Vintage home features carry a charm, history, and practicality that modern designs often overlook. Recently, many of these timeless elements have found their way back into contemporary homes, loved for their nostalgic appeal and unique functionality.
Whether you’re restoring an older house or incorporating vintage decor into a new build, these features can elevate your interiors while adding loads of personality. These are classic features that are making a comeback in one form or another.
Trends vs. Featured Favorites
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While many vintage home features are making a comeback, it’s helpful to distinguish between fleeting trends and timeless design favorites.
Current trends include bold checkered floors, sunken living rooms (conversation pits), vibrant 1970s color palettes, and whimsical wallpaper—each offering nostalgic charm with modern flair.
On the other hand, classic favorites like clawfoot tubs, crown molding, and farmhouse sinks remain perennial choices for their elegance and function, embraced across design eras. This resurgence reflects a broader appreciation for craftsmanship and authenticity, whether you’re restoring a historic home or adding character to a modern space.
1. Interior Shutters
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Why They’re Back: Practical and timeless, interior shutters are resurging for their ability to provide privacy and light control while adding a cozy, charming aesthetic to windows. Unlike curtains, shutters offer a streamlined look that suits both classic and modern interiors.
Where to Use Them: Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, these shutters bring a polished touch to any window.
Care Tip: Choose solid wood shutters for durability and apply a fresh coat of paint when needed to maintain their appeal.
2. Dutch Doors
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Why They’re Back: Originally used by Dutch settlers to keep livestock out while letting in light and air, Dutch doors are both fun and functional. Their split design allows you to open the top half for fresh air while keeping the bottom half closed.
Where to Use Them: They work beautifully in mudrooms, kitchen entrances, or even as a charming back door.
Care Tip: Opt for weather-treated wood to make your Dutch door last in outdoor spaces.
3. Transom Windows
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Why They’re Back: These classic windows, placed above doors, allow natural light to flow between rooms. They also add a touch of elegance to spaces while improving ventilation in closed-off areas.
Where to Use Them: Install transom windows between hallways and living areas, or above entry doors for added character.
Care Tip: Consider frosted or decorative glass if you want light transfer without compromising privacy.
4. Butler’s Pantries
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Why They’re Back: Once a hallmark of grand homes, butler’s pantries are coveted again as functional spaces for meal prep, drink staging, and extra storage.
Where to Use Them: Place them between your kitchen and dining room for handy convenience.
Care Tip: Add custom-built shelves or wine racks to make your pantry both stylish and practical.
5. Built-in China Cabinets
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Why They’re Back: Built-in china cabinets evoke a sense of timeless elegance, blending practicality with vintage charm. They’re perfect for showcasing dishes, glassware, and collectibles.
Where to Use Them: Typically found in dining rooms, but they also shine in breakfast nooks and even living rooms.
Care Tip: Paint the cabinets in a bold or neutral color to complement the rest of your decor.
6. Stained Glass Windows
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Why They’re Back: Stained glass windows create stunning light filters and artistic patterns that liven up any space. Designers are now incorporating colorful geometric patterns for a modern twist on this vintage feature.
Where to Use Them: Add stained glass as accent windows in entryways, bathrooms, or above staircase landings.
Care Tip: To preserve historical pieces, clean gently with a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner.
7. Herringbone Wood Floors
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Why They’re Back: Herringbone floors’ intricate, zigzag pattern adds elegance and texture to any room. Their European origins make them a timeless addition to both modern and traditional homes.
Where to Use Them: Perfect for living areas, bedrooms, or entryways where you want to make a bold statement.
Care Tip: Polish and protect your floors regularly to keep the pattern sharp and the wood vibrant.
8. Picture Rails
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Why They’re Back: Picture rails allow you to hang art without hammering nails into walls, making them as functional as they are charming. These rails also make it easy to rotate artwork seasonally.
Where to Use Them: They’re ideal for living rooms, hallways, and home offices to display framed pictures, paintings, or mirrors.
Care Tip: Match picture rail molding to the wall color for a seamless look or paint it a contrasting shade for a decorative touch.
9. Sleeping Porches
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Why They’re Back: Sleeping porches, popular in pre-air conditioning eras, are making a comeback as a cozy, nostalgic retreat for warm-weather lounging. These screened-in porches allow you to enjoy fresh air while keeping bugs at bay.
Where to Use Them: Close off a section of your back porch or balcony to create a modern sleeping porch.
Care Tip: Add durable, weather-resistant furniture and soft, layered textiles for seasonal use.
10. Conversation Pits
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Why They’re Back: Conversation pits are mid-century modern classics that encourage intimate gatherings. These sunken seating areas create an inviting focal point and a comfortable vibe.
Where to Use Them: Best suited for spacious living rooms or as part of outdoor designs.
Care Tip: Choose cushions with water-resistant fabrics if placing the pit outdoors.
11. Vintage Wallpaper
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Why It’s Back: Patterned wallpaper is trending again as a bold way to add personality to your home. Vintage-inspired prints—such as florals, damasks, and geometric designs—bring a touch of retro nostalgia to any space.
Where to Use It: Accent walls in bedrooms, dining rooms, or powder rooms work best for incorporating vintage wallpaper.
Care Tip: Opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper if you like changing designs often, as it’s easier to install and remove.
12. Pedestal Sinks
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Why They’re Back: Compact yet stylish, pedestal sinks are returning as a chic solution for smaller bathrooms. Their minimalist look pairs well with both vintage and modern decor styles.
Where to Use Them: Update your powder room or guest bathroom with this timeless feature.
Care Tip: Keep pedestal sinks spotless to maintain their sleek appearance. Consider adding a slim storage cabinet nearby to make up for the lack of built-in storage.
A Classic for a Reason
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Vintage home features are proof that great design never goes out of style. By incorporating elements like stained glass windows, butler’s pantries, and herringbone wood floors, you can add richness, functionality, and a sense of history to your home. Whether you’re restoring a historic property or giving modern spaces a retro twist, these timeless features are sure to enhance any interior.
