Vintage furniture, homewares and decorative objects have long been an essential piece of any bohemian, French or eclectic interior theme, but many of the retro homewares and nostalgic decor your grandparents once had are currently enjoying a second stint in the spotlight.
We’re talking about the furniture upholstered in quirky patterns, the faux plants, the brightly coloured quilts, and the pin-tucked homewares. Thanks to the rise in popularity of the grandmillennial style, the things your grandparents once owned are now cool again.
Here are twelve of our favourites.
1. Shag rugs
Plush shag pile rugs that your feet can sink into are back and better than ever, but this time, opt for a rug that can create a zone within a space, rather than fitting it wall to wall.
If you’re after a shag rug for your own home, Miss Amara have some beautiful options to choose from.
![white shag rug](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/shagrug-683x1024.jpg)
2. Faux plants
From devil’s ivy to ferns, faux plants are making a comeback. Make sure you look for products that look and feel as realistic as possible, like the faux plants at The Plants Project. They’re some of the most realistic we’ve seen and they have a wide variety of plants and styles to choose from. But be sure to dust them regularly!
![fake plant](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/fauxplants-683x1024.jpg)
3. Round cushions
Round cushions with needlepoint patterns, crochet fronts or pintuck detailing are back on shop shelves and look good in contemporary colours such as pale pink, sage green, burnt orange, champaign and black. If you’re after some new cushions for your lounge, look no further then Myer for beautiful options.
![circle pillows in green, white and burnt orange](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/circlepillow-683x1024.jpg)
4. Quilted and knitted throw blankets
Quirky and packed with personality, a hand-quilted or knitted blanket from grandma isn’t just a precious gift, it’s the perfect throw blanket for an eclectic or bohemian home. If you’re eager to make one yourself, we have 6 free knitting blanket patterns for you to try.
![pink knitted blanket](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/knitblanket-683x1024.jpg)
5. Recliners
Once the piece de resistance of any bachelor pad, recliners have undergone a makeover and you can now buy sleek and simple designer perfect for the modern home. Check this minimalist style recliner from Fantastic Furniture, it comes as a 2 or 3-seater. Comfort is king.
![grey recliner lounge](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/recliner-683x1024.jpg)
6. Chintz
Often seen in English cottages, chintz had its major moment in the ‘90s, but seems to be sneaking back into homes. Look for bedspreads, curtains, wallpaper and furniture in bright and bold chintz patterns.
![chintz bed spread in blue](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/chintzbedspread-683x1024.jpg)
7. Stained-glass lights
Beautifully crafted stain-glass lamps are coming back in a big way. This resurgence can be seen in contemporary designs and settings, where they add a layer of character.
8. Checker tiles
Checkerboard floors and tiles have been gaining popularity once again in mainstream design, but they’ve always been a classic choice and never truly go out of style.
![](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/retrobathroom-683x1024.jpg)
9. Wallpaper
It’s all about how you style your wallpaper that’ll make or break a room. Colourful, patterned designs bring joy to an otherwise dull room, so we’re glad to see them make a comeback.
![green wallpaper in kitchen with green glassware on wood shelves](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/wallpaper-683x1024.jpg)
10. Matching tupperware
Tupperware really hits the nostalgia button, and they have brilliant storage options to not only store food, but organise the pantry, too.
![tupperware containers storage](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/tupperware-2-683x1024.jpg)
11. Decorative plates
Whether it was hanging on the walls, or stacked on display, decorative plates were a popular piece back in the day. While they stopped being popular for quite some time, we’ve seen many reintroduce painted plates as statement wall art to fill blank spaces.
![decorative patterned plates](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/decorativeplates-683x1024.jpg)
12. Crystal glassware
Coloured, crystal glassware is classy and elegant, but it was always held for celebratory occasions. Now there are affordable dupes of the designs, so if they break, it’s no big deal.
![crystal glassware](https://www.bhg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/crystal-683x1024.jpg)
How can I make my room nostalgic?
Make your room look and feel nostalgic by incorporating furniture or decor items that evoke memories for you. Do any of the pieces we’ve mentioned above remind you of childhood? Take a trip to your local vintage store and look for antique frames, old clocks, and any other items that make you feel nostalgic.
Why do people love vintage decor?
People love vintage decor because it adds character and personality to a room. It can bring sentimental value if it’s been passed down and carries a history, representing a different time and feelings of nostalgia.
What is considered vintage in home decor?
For a piece of furniture to be considered vintage, it is usually about 40 years old.