The Best Vintage Garden Decor Ideas for Indoors
It’s time to spruce up your home as the summer season draws near. Inspired by my she-shed, I have gathered some fun and creative vintage garden decor ideas to add charm to my home this summer.
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours hosted by my friend Kelly @thetatterdpew. Twenty-eight talented and creative women will open their homes up for you to tour all week. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.
If you have come over from my friend Anne and AnnMarie’s @simply2moms, welcome! I am sure you enjoyed their ten great tips to make your home look festive this summer.
What is Vintage Garden Decor?
The vintage garden theme uses old garden-inspired items to decorate your home or outdoor spaces.
I have an affection for this vintage style and have used it in my home for years. I have quite a collection of vintage garden decorations, from watering cans, terracotta clay pots, flower frogs, vintage garden tools, and other unique pieces.
Where Did I Find My Vintage Garden Decor Items?
I frequent flea markets, thrift stores, and garage sales to search for items that would be a great addition to my collection of vintage garden decor.
In addition, I also love to shop Estate Sales. I do some research on estatesales.net (just put your zip code in, and all of the local sales in your area will come up). You can view where the sales will be and lots of fun pictures of what each sale offers. And If I happen to pass a yard sale along the way, well, you know what happens!
Occasionally I will find vintage pieces in antique shops, but they tend to be a bit more pricey.
Items to look for To Decorate in the Vintage Garden Style
There are many thrifted items you can use to decorate your home with a garden theme. Here is a list of my favorite antique garden accessories I am always keeping my eyes open for.
Galvanized Metal Items
Looking to bring some vintage style to your garden? Look no further than galvanized metal! From watering cans, buckets, chicken feeders, and oil cans, these sturdy and stylish items are the perfect addition to any garden decor. The unique patina and classic look of old galvanized metal will bring a touch of rustic charm to your indoor and outdoor spaces.
On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.
Old Gardening Tools
From little trowels to large pitchforks, garden tools can add texture and charm to your space. I’ve personally utilized them in various ways. I have made larger garden tool planters as decor, crafted a unique garden clock from small vintage tools, and used vintage garden tools indoors as decorative accents. Trust me. These pieces are a must-have for any gardening enthusiast looking to add vintage garden decor indoors.
Vintage Wheelbarrows
There are more uses for an old wheelbarrow than just hauling dirt. I currently have several wheelbarrows in the garden. I put one full of plants on my front porch and put my Christmas tree in this wheelbarrow last year.
Small Vintage Garden Accessories
As you make your garden plans for decorating, don’t forget to consider the variety of garden accessories available to add to your space.
The options are many, from reliable garden hoses to charming vintage sprinklers, metal and glass cloches, terracotta pots, and beautiful old baskets.
Adding to these accessories are cute garden signs and old books. As a collector, I can attest that flower frogs are one of my favorites. I have many lining the shelves in my She-shed.
Large Vintage Garden Accessories
Watch for larger pieces to elevate your outdoor spaces as you scour for vintage treasures. Charming rustic planters, captivating stone garden statues, and possibly an old weathered chair can be found. A potting bench, an old galvanized washtub, or an old ladder can add character to your garden. Don’t overlook an old bicycle or rusty bed frame railing for an element of surprise.
Other Vintage Garden Decor Ideas
Other features and elements often used in the vintage garden decor style include faded, weathered, or distressed finishes. You can see this on many vintage treasures such as terracotta pots, galvanized buckets, and stone statues.
Salvaged architectural elements such as old doors, windows, and gates can be repurposed as decorative accents or focal points in your indoor or outdoor space. Consider classic vintage-inspired lighting such as string lights, lanterns, or lampposts to enhance the ambiance.
Adding color to your Vintage Garden Decor
Floral patterns in fabric cushions or tablecloths can evoke a vintage garden atmosphere. Finally, when it comes to choosing outdoor plants for your space, you can add old-fashioned charm with cottage garden flowers like
Roses, Lavender, Hollyhocks, or Peonies.
How to Style the Kitchen with Vintage Garden Decor Indoors
As the heart of our home, the kitchen serves as a place for us to congregate and connect. To add a unique look and freshness, I sought out pieces that would add character and charm to the room.
Among my selections were galvanized watering cans, birdhouses, gardening books, various accessories, and house plants. The resulting ambiance breathed new life into our kitchen.
