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Vintage is one of the easiest nursery decorating styles to use, as well as, one of the least expensive.

Although the vintage style represents the era of the 1940's and 1950's, it has really come to encompass any look that is old, traditional and classic. The use of old family heirlooms and antiques such as vintage baby carriages and antique dollhouses ensures that this nursery decorating style brings back memories of a simpler, safer time.

The vintage nursery decor style is a wonderful option for nursery decorating if you love to collect old flea market treasures and rare antique finds. Your home is probably brimming with all sorts of knick knacks that are just waiting to be given pride of place in a beautiful vintage nursery!

Ready To Start Your Nursery Decorating?

{Part of the stunning DimplesandDandelions.com Toile Nursery Bedding Collection}

First you'll need some beautiful vintage nursery bedding to start you off.

Toile fabrics look gorgeous in a vintage setting and DimplesandDandelions.com has the most stunning collection!

Everything from blues and chocolate browns to pinks and whites; vintage circus to old world nursery rhyme. Take a look to get the ideas flowing...


There are no rules in the vintage nursery decorating style. The decor is random and eclectic. However, there are a few simple guidelines worth following:

• Choose two or three muted or pastel tones for your nursery colors. Any color will work as long as it isn't too bright.
  
  Stick to this color palette for your nursery bedding, walls, window treatments and rug. A consistent color palette running through your main nursery decor elements will keep your nursery design in harmony allowing you to add almost any vintage accessories that you have squirreled away.


• When you choose your nursery furniture pieces, you should be thinking old and worn. Anything from antiques and heirlooms to simple refurbished items.
  
  Look around on eBay and Craigslist, as well as, at local yard sales and charity stores for something adorable that catches your eye.
  
  (Remember second hand cribs can come with all sorts of infant safety issues, depending on their age. Never sacrifice style for the well-being of your new born. You can read more about baby crib safety here...)


If you can't find a suitable vintage baby crib for your little one, the Old World Crib and Cradle by Green Frog Art is an option.



{Green Frog Art Old World Crib and Cradle}






Or you could try the Jenny Lind Crib by Da Vinci



{Jenny Lind Crib by Da Vinci}





• Use pretty, patterned fabrics. Toile and floral crib bedding sets are a perfect match for vintage nursery decor.


• Make sure to use lots of layering in your vintage nursery fabrics, mixing and matching different textures and patterns. Lots of slip covers, throws, lace and crochets give a nostalgic feel to the room.
  
  Don't forget to look out for a handmade patchwork quilt to include too. (Maybe you need to twist the arm of an aunt or mom-in-law?) Patchwork quilts make lovely wall hangings in a vintage nursery.

Once you have these basics wrapped you can start adding all your treasured finds and collectibles to your vintage nursery decor. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate them:

• You can base your nursery design around one special item like an antique baby cradle. Make it the focal point of your nursery.
• If you have a collection of vintage toys you can base a vintage nursery theme around them by displaying them on open shelves or glass fronted display cabinets.
  
  Vintage circus, nautical and cowboy baby room themes are popular choices but you can incorporate almost any antique toy collection.
  
  Other ideas include vintage teddy bears (my personal favorite), antique construction toys or Beatrix Potter books and figurines. In fact you could base a nursery design around any porcelain figurine collection and create a beautiful room for little girl to enjoy as she grows up. (I loved collecting porcelain dolls when I was young!)
  
  If you don't have a collection but this idea appeals to you, start collecting now and add as you go. Scour the antique stalls and vintage flea markets to see what you can find.
  
  

  Search Here For Vintage Nursery Posters!

  
  
  
  Don't forget to throw in a vintage poster or two to round out the theme...


• If you have lots of knick knacks to add to your vintage nursery decor then a wall collection is a good idea.
  
  You can include anything from baby rattles to pretty ceramics and old family photos. Use shelves, frames and shadow boxes to arrange your collection in a pleasing display.
  
  Alternatively, you can create a grouping around a small table or shelf.

If you're having trouble getting started with your baby room, don't miss my FREE Step by Step Nursery Design eCourse. One at a time I'll take you through all the decisions you need to make in order to arrive at the best baby room design for you.





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