Turn your room into a nostalgic paradise

Retro glam is fully back in vogue, which is great for those of us who love the stylings, colours and materials of yesteryear. It also means that prices have been going up and often you find yourself searching through vintage stores with absolutely rip off prices. But there are ways to get the nostalgic feel for your bedroom, without breaking the bank or falling prey to dealers who have hiked their prices up.  
The first thing to do is to decide on your colour scheme - are you after soft Victoriana or 50s retro colours? Once that’s decided consider how you can strip and paint your walls yourself.

Wallpaper is a great option and there are many out there these days that have great vintage prints and aren’t too expensive. As with most things, searching online is good for the staples. 
Moving on to furniture - look at what you already have first. Can any of it be up-cycled or altered in some way to fit your new bedroom look? Sometimes the most boring looking pine can be sanded, painted and be transformed into furniture fit for your vintage look. 

If you have nothing suitable or you just want to get all new (well, vintage new!) stuff then your best bet is to get out there and get looking. Most towns and cities have amazing places selling off the furniture from house clearances. Check with your local recycling centre or municipal tip as there is likely to be one nearby. These places are absolute treasure troves and you can find amazing furniture being sold far more cheaply than in antique and vintage stores. 
However, these are also worth a trip, as are charity shops. Bigger ones often have furniture that could work for you at a fraction of the cost of buying from dealers and vintage ‘experts’. Remember that being priced higher does not make it better, you are looking for stuff that you can use in a creative way to make your room look the best it can. 

One thing it’s best to buy new is a bed, however. Unless you can find and afford an actual vintage bedframe, your best bet is to get online and source a retro style bedtstead. Online sellers like bedstaruk are worth checking out for vintage style bed frames, whether you’re looking for a metal framed bedstead like this or any number of other kinds, including leather for that 60's vibe. 
 If you have found an actual vintage bedframe that you love, check it’s in good working order and always, always buy a brand new mattress. Vintage mattresses are not a thing. You don’t know who has been sweating onto them and it’s unlikely that they will be comfortable, so have a look at great mattresses to find a quality but well priced mattress to go with your fab bed.
  When all the furniture is in place you’re just looking at accessorising. Again, your best bet is getting online for bargains, checking out Freecycle for treasures, keeping an eye on eBay and actively visiting second hand shops of all kinds. This may all sound like a lot of effort but nothing beats the feeling of finding the perfect piece of furniture at the perfect price - it’s a very rewarding way to shop and redecorate. 
 
Finally, sit back, relax and gaze around at your vintage inspired joy of a bedroom! Sweet dreams.


Share

5 comments:

  1. Really good post! As much as I love everyone's enthusiasm for vintage, upcycling etc it does mean the price of a vintage cup and saucer you could find for 50p is now approaching the price of buying brand new Wedgwood!!

    Victoria

    FlorenceandMary.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Victoria...I have even noticed the price of china go through the roof at boot sales and charity shops...I haven't bought any in a while as it is getting so dear...people love to tell me things are 'vintage' at the boot sale and then they 'hoik' the prices up...I have heard people ask higher prices than I charge on my website for what they think is 'vintage' lol...I suppose (hope) it will be a fad ;)

    I hope you are well my lovely xx

    and thanks for your comment xx

    Love Happy xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks really cute. Love all the flowers. Hope your doing well. Hey never see pics of your fur baby lately how is your doggy?


    Have a blast this weekend.


    ERIKA

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lovely post! Prices have gone up here in Ireland a lot too, but still some good finds. Its all part of the fun!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great advice Happy..I would like to add in regards to vintage furniture..Sometimes you need to not look at what it is but imagine what it could be..paint in vintage colors can works wonders at times..Hugs!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving a comment...I really do appreciate your kind words xx