With these 5 must-have rare pieces for an authentic vintage living room, you will never be in trouble when discussing home decor or sourcing furniture for interior design projects. These 5 vintage treasures are trending in the interior design world and our community to design an authentic vintage living room with timeless charm.

Play with textures, create unique spaces, mix pieces from different eras (anything 20 or 40 years or older can be vintage), and identify the key elements that truly capture that vintage vibe you are searching for. Here is our selection of rare pieces to add this vintage vibe to your living room:

A statement sofa

A vintage statement sofa must be one of the following elements options:

• Tufted velvet sofa

• Low-slung leather sofa

• Bold floral design

The tip is to search for a sofa with a retro aesthetic, featuring unique shapes and unforgettable textures. Be bold but wise when choosing the centrepiece of any living room. Considered, for example, the Scarp Sofa, a tufted Chesterfield sofa, the Camalonda sofa or a DS600 sofa. 

The DS600 sofa, for instance, is a true icon of mid-century modern design. Originally crafted by the renowned Danish designer Hans J. Wegner in the 1960s, this extraordinary piece showcases Wegner’s commitment to functionality, comfort, and aesthetic beauty. The DS600 features a distinctive, flowing form that harmoniously combines soft, organic lines with robust craftsmanship.

A vintage coffee table

Think about mid-century modern coffee tables full of details and sleek lines. Wooden coffee tables are a must for vintage living rooms as they usually include imperfect edges, marks, or scuffs that add authenticity to the space. 

The Noguchi coffee table, made by its original manufacturer, Herman Miller, is one of our favourites from the 20th-century furniture archive. The classic table, created in 1944, requires authorization from the Isamu Noguchi Foundation to produce authentic pieces. Its brilliantly simple design consists of only three elements: the glass top and two interlocking wood base pieces. The table is an extraordinary harmony of form and function. 

Bold lighting

A good vintage lamp is a piece with character. A vintage living room demands bold, statement lighting. From a table lamp to a chandelier, lighting adds elegance, sophistication, and cosiness to any vintage living room. Stained glass lamps and light fixtures, especially those made in the Tiffany style, might be worth a small fortune and define the room vibe. What is the must-have rare item when discussing bold lighting?

A rare Sputnik chandelier by Emil Stejnar is a must-have for lighting design lovers and enthusiasts. The Austrian designer was all about beautiful, magic, and mystical thighs, designing several pendant lamps, ceiling lights and sconces.

Vintage armchairs

Vintage armchairs add character, uniqueness and history to the living room. Finding the perfect fit is one of the best days of the home decor journey. They might be a good first step to creating your heritage and furniture legacy, adding quality, craftsmanship and memories. Funky, upholstered armchairs add a sophisticated yet fun look to a space. Consider leather armchairs or even sofas to add the cosy effect. 

Marilyn armchair, designed by Draga & Aurel for Baxter, features retro lines, a swivel base, and generous padding and draws inspiration from 60s furniture and Marilyn Monroe style. This armchair makes us smile for some reason. 

Unexpected side tables

Wooden side tables are simple and clean, more ornamented and bold, functional and decorative. There are plenty of options. Pair the ones you select with your statement sofa and vintage coffee table for a vintage living room setup. 

Designed in 1927, the height-adjustable, chrome and glass E1027 is one of Eileen Gray's most rational designs, reflecting her desire for pure, functional perfection. This piece is perfect for a vintage living room full of character and texture. Like other designer pieces, this side table languished in near-obscurity until the late 1960s when the all-but-forgotten designer came into vogue again and her best-loved pieces were put back into production. This side table is an easy way to add a true design classic to almost any living room. 

Conclusion

Vintage and rare furniture items are hitting sales records year after year. They are incredibly worthy investments and give spaces a one-of-a-kind mood. Think about fireplaces, art, multiple seating vignettes, designer pieces, bar carts, and sculpture-functional pieces. A vintage living room is a vibrant space where each element is crafted for the people living in it. Balancing functionality with individuality. 

We identified two eras popularly known for their vintage decor: the mid-century modern era and Art Deco. These are the most common eras for the vintage feel when searching for furniture in any room. The living room is the brain of the house, so think about two vital areas:

• Furniture: Statement sofa or a vintage armchair as they are great focal points and steal the attention.
• Lighting: Add character to the space with vintage floor lamps or ornamented chandeliers.
• Accessories: Balance the room with details, from books to pillows with retro patterns, Art Deco mirrors, lavish rugs, or old picture frames.

Sources

House Beautiful: 21 Things in Grandma's Living Room That Are Worth a LOT of Money