How to Style a Kitchen Table Inspired by the Garden
You may not think of using vintage finds from the garden to style a dining table. But it’s a great idea! For my kitchen table display, I used a variety of garden decor in different ways. Classic terracotta pots hold plants, and utensils, serve as centerpiece decor, and even make a creative cake stand for a rustic Angel Food Cake.
A galvanized metal watering can is the perfect container for a floral arrangement. Scattered throughout are old garden tools for a fun surprise.
This vintage garden display looks equally beautiful with neutral textiles or against a colorful table runner. There are so many beautiful ways to style a kitchen table inspired by the garden.
Styling the Family Room with Vintage Garden Decor
The vintage garden decor takes center stage in our family room. The addition of vintage leather-bound books, terracotta pots, and delicate flower frogs creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Adding pops of greenery in the form of plants add life to the room, while vintage gardening tools lend character to the decor.
The coffee table is decorated with a pot of fresh hydrangeas, a stack of old books topped with a collection of terracotta saucers, and a summer candle in a wicker container.
Styling the Entryway with Vintage Garden Decor
My love for vintage garden decor indoors starts in my entryway.
My collection of vintage items includes an old typewriter and filing drawers, weathered garden baskets, and accessories.
Layering in lots of terracotta pots and saucers with a mix of fresh and faux greenery. The two together add a nice pop of color to contrast against the distressed textures and neutral walls.
Tour the Vintage Garden Decor Inside the She Shed
Most of you probably know that my creative studio is lovingly called “The She Shed.”
We began construction in 2017, intending to create a space where I could create.
If you want to learn more about how The She Shed came to be, read the story here: Welcome to The She Shed: Inside My Design Studio.
Since we live in a historical house, I wanted the shed to reflect the age of the house. To help achieve this, we used some fascinating upcycled materials for construction, such as old doors, vintage windows, repurposed barn wood, and even an assortment of old chair spindles.
Once it was complete, I got to work filling the space with antique furniture and vintage treasures to make it special. My large table is the perfect focal point and an ideal workspace for all my projects. I also utilized an old chicken cage, metal cabinets, wooden crates, and an old ladder hung from the ceiling. These pieces are functional for storage and fit in beautifully with the vintage garden decor theme.
Displaying my collections
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about gardening and collecting beautiful things to enhance my garden space.
When I discovered the concept of a She-shed, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to display my different collections of garden decor. With my little sanctuary, I have curated an atmosphere that inspires me and connects me with my garden.
Surround yourself with the things you love
From vintage watering cans to an array of unique plants, each piece brings me joy and fulfills my love for gardening. My advice to anyone looking to create their perfect garden oasis is simple: surround yourself with the things you love. Let your heart lead the way and create a space that makes you happy. What a little bit of beauty can do for the soul is amazing.
Well, that about wraps it up for me! As you can see, there are many ways to bring the garden indoors for the summer. I hope this has inspired you to think outside the box and add vintage garden decor to your home.
Next up on our home tour is my friend Tammy @whitelilacfarmhouse. Tammy is such a sweetheart; you will love her tips for bringing color into your home this summer. And don’t forget to check back for Thursday and Friday’s tours.
SHOP THE POST
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew // Worthing Court // StoneGable
My Wee Abode // Southern Home and Hospitality // My Thrift Store Addiction
Tuesday’s Tours
She Gave It a Go // Cottage In The Mitten // Eleanor Rose Home
Peacock Ridge Farm // Bricks n’ Blooms // Cottage On Bunker Hill
Wednesday’s Tours
White Arrows Home // A Life Unfolding // Simply2Moms
WM Design House // White Lilac Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours
The Ponds Farmhouse // Thistle Key Lane // Open Doors Open Hearts
Robyn’s French Nest // Cloches and Lavender // DIY Beautify
Friday’s Tours
Pasha Is Home // My Family Thyme
I just loved everything about the blog keep up the good work.
Thank you so much! that means the world to me. I apologize for being so late to respond, I have been at a bloggers conference for a few days.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Wendy! This post makes me want to go thriftng! Your home looks amazing!
Thank you, Stacy! Thrifting is the best.
Wow Wendy, you have so many perfect vintage pieces. I really need to take a second look at estate sales in our area. We tried a few many years ago and did not have much luck, but you have some wonderful pieces. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you CAra. We are fortunate to have lots of great estate sales in our area. I hope you have better luck this time around.
Wendy you have such a great collection of gardening decor. I’m always in awe of your greenhouse! I think I could live in there!
