent border, this wallpaper features a rich red ground with Gothic overtones, echoing early machine-printed designs made from cellulose wood pulp.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Leonidis\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Schumacher<\/p>\n

Leonidis Stripe Green Wallpaper<\/p>\n

Inspired by ancient frescoes uncovered in a French villa, Leonidis features a medium-scale ogee stripe printed on a softly mottled ground, giving the wallpaper depth and a distinctive hand-painted character.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the power of decorating with vintage trends lies not in rigid rules, but in its flexibility. These vintage trends are less about recreating a particular era and more about learning how to mix them \u2013 pairing sculptural glass with inherited furniture, layering patterns and textures, or letting a single, characterful piece lead the room. Whether you start small with a lamp, mirror, or decorative object, add a skirt to your sofa, or take a bolder step with a fully color-drenched space, the most compelling interiors are those that feel considered rather than overly curated.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also pleasure in the process itself: the slow search, the unexpected find, the piece you didn\u2019t know you were looking for until it stops you in your tracks. Embracing vintage invites a more intuitive way of decorating, one that allows homes to evolve over time and reflect taste that feels distinctly personal \u2013 favoring instinct over impulse.<\/p>\n

If you would like more advice on what specific vintage pieces to look out for, our monthly series Better Vintage<\/a> is an exploration of treasured finds that just get better with age. We explore why certain pieces work better as vintage, what to look for when scouring markets, and how treasured, handed-down pieces find new life in contemporary homes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Vintage is no longer a finishing touch \u2013 it\u2019s become the foundation many designers are drawing upon for…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":218438,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[307,304,305,306,308,93,61,60],"class_list":{"0":"post-218437","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-artsanddesign","11":"tag-artsdesign","12":"tag-design","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-ie","15":"tag-ireland"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=218437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/218438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=218437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=218437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=218437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}