Decorating
Shopping for Vintage Finds ... at Grandma's House
Unwanted furniture and knick-knacks collecting dust at your nan's? Take them off her hands and snag yourself a vintage steal
Whether you have a nanna or not, the nana-vibe is alive and well. Mixing some carefully chosen old and vintage pieces with a more modern look is not only trendy, but gives your decor a unique sense of quirky history and character.
Garage sales, op shops, market stalls and online are all great places to source objects Nana might once have owned. As well you may discover, ancient relatives will not only be amazed that you are interested in their old stuff, but will be thanking you profusely for taking it off their hands. Just remember to invite them around once in a while, so they can enjoy seeing their things in a new environment. And who knows, maybe someone will bring a homemade passionfruit sponge…?
Garage sales, op shops, market stalls and online are all great places to source objects Nana might once have owned. As well you may discover, ancient relatives will not only be amazed that you are interested in their old stuff, but will be thanking you profusely for taking it off their hands. Just remember to invite them around once in a while, so they can enjoy seeing their things in a new environment. And who knows, maybe someone will bring a homemade passionfruit sponge…?
Adding mismatched chairs to your kitchen table can create an eclectic look that gives your room an edgy feel rather than the bland sameness of buying a matching set from Mr Furniture up the road.
Mirrors are another great find that can add instant glamour and vintage style to a modern setting. Nana may have one stashed in a cupboard somewhere after the bathroom reno of 1982. Time to bring it back out and reflect on how much we love our Nanas!
Artwork
Nana may have a collection of prints and paintings that have been hung in her house for decades, only to exclaim that she’s “never liked that one!” or “can’t stand the sight of those sunflowers anymore!” Put them to good use and turn your blank wall into an instant gallery.
Reframing prints and paintings in a similar style or color will link them together; or just embrace the look of a mish mash of artistic styles.
Read more: 10 Artful Gallery Ideas That’ll Wake Up Your Walls
Nana may have a collection of prints and paintings that have been hung in her house for decades, only to exclaim that she’s “never liked that one!” or “can’t stand the sight of those sunflowers anymore!” Put them to good use and turn your blank wall into an instant gallery.
Reframing prints and paintings in a similar style or color will link them together; or just embrace the look of a mish mash of artistic styles.
Read more: 10 Artful Gallery Ideas That’ll Wake Up Your Walls
Linens
If Nana’s not ready to pass on the treasured teaspoon collection yet, it might be time to hit the tea towel drawer. Vintage tea towels in 100% linen can be vibrant (and often kitschy) works of art. If they are pristine, try framing one or sewing it in to a cushion cover. The results can be striking.
If Nana’s not ready to pass on the treasured teaspoon collection yet, it might be time to hit the tea towel drawer. Vintage tea towels in 100% linen can be vibrant (and often kitschy) works of art. If they are pristine, try framing one or sewing it in to a cushion cover. The results can be striking.
Similarly, tablecloths and napkins were a staple of households of the past, but now, not so much. While everyday cloths may be threadbare, the special occasion linen may be like new.
If there are rust stains and discoloured patches, apply a small amount of white vinegar to the stain and rub with a lemon. Nana will be so proud.
If there are rust stains and discoloured patches, apply a small amount of white vinegar to the stain and rub with a lemon. Nana will be so proud.
Crochet
All nanas crocheted. There was no television so what else was there to do? The art of crochet seems to have enjoyed a recent revival, judging from the plethora of craft books out there. There are even books to show you just how to make the blankets that Nana used to make. Try: Granny Squares: Twenty Crochet Projects with a Vintage Vibe, by Susan Pinner.
Traditionally, blankets were lovingly made as gifts for new babies through to twenty-firsts and glory boxes. What better to drape over the back of your sofa and keep handy for warming your knees on a chilly night?
All nanas crocheted. There was no television so what else was there to do? The art of crochet seems to have enjoyed a recent revival, judging from the plethora of craft books out there. There are even books to show you just how to make the blankets that Nana used to make. Try: Granny Squares: Twenty Crochet Projects with a Vintage Vibe, by Susan Pinner.
Traditionally, blankets were lovingly made as gifts for new babies through to twenty-firsts and glory boxes. What better to drape over the back of your sofa and keep handy for warming your knees on a chilly night?
Old books
Vintage books add instant warmth and gravitas to any library or living room. If your friends express surprise at your choice of reading material (it was your Nana’s choice, after all), it might be time to casually remind them that Descartes said, “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the greatest minds of past centuries.” That should shut them up.
Vintage books add instant warmth and gravitas to any library or living room. If your friends express surprise at your choice of reading material (it was your Nana’s choice, after all), it might be time to casually remind them that Descartes said, “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the greatest minds of past centuries.” That should shut them up.
