5 Grandma-Approved Vintage Pieces for Cozy Bedrooms

Nostalgia is having a serious moment in the design world (and beyond) right now. It makes sense, then, that grandma core is still so popular — and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. But sometimes it can be a challenge to incorporate nostalgic elements into your space without making it look like a carbon-copy of your grandma’s house. 

So I reached out to a few interior designers to talk about the “grandma-approved” vintage pieces at the top of every thrifter’s list right now — specifically for the bedroom. Your bedroom is supposed to be cozy and comforting — and, if you ask me, there’s nothing more comforting than nostalgia. So most of these pieces will feel right at home right away. 

Popularized in the 1960s, vanities and mirrored dressers are making a big comeback, according to Kate Pearce, interior designer and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage. “I think people are very into wellness and self-care right now, and having a dedicated area of the bedroom to hold all your skincare and makeup feels like just the right amount of indulgence,” she says.

Amber Guyton, interior designer and founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, agrees that demand for vintage vanities is at an all-time high. However, if you don’t want to commit to buying (or don’t have the space for) another large piece of furniture, she recommends adding a bold mirror above your dresser for a similar look and effect. “The more ornate [the mirror], the better!” Guyton says.

Needlepoint is another grandma-chic medium Pearce recommends keeping your eye out for to decorate a bedroom. Likely popularized by the rise of “grandma hobbies,” needlepoint is a great way to add a touch of softness and personalization to your decor. “Whether it’s a pillow or a framed needlepoint work, the craftsmanship behind these pieces is in direct opposition to the AI-created artworks of today … and that is exactly what makes them so appealing,” Pearce says.

Doilies are oft-overlooked items at the thrift store, but they make great layering pieces under planters or lamps. Like needlepoint, their sweet, delicate designs are sure to add a softness to any space. “[Vintage doilies] often feature endearing hand embroidery that softens the feel of a bedroom design, where you want to feel cozy and comfortable,” says Ksenya Malina of New York interior design studio Time & Place Interiors.

For an easy way to add pattern, texture, and a touch of elegance to your bedroom, try placing a tablecloth or ruffled skirt over the nightstand. “Your bedside tables don’t have to be identical. Try a traditional nightstand on one side, and a tablecloth-covered end table on the other,” Guyton recommends. This grandma-approved styling trick works best with a roundtable. 

Instead of hiding your jewelry away in drawers, Guyton recommends always adding a vintage dish or trinket box to your dresser or nightstand. On top of providing storage and keeping your tabletops clear, Guyton says small trinket trays or boxes help add a punch of personality. “Breaking up the new and modern with vintage and antique accessories will make your bedroom feel more collected and thoughtful,” she says.