Vintage Decorating Tips

Photos by Evan Sklar    From: Family Circle

Personalize a kid's room. Show off the curves of a charming whitewashed dresser by painting walls a bold hue, says Kate Shifrin of comefleawithme.com.

Transform a table. Paint an undistinguished Empire-style table white, or make a statement with two coats of high-gloss black enamel.

Dress up your chairs. Slipcover flea-market chairs in crisp white or paint them to match the table for a finished look. Don't worry if chair styles don't match -- a mix is fun.

Cluster pottery. Stack ironstone -- quantity counts -- by size and shape, says Shifrin. Grouping objects enhances their individual appeal.

Use your vintage finds. Fill a pitcher with flowers; serve lemonade in glasses.

Conceal imperfections. Revitalize a time-worn love seat or ottoman with a slipcover in a pattern or solid fabric.

Hang a chandelier. Like earrings for a dress, a hanging lamp accents a room. Tip: It needs to be big enough to make a statement.                                  

Create a display case. An antique glass-front cabinet can easily fit in when it's painted to match the room's trim. Paint the inside to contrast -- objects pop on  a sky-colored background.

Make an unfussy bed. Start with a white matelasse spread and add a touch of color with quilts and floral pillowcases. "Try a layer of old lace -- a tablecloth or curtain, say -- over the box spring to create a skirt," says Shifrin.

Add sparkle. Cut-glass lamps are easy to find and they catch the light, Shifrin notes. Unmatching bedside tables and lamps add charm.