The perfect nod to antique farmhouse décor is the small black and white silhouette portrait that rests on top of this chippy white dresser. In true vintage fashion, the dresser is missing a drawer handle which is an authentic nod to the design theme.
22 Creative Ideas on Incorporating Antique Farmhouse Décor
Written by
May 17, 2023
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here.
For the traditionalists of the world, there is no better feeling than finding the perfect piece of antique farmhouse décor within the trenches of flea markets and antique shops. One of the most important factors or utilizing vintage farmhouse-themed decorations is learning how to repurpose them. Windows become art, drawers become flower boxes, outdoor lamps become indoor ones, and china cabinets become bookshelves. The sky is the limit regarding what can be done with antiques because realistically, their original use may not even be something we do in modern society. Oil lamps and food scales are great examples of that due to the innovations of our time.
Even among the best designers, it can be difficult to incorporate the perfect piece of vintage décor into a modern living space. The cluster of photographs below dedicated to this theme demonstrate exactly what to do, and it is awe-inspiring the ingenuity involved with successfully curated antique farmhouse décor.
02 of Distressed Shutters for Unique Décor
PHOTO:
At the entryway to the bathroom sits a white shelf with antique farmhouse décor including books, a typewriter on display, and old shutters that hang above. The shutters were once white, but time has worn them down to their original wood stain, perfect for a farmhouse-themed corner.
03 of Copper Bowl and Oil Lamp
PHOTO:
There are vintage farmhouse decorative pieces that are true antiques, one of them being this copper bowl and oil lamp displayed in this photograph. Next to a stack of old books and a slotted postal sorting drawer, the items shown here are one of a kind and would look great on a dresser, table, or shelf.
04 of Wooden Candle Lantern Antique Farmhouse Décor
PHOTO:
Though not currently used in our modern world, candle lanterns were a safe way to transport light before the world of electricity, making them a staple vintage find. The candle lantern displayed here is next to a bunch of faux flowers and a small cozy candle. The arched doors add the prettiest texture to the otherwise simple construction.
05 of Distressed Iron Lamp Sconces
PHOTO:
Occasionally referred to as barn door lights, the distressed iron lamp sconces hanging from this shiplap wall illuminate a sacred entryway table with a wallboard dedicated to the spiritual Amazing Grace. Because the sconces are so grand in size, their placement can easily be manipulated into a kitchen, bedroom, hallway, or home exterior.
06 of Stacked Antique Books
PHOTO:
This white farmhouse shelf displays many antique farmhouse trinkets, the most versatile of which include stacked vintage books. Due to their neutral tones and sturdy platform, they are a great tool for incorporating various heights of objects on a shelf. In this case, two old glass soap bottles stand prominently next to a jar of old scissors, and a round mirror.
07 of Black and White Framed Photography
PHOTO:
Next to a rustic brick wall hangs a black and white photograph of a farm fence in a distressed wooden frame. Photography with sentimental value can light up a simple corner of any room. In this case, the large image hangs above a small cabinet with intricate double doors.
08 of Stripped Wooden Dresser
PHOTO:
The wooden dresser stands in front of a beadboard wall and has been stripped down to its oaky roots. In place of a painted or stained look, the designer opted for a very light wash color prominent in the original wood with black accent decorations including an old briefcase, and a black flower pot. Removing and sanding the stain is a simple way to transition any wooden dresser into a different piece entirely.
09 of Jacobean Hutch With Fall Décor
PHOTO:
The door on this china cabinet has been opened to display a myriad of antique dishes mixed with bright orange pumpkins. Old mugs, teacups, and china plates are coordinated between three shelves in this Jacobean hutch. The door showcases decorative filigree, unrivaled in the antique farmhouse décor aesthetic.
10 of Circular Gold-framed Mirror
PHOTO:
- touchofhopedecor
As a more modern take on traditional farmhouse décor, this gold-framed mirror spotlights a basket display on the adjacent wall. Combining vintage materials like wicker and straw with current metals like gold and copper is a great way to incorporate farmhouse décor into your home with committing fully to the aesthetic.
