Vintage style encompasses a lot of different eras and themes. One thing is universal–it’s a great way to personalize spaces. Soft and delicate or dramatic and evocative, we’ll never stop pulling design inspiration from the past.
If you already incorporate vintage finds into your wardrobe and decor, consider creating a closet that reflects and honors this style.
However, we’re not letting go of the modern touches that make organization and caring for our clothes much easier. Here’s how to embed vintage style into a modern, organized closet.
You know the drill–remove everything and perform an edit.
Most vintage-inspired spaces feature a curated collection of old and new ideas. Closets with vintage influence also focus on more open storage and display. Here’s a quick review of Closet Cleaning 101:
- Remove everything from the closet, including hangers, boxes, and organizers.
- Sort all items into groups. Divide accessories, shoes, outerwear, denim, tops, etc.
- Automatically remove all damaged items. Also, edit out clothes that haven’t fit in two years or more, or duplicates you do not truly use.
- Evaluate what’s left over. Consider how long it’s been since you’ve worn it, and why. Does it align with your current style? If you saw it in a store today, would it interest you?
- Donate or recycle what you aren’t keeping. If you have to create a “maybe” pile, give yourself one week to make a final decision.
Now, let’s apply what’s left to creating an organized, vintage-inspired closet.
Dress up a dresser (or wardrobe, or vanity).
Incorporating antique or vintage furniture into your closet design makes the style functional, not just transposed on top. Move a style-forward dresser into the closet to use as an accessory island or against the wall as general storage.
Vintage-modern closets are also the perfect place for the over-the-top vanity you always wanted, or an antique wardrobe for outerwear.
Give modern organization systems more style with new hardware.
Regardless of what furniture you add to an existing closet system, you can always adjust the style with new hardware. Replace pulls, bars, and knobs with more eclectic or vintage-style selections.
Distressed brass starburst designs harken back to the 60s, hinged scroll pulls are a traditional pick, or you can add cottage charm with ceramic knobs.
Focus on shelves and hanging space.
As we learned earlier, adding vintage style to a closet often means forgoing too many drawers or closed storage and displaying your items instead. The same is true for popular boutique-style closets. Shelves can be styled with vintage finds or your best antique accessories. Hanging space is the easiest way to showcase your collection.
No matter how you choose to display it, the key is starting with your grouped edit. Use standing or hanging racks for hat and belt collections, vintage display stands for jewelry, and new ways to showcase your favorite shoes.
Use modern methods to care for vintage (and new) garments.
One area where you’re definitely not going vintage is the hangers. Metal wire of any kind can rust and snag fabrics. Stock up on velvet hangers that won’t tug or distort clothing–they also line up in a tidier fashion to save you space.
As for wool, cashmere, angora, and other fussier fabrics, do not hang them (no matter their age). In-season items will be fine neatly folded on a shelf for a few months. But for longer-term storage, vacuum seal the garments in bags and proceed to the next stylish solution:
Turn suitcases and hat boxes into closed storage.
Plastic totes won’t feel at home here. Basket collections and fabric cubes are taken on a case-by-case basis. For true-to-time style, mix in vintage (or vintage-inspired) suitcases, hat boxes, or even a steamer trunk.
Make these functional storage for vacuum-sealed backstock, extra shoes, and duplicates you couldn’t part with.
Add a vintage statement piece (or three).
Retro lighting fixtures, a 70s-inspired ottoman, or even a wire tailor’s mannequin all help seal in the style while still serving a purpose. Dig deep at online auctions, estate sales, and antique stores to find the perfect throwback accent to a high-functioning, organized modern closet.
Start fresh. Build your style from the ground up with a custom closet system from The Designery.
Get the benefits of modern closet construction with the perfect dimensions and details to put your personal stamp on it. The Designery helps you plan and install quality systems with aesthetics and organization in mind.
- Select the best closet layout for walk-in, reach-in, and more
- Shop cabinetry in a variety of colors and styles
- Choose from 100s of closet accessories for organizing jewelry, belts, shoes, ties, hats, and more
Speak to a design professional during a free closet remodel consultation.
