Timeless elegance and drawing inspiration from the best solutions of past eras — this is what defines vintage and retro styles. Classic elements well-known from the homes of our grandparents or distant relatives, combined with a modern approach to interior design, can be not only visually pleasing but also functional and comfortable. If you are a fan of the aesthetics of bygone years and would like to bring them into your home or apartment, the vintage style is made just for you!
When do we talk about retro, and when about vintage?
As you can see, in our store we distinguish between two styles that share similar principles. We are, of course, referring to the vintage style and the retro style. These terms are often used interchangeably, but it's interesting to note that there are indeed two names for a reason. At first glance, there seems to be no difference between vintage and retro; however, a trained eye will certainly notice the subtle nuances that indicate these are two closely related, yet distinct styles.
The fundamental difference is that the term vintage primarily refers to fashion and design from before World War II, thus encompassing almost the entire 19th century. Today, this name has become so popular and recognizable that its meaning has expanded, and elements inspired by fashion from the distant past (even before the 19th century) are also considered vintage.
On the other hand, the term retro is most often used in reference to trends from the 1950s, 60s, and even 70s of the last century. It was during this time that post-war modernism flourished, and prominent Polish designers took their first steps in creating spectacular projects that soon became staples in design.
Vintage and retro furniture are not outdated additions that are difficult to incorporate into everyday life due to their limited functionality — current technologies allow for the creation of exceptional sofas, armchairs, and even kitchens inspired by retro and vintage styles that look fantastic while maintaining practicality.
Retro and vintage — how to decorate a space in this style?
If you have reached the stage where you have decided to decorate your space in vintage or retro style, you are surely wondering where to start your journey with this type of arrangement, as well as which furniture and home accessories will be the best choice. We know that such an endeavor requires a lot of work and unique solutions, which is why we have created a few tips that may prove useful in decorating your space.
When decorating in retro and vintage styles, it is important to realize that the most crucial element of almost any apartment or house is, of course, furniture. In the case of vintage and retro styles, special attention should be paid to the material from which they are made, as well as their shape and form. The best choice that perfectly fits the essence of these styles will undoubtedly be wooden furniture. This includes elements such as a dining table, coffee tables, and side tables, as well as chairs. Speaking of seating furniture, it is also worth mentioning that both vintage and retro styles favored various types of upholstery and embellishments in the form of hand-carved wood. A sofa for the living room should therefore be made with a wooden frame (an alternative could also be a wooden frame with metal legs), upholstered in a soft material and covered with a fabric that has high resistance to external damage. When choosing upholstered furniture, consider the color in which they are maintained. Vintage and retro styles predominantly featured various shades of brown, red, and burgundy, as well as beiges leaning towards gray.
Don't forget about accessories either. In any arrangement, home decorations play a significant role. In vintage and retro styles, you cannot overlook classics such as a radio with a distinctive, old-fashioned look, silver tableware, as well as a standing clock or wallpapers rich in various patterns. All of the aforementioned elements can easily be found at Eye on Design.
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