Amazing Vintage Wall Art Ideas

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Embrace a blast from the past with vintage wall art. Whether you’re an antique lover, or you just want to add a classic touch, any interior can benefit from vintage décor. It can be difficult to find the perfect piece of vintage artwork at secondhand stores, which is why we created our vintage-inspired art collection. These pieces are inspired by retro designs and old-school creativity. Plus, they have the longevity and quality of any modern print. It’s a win-win! Our experts have put together the ultimate guide to maximize vintage vibes in your home without breaking the bank. Vintage style should be accessible for everyone, so we’re breaking down the best ways to instantly elevate your interior with wall art.

Navigate to a specific section based on your interests:

Vintage Décor: Trending Styles

Vintage Hallway Wall Art Ideas

Black and White Vintage Wall Art

Large Vintage Wall Art Sizes

Vintage Framed Artwork Layouts

Vintage Décor: Trending Styles

While there are practically endless vintage eras to choose from, some are trendier than others. You’ve undoubtedly heard designers singing the praises of Mid-century modern in recent years, along with the “cottagecore,” shabby-chic aesthetic. This year, it’s all about patterns and prints reminiscent of a chic countryside getaway. Hang a piece of artwork that is more about texture than subject-matter.

Furniture Pairings: Pro Tips

ElephantStock's interior design expert Elimar Lobo Sáenz shares the top trending vintage furniture to pair with your wall art:

Marble & Travertine Tables
Antique Fireplaces
Scalloping (ie. Scalloped lampshades, headboards, pelmets, etc.)
Burlwood (This wood is frequently used in the design of side tables, and is often used in exquisitely crafted antique furniture)
Antique Lighting (Specifically Edwardian holophane lights, with ruffled glass edges)
Industrial Style Lighting

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Vintage Hallway Wall Art Ideas

If you know you want to introduce vintage décor, but you’re not sure where, go with a transitional space like a hallway or foyer. If you don’t have an extensive collection of vintage furniture, you can still use vintage art in your hallway without it looking out of place. You also have the freedom to choose almost any color and pattern.

Popular Prints: Pro Tips

Blend current trends with vintage décor with our “vibrant vintage prints” collection. This selection of wall art was curated by our art director, Tirzah Goodman. She’s chosen to put a vibrant twist on the “grandmilennial” trend that rocketed to popularity last year. These pieces are bright, fun, and still classic.

For a more minimalist approach, consider our “vintage nature prints” catalog. Also curated by Tirzah Goodman, this selection is inspired by antique flower identification charts. As our newest collection, hop on this trend ASAP.

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Black and White Vintage Wall Art

Hang a piece of art that uses vintage details with a modern color palette. This will bridge the gap between classic and contemporary, and prevent your space from looking dated. A great color scheme that works in both vintage and modern homes is black and white. This neutral pairing is striking and understated at the same time! It might seem impossible, but this juxtaposition is what has made this pairing popular since the beginning of interior design. Choose a vintage print in black and white, and add a pop of color through your furniture. Or, go with an ultra-bold monochromatic look, and keep your entire space devoid of color. Whatever you choose, black and white will never clash.

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Large Vintage Wall Art Sizes

Besides the design, color, and pattern, you also need to consider the size of your vintage wall art. This excerpt from our Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide will give you the golden equation for choosing the best dimensions for a classic print:

“Your wall art should take up around 60% to 75% of the empty wall space (aka the portion not covered by moldings or furniture). The first step is to measure the height and width of the wall. Next, multiply the measurements by both 0.6 and 0.75. This will give you the best range of canvas sizes to suit your unique space.”

The biggest mistake homeowners make when hanging a traditional print, is choosing a piece that is too small. If vintage interiors have taught us anything, it’s that balance and proportion are essential for a stylish space. Try this canvas size for an eye-catching look:

“A canvas size that measures 48 inches by 32 inches looks perfect above a 78 inches sofa in the living room. Also, pay attention to the height at which you hang the art. Generally, for a pleasing aesthetic, you should always place the center of the canvas at eye-level. Hang it between 6 and 12 inches above the couch for enough room to breathe.”

Still thinking about our hallway suggestion from earlier? This passage from our size guide is tailored towards hallway décor:

“Large wall art that measures 36 inches by 75 inches in height and width can create a polished, classic look in your hallway. This wall art size works well in long hallways as well as over a credenza or in an entryway area.”

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Vintage Framed Artwork Layouts

The last step in selecting your vintage-inspired wall art, is to choose a framed or unframed print. Our framed artwork comes in both vertical and horizonal shapes, whereas our unframed wall art is available in single-panel and multi-panel layouts. If you need help deciding on which framing is right for you, see this condensed version of our expert article on framed vs unframed wall art:

“A framed canvas looks like a single panel canvas, but this wrapped artwork features a third layer - a wooden frame that creates an illusion that the art is floating. A framed canvas lends a refined touch to your space and the solid black border keeps the focus on the art itself.

Unframed canvases can easily fit with any style of interior. These chic prints are loved for their sleek and current look. The minimalist look blends well with contemporary furniture, but it can also look classic with the right décor.”