11 Timeless Treasures from Grandma’s Living Room You’ll Love

Curved Settees

Curved settees have long been cherished for their inviting presence, serving as the perfect perch for intimate conversations. Hallie Henley Sims, founder of Hallie Henley Design, treasures her grandmother’s original orange velvet curved back settee, affectionately dubbing it “the gossip bench.” She envisions a resurgence in this type of furniture, which naturally fosters dialogue and connection—an essential quality in today’s fast-paced world.

Rocking Chairs

Rocking chairs are a nostalgic staple that many designers hope to see make a grand return. Shani Core, of Shani Core Interiors, is particularly fond of vintage rocking chairs, noting that they often feature superior rocking mechanisms. She hunts for unique pairs with scalloped backs, reupholstering them in luxurious fabrics to infuse them with personality and charm, ensuring they serve as both functional seating and artistic statement pieces.

Vintage Lighting

The allure of vintage lighting is undeniable, with designers like Laura Umansky drawn to the bold silhouettes of brass fixtures from the 1960s. These distinctive pieces not only illuminate a space but also bring a sense of history and artistry that is hard to replicate in modern options. Umansky particularly admires Venetian glass chandeliers for their elegance and craftsmanship, which add a timeless beauty to any interior.

Dressed Up Accent Chairs

The charm of elegantly dressed accent chairs is not lost on Marie Cloud, who longs for the return of skirted chairs adorned with box pleats or fringe. These timeless pieces anchor a room with their softness and grace, offering a nod to the meticulous attention our grandmothers applied to their home decor. Cloud encourages reimagining these classic forms with contemporary fabrics and bold prints, breathing new life into cherished styles.

Atomic Decor

Valerie Darden reminisces about the “atomic decor” that once filled her grandmother’s living room, characterized by its bold shapes and playful designs. This style, which flourished in the 1950s, included iconic pieces like sunburst clocks and lamps that infused a sense of whimsy into everyday life. Darden believes that integrating touches of atomic decor into modern spaces could evoke a sense of nostalgia while providing a fresh perspective on design.

Secretary Desks

Elaina Darden expresses her admiration for secretary desks, noting their ability to add drama and interest to any room. These multifunctional pieces serve as both stylish furniture and a practical workspace, allowing for both contemporary and classic styling approaches. With their charming details, they are perfect for showcasing personal treasures while maintaining an organized appearance.

Bar Carts

Bar carts have certainly not fallen out of favor, but Darden believes they deserve a moment to truly shine. She recalls how her grandmother’s always-stocked bar cart served as a social centerpiece, and longs for the return of the playful, curvy designs that characterized 1950s bar carts. These pieces can transform an ordinary gathering into a delightful soirée, encouraging conversation and connection.

Chintz Furniture

Chintz fabric, with its bold floral patterns and rich colors, is a beloved memory for Bailey Ward, who recalls its prominence in her grandmother’s sitting room. Despite a modern trend toward performance fabrics, Ward advocates for the charm of chintz, which adds instant personality to any space. Both she and Danielle Domingues see the value in bold patterns, suggesting that they could elevate the ambiance of formal sitting rooms with a delightful touch of nostalgia.

Game Tables

The resurgence of flip-top game tables has captivated designers like Ward, who appreciates their versatility, especially in smaller spaces. These antique treasures can function as side tables or consoles, but with a quick flip and swivel, they transform into the perfect setting for game nights. Whether it’s a casual card game or an evening of Mahjong, these tables encourage social interaction playfully.

Needlepoint Decor

Needlepointing transcends hobby status to become a valuable decor element, as Mary Clair Cumbaa recognizes. She is particularly drawn to floral needlepoint pillows, which add texture and warmth to interiors. Cumbaa believes these pieces can evoke a collected feel, enriching the overall aesthetic of a room while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

China On The Wall

The concept of showcasing china on the wall, a beloved practice of grandmothers past, is making its way back into contemporary design. Cumbaa advocates for this easy and cost-effective method of filling large wall spaces, providing a unique texture that enhances visual interest. Displaying china not only serves as a conversation starter but also reflects a sense of history and appreciation for craftsmanship.