Vintage Furniture in Interior Design: 7 Amazing Examples

It's hard to imagine how many grandfather's armchairs and Soviet sideboards were thrown away into the trash during renovations. And it's a pity! Vintage furniture can become a harmonious addition to any interior, and after restoration, even an unremarkable chair can transform.

We've collected seven great projects with vintage furniture, where modern design and striking details from the past were successfully combined. Get inspired and take ideas for your own space!

Hey from the 70s

In this cheerful two-room apartment, designer Natalia Mitrakova preferred a blue-gray color palette and natural finishing materials. High doors made the space more solemn, and the furniture became a real highlight.

Design: Natalia Mitrakova

The furniture was a gift from the apartment owner's grandmother, and the designer didn't get rid of these old items. On the contrary, she breathed new life into them: the 70s sideboard got original legs with golden hooves, and the retro armchair was reupholstered with modern fabric.

Design: Natalia Mitrakova

Cozy Vintage

Designer Anna Smolyakova transformed a two-room flat built in 1975 into a modern space for a young client who is into photography and sports. There was enough storage space, and stylish accents were carefully considered.

Design: Anna Smolyakova

One of the accents were vintage items: for example, the armchairs and tables were made in the same period as this flat. The furniture fits perfectly into small rooms with low ceilings and adds charm to the overall look.

Design: Anna Smolyakova

IKB + Retro

The clients planned to update the outdated interior of a flat and make it more functional. Designer Olga Zakharova did an excellent job with the task. Vintage furniture, classical paintings, and an IKEA cabinet found their place in the same space!

Design: Olga Zakharova

Each room has its own atmosphere: the kitchen looks quite strict, while the living room is a paradise for vintage furniture lovers. Here you can find not only old showcases but also a female bust installed in a maroon niche.

Design: Olga Zakharova

Renewed Stalin-era Spirit

The flat owners in a Stalin-era building dreamed of a guest house to host like-minded people from all over the world. When they found the right option, architect Evgenia Lykova began working on updating the interior. The result is an atmospheric two-room flat with original moldings and unique custom elements.

Design: Evgenia Lykova

Special attention should be given to the furniture: a light Scandinavian style blends perfectly with vintage items — restored Soviet chairs and a classic Chesterfield with elegant golden upholstery.

Design: Evgenia Lykova

Retro Furniture in a Creative Studio

The owner of this attic flat is a photographer who loves traveling. Designers from 'Irina Reichert Studio' were given full creative freedom: the project authors wanted to avoid the feeling of a 'loft' and create a bright creative space. The ideas were brought to life!

Design: 'Irina Reichert Studio'

Also, in the project, IKEA furniture, custom-made items, and vintage decor coexist beautifully: a chest in the hallway, dining chairs, and a Soviet-era armchair were restored, reupholstered with new fabric, and seamlessly integrated into the interior.

Design: 'Irina Reichert Studio'Design: 'Irina Reichert Studio'

Atmosphere of Old Moscow Apartment

Product photographer and photography teacher Alexei Sokolov decided to avoid a reconfiguration: in the flat located in famous red houses on University Street, windows, doors, parquet, and moldings were preserved. And, of course, the indescribable spirit of old Moscow.

Design: Alexei Sokolov

The interior is filled with details that one wants to examine for hours. There's vintage furniture — Polish armchairs from the 60s in Belgian velvet with a swampy shade, Soviet lamps, and an Italian typewriter from the 70s.

Design: Alexei Sokolov

Combination of the Unlikely

Still seems like IKEA furniture and Soviet sideboards can't coexist in one interior? Take a look at the project of designer Elena Zufarova. Once, this two-room flat was in a deplorable condition, but from the Stalin-era flat, they created comfortable housing that meets the clients' wishes: the owners wanted to preserve the old Moscow style.

Design: Elena Zufarova

Because the budget was small, there were bold yet winning solutions in the space. For example, in the children's room between IKEA wardrobes, a 60s-style shelf was installed, custom-made, and in the living room, a vintage sideboard was found in St. Petersburg.

Design: Elena Zufarova