Some of my most treasured possessions are the books I’ve inherited from my grandparents. They are really what lead me into a lifetime of book collecting and an owner of more bookshelves than I care to mention. From leather-bound classics through to the orange spines of penguin paperbacks, Nana may just bake celebratory scones if you take a box back to your place!
Rugs and cushions
Lots of older houses used rugs, as it was a cheaper option to laying carpet. In living rooms they could be well worn, but in bedrooms full of bulky furniture the rugs saw far less wear. Check for silverfish and holes and whether any damage is repairable – but a good steam clean can work wonders.
Lots of older houses used rugs, as it was a cheaper option to laying carpet. In living rooms they could be well worn, but in bedrooms full of bulky furniture the rugs saw far less wear. Check for silverfish and holes and whether any damage is repairable – but a good steam clean can work wonders.
Tapestry and needlepoint cushions are often in great condition if they were kept in the ‘best room’ and hardly used. Remove mangy inserts (there could be generations of dust mites in there!) and replace with fresh and new allergy-free ones. Mix them in with your existing collection for a classic layered look.
Lighting
Whether your décor leans toward retro, vintage, industrial or shabby chic, there is probably a vintage lamp or light fitting to suit your style. There may be a back shed at Nana’s full of lamps and lights that stopped working back before the War. Get an electrician to check the wiring, as it will probably need replacing. A new shade can modernise an old base in an instant. A vintage light fitting in a new room can add instant style and character.
Whether your décor leans toward retro, vintage, industrial or shabby chic, there is probably a vintage lamp or light fitting to suit your style. There may be a back shed at Nana’s full of lamps and lights that stopped working back before the War. Get an electrician to check the wiring, as it will probably need replacing. A new shade can modernise an old base in an instant. A vintage light fitting in a new room can add instant style and character.
When we moved into our Art Deco era house, the first thing I did was remove the clunky modern light fittings. I bought three Art Deco pendant lights on eBay from the same seller for $20 each. Another three-tiered bedroom light in glass and chrome cost me $100 on eBay, and I’ve since spotted one exactly the same in an antiques store for over $500! Win!
Here vintage lanterns have been assembled on a new custom-made light fitting! A brilliant and unique look that adds gleaming colour to this room.
Are you having a light bulb moment?
Are you having a light bulb moment?
China and glass
There are many modern takes on the vintage china look, but the real thing is still out there in abundance. Whether you like floral with gold trim (not generally dishwasher-proof) or more hardy stoneware, there is truly something to suit every taste.
Mixing and matching pieces with a classic modern white dinner set, is just one way of making your table setting stand out from the crowd. Vintage china plates can be found pretty much everywhere, which means pilfering from Nana should be your last option. She may get cranky if all you leave her with is the paper variety. Hang one or a dozen depending on the size of your wall space.
This collection actually includes some modern plates in a vintage style. The effect is warm and unpretentious.
There are many modern takes on the vintage china look, but the real thing is still out there in abundance. Whether you like floral with gold trim (not generally dishwasher-proof) or more hardy stoneware, there is truly something to suit every taste.
Mixing and matching pieces with a classic modern white dinner set, is just one way of making your table setting stand out from the crowd. Vintage china plates can be found pretty much everywhere, which means pilfering from Nana should be your last option. She may get cranky if all you leave her with is the paper variety. Hang one or a dozen depending on the size of your wall space.
This collection actually includes some modern plates in a vintage style. The effect is warm and unpretentious.
Meanwhile, vintage glassware adds instant sparkle to a festive table.
TELL US
Do you have a favourite find from your Nana’s or something you inherited that you now treasure? Show us what you’ve done with it in the comments section.
MORE
My Houzz: Collector’s Cottage Filled to the Brim With Vintage Treasures
Style Update: How to Give Your Home Vintage Flair
My Houzz: A House With a Second-Hand Heart in South Australia
Second Best: 5 Reasons to Scour the Op Shops
TELL US
Do you have a favourite find from your Nana’s or something you inherited that you now treasure? Show us what you’ve done with it in the comments section.
MORE
My Houzz: Collector’s Cottage Filled to the Brim With Vintage Treasures
Style Update: How to Give Your Home Vintage Flair
My Houzz: A House With a Second-Hand Heart in South Australia
Second Best: 5 Reasons to Scour the Op Shops
Chairs are a great way to add character to your living room, without crowding out the rest of your things. The old saying, “they don’t make them like that anymore”, rings true with the hardwood frames of old sofas and armchairs.
If Nana’s floral fabric from the 1970s is making you nauseous, choose a fresh looking fabric to complement the rest of your décor. Find a good upholsterer and make that funky piece sing!
Find out how you can give an old chair a new lease on life with upholstery here.