My Four Favorite Vintage Collections for Home Decor

I am trying to purge some of my vintage collection but there are four favorites that I will continue to weave into my home décor.

As someone who loves to add a touch of vintage charm to my home decor, I’ve spent countless hours scouring antique stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces for unique finds. Over the years, I’ve amassed quite a collection of vintage items that I love. But the time has come to pare down those collections. In this post, I’ll be sharing my four favorite vintage collections that I will continue to use in my interior design.

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Embracing the Charm of White Ironstone and Transferware

I love incorporating vintage pieces into my home decor, and two of my favorite collections to use are white ironstone and transferware. These classic pieces add a touch of elegance and charm to any room, and they’re also incredibly versatile.

White ironstone is a type of pottery that was first produced in the 19th century. It’s known for its clean, simple lines and bright white color, which makes it perfect for displaying flowers or other decorative items. I love using white ironstone pitchers and vases on my dining room table or as a centerpiece on my coffee table.

Transferware, on the other hand, is a type of pottery that features intricate designs that are transferred onto the surface of the piece. It was first produced in the 18th century, and it’s still popular today. I love using transferware plates as part of a table setting for a special occasion.

One of the things I love most about both white ironstone and transferware is that they’re easy to mix and match with other pieces. They work well with other vintage pieces, but they also look great with modern decor. Plus, they’re durable enough to be used every day, so you don’t have to worry about them being too delicate to handle.

If you’re looking to add some vintage charm to your home decor, I highly recommend incorporating some white ironstone and transferware pieces. They’re timeless classics that will never go out of style, and they’re sure to add a touch of elegance to any room.

The Elegance of Flow Blue China

Flow Blue China is also a type of transferware but I consider them separate because it’s uniquely different. The patterns originated in the 1820s and feature a stunning blue and white design with a bleeding effect of the blue dyes. They are typically floral but not always. There are many different patterns, and I don’t collect just one. I collect an array of patterns as they all work well together.

While I have many pieces to use for a proper table setting, I now look for unique pieces like large pitchers, covered casseroles, large platters, and vases.

Flow Blue is elegant and for someone like me who loves blue and white, it is a must-have collection. I think that it looks beautiful in any room.

Incorporating Vintage Books into Home Décor

Another vintage collection that I can’t get enough of is antique books. There’s something so charming about the way that old books look and feel, and they make for great decorative accents. I like to stack them on coffee tables or bookshelves, and I also love to use them as props in styled photoshoots.

I love incorporating vintage books into my home decor. They add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any space. Here are a few ways I like to use them:

• Stack them up – I like to stack vintage books on top of each other to create height and interest on a coffee table or shelf. You can mix and match different sizes and colors to create a unique look.
• Use them as a backdrop – Vintage books make a great backdrop for displaying other items. I like to use them as a backdrop for family photos or small pieces of art.
• Create a centerpiece – Vintage books can be used to create a beautiful centerpiece for a dining table or mantle. Simply stack them up and add a vase of flowers or a candle in the center.
• Display them in a bookcase – The most obvious way to use vintage books is to display them in a bookcase. Mix them in with newer books to create a curated look.

While some would say that a book must be in good condition if used for display. I would have to disagree. Some of my favorites are tattered and torn and I especially love well-worn leather books. As I’m paring down my vintage collection I’m getting rid of many of the ones that aren’t leather. With a little care, vintage books can add a lot of character to your home.

The Sparkle of Vintage Crystal

Vintage glassware is another passion of mine. From delicate crystal to colorful mid-century designs, vintage glassware adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any room. I love to display my collection in the corner cabinets in my dining room. I also have some in the glass front cabinets in my kitchen. You will also find my vintage crystal in my Tablescapes.

As someone who loves vintage collections, I always find myself drawn to the sparkle and elegance of vintage crystal. There’s just something about the way it catches the light and adds a touch of glamour to any room.

When it comes to vintage crystal, two of my favorite collections are Waterford Kincora and Lismore. Both of these collections are known for their intricate cuts and stunning designs. The Kincora collection features a delicate diamond pattern, while the Lismore collection has a more dramatic diamond and wedge cut.

Another vintage crystal collection that I adore is Fostoria Meadow Rose. This collection has a more romantic feel, with its etched rose design and scalloped edges. It’s perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to a dining table or vanity.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different vintage crystal collections to create a unique and eclectic look.

I use my vintage crystal in all of my Tablescapes. I’m a firm believer that you should use your nice things. We use the glassware for entertaining and I use my crystal candle sticks on my dining room table. I have some crystal servicing pieces that I use for serving food. I have also turned them into vessels for floral arrangements.

How Do You Know If You’re Getting the Real Deal?

When you’re looking for vintage ironstone there are a few things to keep an eye out for as new pieces are being passed off as vintage so you need to be careful.

With ironstone, my tips are first and foremost check for a maker’s mark or back stamp on the bottom. I do a quick search on my phone to see what I can come up with. That will sometimes tell you right away if it’s the real deal.

Old ironstone also has a decent weight to it. If it’s very light, chances are it’s not old. Another thing that you can look for is a bell-type sound when you lightly knock on old porcelain pieces. It’s easiest to do with things with a handle. You gently dangle the piece by the handle and give it a light knock with your knuckles. If it has a bell quality to the sound, it’s probably real vintage ironstone or transferware.

With flow blue, I always look for the mark. I can now also tell by the patterns of some that it’s the real deal. It’s taken me some time to become familiar.

There are also books that you can buy to help you identify the markers mark and other details. I don’t carry those around with me when I’m out hunting. I do however check to make sure when I get home. THIS book and THIS book are great for Flow Blue and I have THIS book for Ironstone.

When it comes to crystal, I know my Waterford is vintage because I’ve owned it for over 30 years. The Fostoria patterns can be looked up with a quick internet search. I have another pattern of etched glass crystal that I know is old because it came from “Handy’s” family. I still haven’t been able to identify the pattern.

Curating Your Vintage Collections

When it comes to curating your vintage collections, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the pieces you choose fit with your overall style and aesthetic. Just because something is old doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to work in your home.

One way to ensure that your vintage pieces work together is to choose a specific theme or color scheme. For me what works is the whites, blues, and crystal with some creamy and brown old books.

Another important consideration when curating your vintage collection is the condition of the items. While some wear and tear can add character and charm, you don’t want to invest in pieces that are falling apart or in need of major repairs.

To help you get started, here are a few more of my favorite vintage things that you might want to consider collecting for home decor:

• Amber Glass: I do have a few pieces of amber glass but I only use it with my fall décor. If your home has wood and browns, this is a collection for you.
• Vintage Scales: I have a small collection of scales. I have a small vintage scale, a medium-sized balancing scale, and I have a very large gold Stimpson scale. They are prized possessions.
• Milk glass: This opaque white glass was popular in the early to mid-20th century. It can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Use it as a vase for fresh flowers, or display a collection of milk glass vases on a windowsill for a charming vintage touch. I don’t have any milk glass but if I had the space…….
• Vintage cameras: Even if you’re not a photography buff, vintage cameras can make a great addition to your home decor. Display them on a shelf or use them as a bookend for a touch of vintage charm. I think vintage cameras are so lovely. I have a few but not enough to be considered a collection.

Remember, the key to a successful vintage collection is to choose pieces that you love and that work together. With a little bit of effort and careful curation, you can create a unique and stylish home that’s full of character and personality.

Peace and Love,

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if you aren’t interested in old or don’t enjoy the patience it takes to hunt for the right pieces, there is plenty available that have the look of old with the advantages of new.

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