Shake Up Your Decor with This Estate Sale Find

As someone who spends a great deal of their time looking at pictures of interiors, I have a strange relationship with decor trends. Some things I like initially, but then grow weary of after I see them over and over again. Other trends kind of creep up on me. Perhaps I don’t care for them initially, but after seeing them in hundreds of homes, I start to think: okay, this could work. Falling firmly into the second category: vintage portraits.

Displaying quirky vintage portraits in your home has been A Thing for quite some time now, but it’s only recently that I’ve decided I’m on board. At first it all seemed a bit precious, but now I’m starting to appreciate the way that they add personality and uniqueness to a space. And adding a few antique elements to a modern space can be a great way to add texture and depth. Whether you decide on a single portrait or a whole bunch, this kind of art will definitely give your home a new dimension.

Above: In this photo from The Glitter Guide, an entire wall of vintage portraits adds a colorful, quirky touch to a South Carolina home.

This Brooklyn home from Design*Sponge is graced by a familiar face, in the form of a portrait of everyone’s favorite first president. I like the way the dark colors in the portrait coordinate with the dark tones on the wall.

If a gallery wall of strangers’ faces isn’t your jam, you can render the effect a bit more subtle by placing just one portrait with other art (or with vintage mirrors, as seen here on One Claire Day).

An old portrait gives this modern interior, from Farrow & Ball via The Chromologist, a storied feel.

Just one portrait hanging over the nightstand makes for an elegant touch, as seen on Chairish.

In this photo from Brittany Makes, a vintage portrait adds a quirky touch to a home bar.

This gallery wall of portraits from Studio Twenty Seven almost reads as a single element, thanks to the tight color scheme that all the paintings fit into. (This might require a whole lot of trips to the thrift store.)

From Agence Favorite, here’s another example of using a vintage portrait to add a bit of texture and charm to a modern space.

There’s something about a framed painting in the bathroom that just feels a little indulgent: there’s something about having a portrait of a stranger in your bathroom that just feels a little weird, but maybe weird in a good way. The art in this bathroom from Black Lacquer Design definitely adds an unexpected touch.

I love the way the vintage portrait in this space from Est Magazine almost blends into the wall, for a particularly subtle, unique look.

Haven’t been to an estate sale before? Check out some of our tips for newbies. You can also try snagging vintage portraits at thrift shops or online at eBay, Etsy or Chairish.