The Top 6 Vintage Fall Trends, According to Designers

• As fall approaches, designers suggest shifting focus towards creating a warm, inviting interior.
• Here, design pros share their top vintage fall decorating trends, plus how to pull them off.

You’re not imagining it: The start of fall is one of the best times of the year to think about design. “Because we’re spending more time indoors, it makes sense that we shift our focus to creating warm spaces,” says content creator Joanna Hawley-McBride. As the rush of summer fun gives way to a slower pace, suddenly all the details you’re surrounded by need to feel as comfortable as a crackling fire on a long night. You don’t want light layers and bright colors right now. You’re craving something deeper, and that’s why vintage styles can be so appealing.

“Vintage pieces have a way of carrying a lived-in comfort that’s especially appealing this time of year,” says Rachel Robinson, architect and founding partner of Dunham Robinson. “They add history, texture, and a sense of permanence that helps a room feel instantly more inviting.”

Nevertheless, it can be overwhelming to seek out vintage pieces to add to your home, and if you don’t know where to start, you might be shopping through winter. That’s why we asked four professionals to share their tips for curating a vintage-inspired fall palette, so that you can take in this time of year with its signature feeling of calm. Read on to get their advice.

Sasha Basso, the designer behind Capiz Studio, says that incorporating vintage pieces into your home should be a year-long pursuit, but fall is a particularly good time to hone in on one decade in particular: the 1970s. Given its midcentury modern sensibilities of warm woods and natural shades, this era lends itself to the feel of fall effortlessly. And if you’re looking for one specific throwback material, Basso recommends one surprising pick—shag.

“I know that people immediately think of bad rugs and Austin Powers when they hear the word ‘shag,’ but hear me out,” she says. “For fall, there’s nothing cozier than pieces that are warm, rich, and fluffy, but do everything in moderation. You can fully lean into this trend using a high-pile rug, or take it in small doses with a pillow or upholstered footstool in a similar texture.” Want to score some bonus points? Follow Basso’s lead and try shag in a shade that’s saturated in the leaf-peeping colors of the season.

While it may seem as though wicker is for summer only, designer Heather Peterson would suggest expanding its resume into fall. “It has a warmth and texture that works great year-round and in many climates, as long as you keep the shapes structured,” she says. Stick to dark finishes overall—that’ll steer clear of beachier associations—and if you’re adding furniture pieces to your design, cushions with a textured finish like velvet or boucle will enhance those snuggle-up vibes.

After years of clients choosing lighter woods like white oak, Robinson has noticed that darker walnut finishes for furniture and cabinetry are making a strong comeback, and this pick is perfect for fall. “It feels both retro and timeless,” she says. “Walnut has an earthy depth that instantly adds coziness. Even small accents—a walnut side table, shelving, or a vintage credenza—can shift a space toward something more intimate.” As a runner up, Robinson also mentions that pine is a worthwhile texture for the longer nights of fall. Those natural knots look so comfortably lived-in.

As you cruise the aisles hunting for cozy accessories, pay close attention to pottery. “There is an earthiness to clay and the glaze colors tend to work with an autumn palette,” Peterson says. She would look for items like handmade vases, cups, or catchalls for easy finds, but also would consider updating a vignette with a ceramic lamp base. “Of course pottery is a broad category and utterly timeless, but certain styles come in waves. Hand-thrown, irregular pieces were popular in the 1970s, and it has been fun to see the recent resurgence.”

It’s no surprise that blankets will once again meet style and functional needs at home for fall, and Robinson suggests finding some in a material that never goes out of style: wool. “There's something perennial about wool throws in tartans and checks when the weather cools. They speak to tradition while still feeling versatile,” she says. You can layer these blankets on sofa arms and backs, while also searching for like-minded pillows in coordinating or contrasting shades. The more patterns, the better.

One of the easiest ways to make your home feel more grounded is to find enduring art, even ones that feel more tongue-in-cheek. Hawley-McBride says that if you come across this specific find, don’t pass it up. “Vintage paint-by-numbers artwork is making a comeback,” she notes. “While antique oil paintings remain timeless, this kitschy style brings a playful, nostalgic touch that fits right into today’s cottagecore and cabincore aesthetics.” You can add them to a gallery wall above a walnut credenza accented with pottery, and you’ll ace this vintage fall style.

Kelly Dawson

Contributing Editor

Kelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.