7 Vintage Design Trends Making a Comeback in 2026

It’s no secret that home design has been trending towards the familiar in 2025. We’ve watched as interiors have grown richer in tone, texture, and storytelling through schemes that feel collected and intentional. Achieving this look is no small feat—in many cases, interior designers are referencing vintage elements and trends from years past.

2026 will be no different. Here, we spoke to designers about which vintage looks will make a big comeback in the new year.

Caned Furniture

It’s lightweight, sustainable, handmade, textured, and warm—so of course, caned furniture will make a splash in 2026. The technique dates back centuries, but it surged in popularity during the 1960s and ’70s amid the rise of bohemian style. Today’s obsession with biophilia and love of natural, tactile materials has brought it forward once again. “Handmade details like this add an easy layer of warmth and texture to interior spaces,” says architect Rachael Stollar, founder of Studio SFW.

In her own office, she leans on a classic example: Marcel Breuer’s 1928 Cesca chairs. “They look sleek without feeling overly fancy, and they’re comfortable if a meeting runs a little long,” she adds.

Checkerboard Floors

Allison Smith, founder and principal designer of Gem & Clay Interiors, has noticed a spike in interest for checkerboard flooring—even in everyday spaces. “This is on the rise from the influence of art deco style, which has become more popular in the past five years or so,” she says. “Clients love to incorporate this in kitchens, entryways, and laundry rooms to add a bit more personality.”

The look is no longer limited to black and white. Greens softened with cream, oxblood paired with ivory, even burgundy-and-bone pairings are showing up in homes, bringing a sense of warmth and dimension. Houzz home design trends expert Mitchell Parker confirms what designers are seeing, noting that searches on the site for checkerboard floors have grown 38 percent.

Handblown Glass

Looking to add pops of color without the commitment to a sofa, rug, or full upholstery overhaul? Consider handblown glass your friend. 

Marika Meyer, founder and creative director of Marika Meyer Studio, sees it as an easy entry point into craft and color. “It can be small, like a vintage Murano bowl, or as large as a hand-blown lamp,” she says. “Think of places that could use a small dose of color or character.” In this dining room, for example, she paired a vintage amber Blenko lamp with sculptural vessels and colorful glass candlesticks.

Tableware is another major opportunity to infuse beautiful glass into a space. “We’re seeing more fun in the form of glassware and glass decor such as candlesticks, trinket dishes, and more,” says designer Smith. “Clients can have fun displaying a mix of collected Depression glass or shop for fun, brightly colored martini glasses for their next dinner party.”

Rich Wood Tones

“After years of pale wood and bleached oak, we’re seeing clients crave richness again,” says interior designer Trevor Fulmer. “There’s something grounding about darker tones like walnut and mahogany, and that instantly adds depth and drama. They feel architectural and add a classic finish.”

These woods recall another era—one of heirloom armoires, carved sideboards, and craftsmanship spanning decades. Smith believes that nostalgia is driving its return. “People crave quality materials,” she says. “Much of the brown wood furniture not only makes up more quality antique pieces, but it was also often engraved and carved with beautiful attention to detail.”

Skirted Furniture

The move toward maximalism has brought back skirted furnishings in a major way. Beyond the traditional bedskirt, designers are leaning into skirts for sofas, consoles, side tables, and even sinks. “I love pairing a skirted piece with modern, sculptural lighting, or a lacquered side table,” says Jade Joyner, principal designer of Metal + Petal. “It’s that play of old and new that makes a room feel evolved rather than staged.”

Skirts also offer an opportunity to extend the life of an existing piece. They can make a dated console instantly become charming, or a tired sofa feel tailored and new.

Carved Accents

After a decade ruled by flat-front panels and Shaker simplicity, homeowners are gravitating back toward ornament. “We’re seeing a return to more traditional cabinet craftsmanship,” says interior designer Yvonne Harty. Beaded edges, raised-panel millwork, furniture-style islands, and carved legs are making their way into kitchens and living rooms alike. “It’s a subtle way to add depth and nostalgia, making cabinetry feel timeless and custom, rather than cookie-cutter,” she adds.

Carved pieces carry the mark of the hand that shaped them, adding warmth in a time when everything feels machine-made. “Homeowners value the craftsmanship of older pieces,” says designer Stacy Garcia. “There’s something soulful about furniture that clearly shows the hand of the maker.” 

Standout Antiques

Not every room needs to be filled with vintage pieces to tell a story—sometimes, one great one can shift the whole mood. Interior designer Laura Hammett agrees: “I love anchoring a scheme with a characterful antique—a marble-topped commode, a patinated mirror, or a grandfather clock can give a room real gravitas,” she says.

Hammett suggests subtle art deco nods like brass, geometric lighting, or marble to keep the room from slipping into pastiche. “Aim for a look that feels timeless and lived-in, rather than resembling a set piece,” she says.

For many designers, the movement toward antiques is as much about sustainability as it is style. “Done right, vintage, heritage, and antique décor will not only enhance a modern home, but also help reduce the carbon footprint,” says interior designer Thecla Glueck. The key, she notes, is balance: “Pair streamlined silhouettes with timeworn textures… keep color and scale cohesive so the mix feels curated, not cluttered.”