All of your vintage garden pieces are so unique and beautiful, Wendy! I love how you’ve styled all of them too!
Wendy, I love all of your vintage garden goodies. So fun to use them indoors for summer. Happy to be touring with you. Pinned!
Thank you, Jen. Always a pleasure to tour with you.
Wendy, I adore all of your fun vintage garden finds. You always have the most creative ideas to display them. I adore how you brought the outdoors in, and you know I am in LOVE with your stunning Sheshed.
So happy to be touring with you this week. Pinned!
Thank you, Jen. I hope you had a wonderful long weekend.
So many pretty vignettes, and great ideas for using vintage gardening items in your home and outdoor living area. Loved seeing your kitchen decorated with the items, too, Wendy! ( I tried using your link to White Lilac, but it doesn’t seem to be working… the shoutout one. ;-))
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by. I will double-check my link. Thank you for the heads-up.
By the way, I linked your darling flags in my Saturday post today.
Wendy, you have such an interesting collection of gardening tools and accessories. You’ve given me lots of ideas to expand my garden theme that I have going in the breakfast nook. I think your kitchen looks gorgeous with your garden vignettes!
Thank you, Michelle. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Wendy, I love the vintage garden decor. From inside to outside in the she shed it is just beautiful! Always a pretty view!
I love all your vintage garden goodies. Thrifting isn’t great in NJ So, if I couldn’t find vintage flowerpots I made my own.
Pinned
Way to go, Cindy! I always love a good DIY. I can’t wait to see them.
Seriously Wendy? How do you do it? You make everything so beautiful! I love everything about this! The vintage garden is amazing!
You are so sweet, Amy! Thank you. I suppose when we do what we love it comes easy to us. Just like you, everything you touch is gorgeous.
Wendy I am in love with your vintage gardening decor style throughout your home! We have such similar taste so it is fun to see how you incorporate it. Gorgeous and leaving so inspired!
Thank you, Kelly. Yes, we sure do have similar tastes, and I love following you and your beautiful home.
Wendy,
This post is filled with so much vintage garden inspiration! I love the clock and, oh my, that gorgeous succulent chair! Pinned for later.
Thank you so much, Libbie. It is my favorite type of decor to collect.
Wendy, I am always in awe of your lovely she shed. It is such a charming space. You do a wonderful job of using it not just for planting, but for displaying so many creative vignettes! We live on a small lot in a planned community and we have added about everything we can to our lot, so there won’t be a she shed for me! I admire all of your gardening. I don’t think I know where you live. I used to garden quite a bit when I lived in Ohio, but I am just getting my feet wet gardening in our central Florida climate. Right now I am happy with a little corner of space with some hydrangeas and heat tolerant hostas. I would love to join in such a hop like this in the future!
Thank you so much, Chloe. I love my shed, but there are times (like now) when things are piled up, and she needs a good cleanup. It may have to be my weekend chore.
I would much rather create than clean, but it has to be done. Kelly from the tattered pew puts these tours on, I am sure you could e mail her and get on the list. I had to wait a while to get on, but so worth it.
PS, I live in Southern California
Wendy, you had me at vintage garden decor! I love every detail, but your mossy plant-filled chair has to be my favorite–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you Cecilia, I have a thing for mossy chairs, I can never get enough of them!
So much inspiration that you’ve shared with us today!! I will always be obsessed with your kitchen, it is just so beautiful!! Happy Wednesday!
Thank you, ladies. It was so fun to hop with you today. Happy hump day!
Wendy,
I love using garden decor to decorate with. Your tour is fantastic. Loved everything.
Thank you, Rachel. You can’t go wrong with garden decor.
Wendy, your posts are always filled with so much inspiration. I think we would get into a lot of trouble shopping together. I love your moss chair with plants. I have a moss chair by my shed. My husband does understand why I have it. But it is fun. Love all of your great finds. Your garden clock with the tools is adorable. Love it!
Thank you, Tammy. Oh, we would be in big trouble shopping together. There are so many great Estate sales around here. I need to make a new moss chair as this one is going to kick the bucket soon. Cant handle all of the rain on the wood, so sad.
The She-shed gets me every time! I really need one of those in my life! Love all your vintage garden goodies. ( I don’t know if this will post twice because I got an error the 1st time)
Thank you Jennifer. However, I will say that the sweet shed needs a good cleaning, maybe this weekend. Loved seeing your beautiful home as well.
You always have such great style.