11 of Vintage Farmhouse Décor Window Frame
PHOTO:
Old cottage windows are popular pieces in antique stores because of their versatility. The window on display against this textured wall is in distressed white paint with an accompanying architectural piece. Small green plants of various shapes and sizes rest just below on a distressed brown table, creating a peaceful little nook in this farmhouse living room.
12 of Pack Baskets With Pine Branches
PHOTO:
A versatile piece of antique farmhouse décor is a pack basket. This specific basket varietal is large and sturdy, great for showcasing flowers, or pine branches during the Christmas season. The remaining decorative items include an old village house and a candle stand meant to mimic a traditional candle holder.
13 of Chippy Cabinet With Chicken Wire Doors
PHOTO:
The corner of this farmhouse kitchen is warm and inviting with a white chippy cabinet filled with old books. In place of traditional glass doors, the panes have been replaced with farmhouse chicken wire, an easy adjustment if the original glass is either broken or missing. On top rests two vintage kitchen scales and a potted plant.
14 of Repurposed Vintage Church Pew
PHOTO:
As an innovative twist on traditional bench seating, the designer incorporated an old church pew to act as the seating for the creative coffee station. The pew is stripped down to the original wood, and above hangs a board with vintage paint brushes that create the cutest cottage vibe.
15 of French Spindle Leg Table
PHOTO:
This European-style sitting room elegantly displays a unique French spindle leg table. The design of the red curtains, floral rug, and antique lounge chair is truly timeless. The remaining vintage decorative pieces include a vase of mums, a tureen, stacked books, and a small statue of a bust that can be incorporated on any surface within the vignette styling.
16 of Decorative Black-framed Mirror
PHOTO:
The bright aura of this farmhouse sitting room is subtly disrupted by a black mirror that hangs behind a combination of lamps, vases, and candle stands. The arched metal frame is complete with intricate antique detailing at the crown. Layering pieces like this ensures that there is always something visually interesting to catch the viewer’s eye.
17 of Front Porch With Vintage Farmhouse Décor
PHOTO:
Outdoor spaces are a great place for creative farmhouse-inspired decorations. The homeowner selected an arched gold-framed mirror to accompany a dark-stained cabinet with shuttered doors. The cabinet top features small nods to the Easter season including tulips and little bunnies.
18 of Ancestry Gallery Wall Antique Farmhouse Décor
PHOTO:
The entryway of this home features an incredible gallery wall dedicated to the family’s ancestors. An amazing tribute to the ones who have gone before, the pictures of family members’ past hang in frames of various shapes, colors, and sizes, all with an antique flair. If you have an interest in family history, this idea can be easily replicated in your home as a dear gesture to your loved ones.
19 of Round Dining White Table Paired With a Round Jute Rug
PHOTO:
This cozy farmhouse dining room showcase a small white round dining table. Four black chairs accompany the table on a handmade natural fiber jute rug. A square wood frame mirror hangs from the wall behind the dining set.
20 of Vintage Metal-framed Couch
PHOTO:
For a moment in front of the warm Summer sun, a metal daybed that functions as a couch is the perfect companion. This white vintage futon with large cream pillows stands in front of a grand window in this farmhouse-themed living room. To this side of the room stands a brown dresser with layered mirrors for additional themed décor.
21 of Glass China Cabinet Vintage Décor
PHOTO:
If you are a china collector, this cabinet was made for you. The round cabinet being displayed here has glass on all sides to showcase the perfect antique farmhouse kitchenware inside. Cups, plates, cutting boards, colanders, and teapots made of white porcelain will put you in the cottage feels.
22 of Rustic Living Room With Antique Seating
PHOTO:
A woven rug is showcased in this living room, topped with a rustic coffee table on a wooden skid. Antique furniture that includes a sofa and armchairs enhances this rustic living room. White side tables are accessorized with shaded table lamps.
