Exploring the world of vintage furniture and décor unveils a timeless allure that even modern design trends can’t eclipse. As we look forward to the design landscape of 2025, experts in the field are placing a spotlight on styles that have their roots planted firmly in the past. From the roaring 1920s to the innovative 1990s, the demand for vintage pieces remains high among designers who appreciate their unique character and distinct narratives.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Interior Designer: Various Designers
Furniture Style: Vintage & Art Deco
Survey Conducted By: 1stDibs Editorial Team
Trend Analysis By: Anthony Barzilay Freund
Featured Time Periods: 1920s-1990s
In recent years, there has been a perceptible shift in the vintage design preferences. While mid-century modern styles are experiencing a gradual decline in interest, other aesthetics such as Art Deco and Bauhaus from the early 20th century are gaining popularity. These styles offer bespoke options in furniture and lighting that cater to a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. For designers and homeowners looking to incorporate older pieces, this trend offers both a connection to history and a celebration of intricate design.
Notably, some vintage pieces are becoming particularly popular among designers and collectors. The Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa is one such piece that has captured significant interest, ranking just behind the Eames chair in current designer wish lists. Its curved design adds a sculptural element to interiors, aligning with the shift away from minimalist environments. Similarly, the surprise popularity of the Kaare Klint Safari chair highlights a renewed appreciation for unique designs with a story — in this case, one inspired by a chair seen on an African safari.
Lighting fixtures are also a key focus, with an ornate and detailed style taking the forefront. Murano glass pendants and chandeliers are highly coveted, sought after for their intricate, multicolored designs that serve as focal points in any room. Art Deco influences dominate the vintage seating market as well. These pieces harmonize modern sleekness with historic craftsmanship, with chairs from this era imbuing spaces with an elegant, timeless ambiance.
The international influence on the vintage trend is not to be overlooked. Italian designer Gio Ponti’s creations, encompassing furniture, chairs, and lighting, are experiencing heightened demand. Known for his tasteful maximalism and vibrant color schemes, Ponti’s work bridges the gap between past and future design aesthetics. His emphasis on Italian modernism lends a chic touch to any space, appealing to those who value both tradition and innovation.
Finally, the organic beauty of George Nakashima’s wooden furniture is capturing the imagination of those seeking to bring nature into their interiors. His works, characterized by traditional joinery and sculptural forms, echo the intent to meld nature with design. Alongside this, Art Nouveau’s flowing lines and floral motifs are making a comeback, appealing to modern maximalists and organic modernists alike, and continuing to captivate collectors around the world. These pieces are not just furniture; they are artistic expressions that resonate deeply with contemporary tastes for biophilic design.
