21 Lovely Vintage Kitchen Ideas

Your kitchen is where you prep lunches and dinners on the daily, work master the art of the appetizing after school snack, and experiment with baking creations on cozy winter afternoons. However, the kitchen is more than just a functional space, trust us! Whether this room is large or small or somewhere in between, it deserves a little love. After all, just think about how much time you spend there. And, we must note that there's no need to succumb to today's trends if vintage style is what speaks to you.

That's right: If you're looking to celebrate the style of the 1950s, '60s, or '70s in your cooking space, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up 21 of our favorite vintage inspired kitchens from across the internet that will get your creative wheels turning in no time.

But before we leave you to it, there are a few things we want to highlight. Note that when it comes to incorporating vintage style into your space, color is key. Don't shy away from inviting bold appliances with a retro twist into your kitchen, for example. Love the look of wallpaper? By all means, install it and pick a bold pattern that will bring you joy.

Materials are also important to consider. Maybe you're looking to honor the midcentury modern style of the 1950s and 60s by opting for a tulip table or set of wishbone chairs. If the 70s are calling your name, think about introducing cane and rattan finishes into your kitchen and painting the walls a bold marigold or neon hue. Happy decorating!

01 of 21

Copy That Cute Diner

@mcmprovement / Instagram

Black and white checkered floors and a bit of pink brings diner style home. There's no reason your kitchen table nook should be devoid of color, after all.

Continue to 2 of 21 below.
02 of 21

Be Blue

@home_allemaal_kleurtjes / Instagram

Don't forget to add a fun fridge! If you're in the market for new appliances, there are plenty of picks that lean retro. A baby blue refrigerator is bound to bring you joy every time you meal prep.

Continue to 3 of 21 below.
03 of 21

Rock the Red

@dori_juni / Instagram

Black, white, and red all over! This kitchen brings the fun with pops of Marimekko print and a whole lot of bold hues.

Continue to 4 of 21 below.
04 of 21

Believe in Boho Style

@sunroomhouse / Instagram

Add some boho style accents to your dining nook in the form of a wooden sunburst mirror and some pressed floral artwork. Hello, 70s!

Continue to 5 of 21 below.
05 of 21

Choose These Chairs

@westcoast_boho / Instagram

If your small kitchen can just fit a petite bistro table, you can still style it to reflect a vintage aesthetic. Here, wishbone chairs add a midcentury modern vibe to this mini eating space.

Continue to 6 of 21 below.
06 of 21

Be Colorful

@emeraldterrace / Instagram

Charming tiles will add vintage flair to your kitchen in no time. There's no need to avoid color if you'e looking to throw it back to the 1960s or 70s; the bolder the hues and patterns, the better!

Continue to 7 of 21 below.
07 of 21

Opt for Apple Art

@villamanuella / Instagram

Apples, anyone? A piece of oversized, fruit inspired art brings a vintage touch to this cheery cooking space.

Continue to 8 of 21 below.
08 of 21

Pick Pastels

@athomewithashley / Instagram

Once again, colorful appliances make a major splash in this kitchen. This space is also proof that you can go ahead and paint your cabinets in an entirely different color, and the contrast will look quite lovely.

The 7 Best Brands of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets of 2023

Continue to 9 of 21 below.
09 of 21

Try a Twist on Classic Colors

@kvyainc / Instagram

Geometric wallpaper and pretty polka dots add a funky touch to this kitchen. Black and white most definitely doesn't have to be seen as boring or serious; it can also be perfectly playful.

Continue to 10 of 21 below.
10 of 21

Sign Us Up

@vickyjean9705 / Instagram

Vintage signs, when used in moderation, can add a historic touch to the kitchen. The key is to not go overboard with these, though, or your space will resemble a souvenir shop. Just one or two will do the job.

Continue to 11 of 21 below.
11 of 21

Collect and Curate

@vintagehillcork / Instagram

Display a collection! Your favorite kitchen essentials, like pretty coffee mugs or tea cups, can also double as decor. If you have a set from a specific era, group them together for all to admire.

Continue to 12 of 21 below.
12 of 21

Pack a Punch

@pickedandpolished / Instagram

Don't be shy about installing wallpaper in the kitchen. This pink and green print really packs a punch. Displayed alongside a rattan storage cabinet, we're getting major 70s vibes indeed.

Continue to 13 of 21 below.
13 of 21

Be Vibrant

@thistimeincolour / Instagram

A neon sign, cartoon-like plates, and marigold wall paint—oh my! This vintage kitchen is full of vibrant charm.

Continue to 14 of 21 below.
14 of 21

Wow 'Em With Wallpaper

@whilefloriansleeps / Instagram

Once again, we see wallpaper bring a lot of pep into the kitchen. And it allows for a vintage wooden storage cabinet to really make a statement.

Continue to 15 of 21 below.
15 of 21

Embrace Pops of Color

@mylifeinmulticolor / Instagram

A yellow fridge, pink walls, and a checkered floor all contribute to the vintage-ness of this cozy kitchen. We spot a neon ice cream cone shaped sign, too.

Continue to 16 of 21 below.
16 of 21

Think Rattan

@raw.home.interior / Instagram

This kitchen is '70s to a T with its cane chairs, a rattan storage center, and yes, a disco ball. A rattan cabinet like this one is an excellent alternative to the traditional bar cart if you need something that provides a little extra hidden storage.

Continue to 17 of 21 below.
17 of 21

Secure Sconces

@thehouseupstairs / Instagram

For a vintage touch that's also functional, consider incorporating sconces into the kitchen. These take up little space but give off a midcentury modern look.

Continue to 18 of 21 below.
18 of 21

Make Your Island Shine

Nathan Schroder for Maestri Studio

Try an island that shines. The kitchen island is often the focal point of the room and there's no reason not to make it even more of a showstopper. This island is oh-so-sunny and chic.

The 9 Best Kitchen Islands of 2023

Continue to 19 of 21 below.
19 of 21

Think Pink (Tile)

@domdotcomm / Instagram

Have fun with muted pink tile. Give your backsplash a colorful upgrade that you'll be able to appreciate every day and pays a nod to decades past in a way that's still fashionable in the present day.

Continue to 20 of 21 below.
20 of 21

Say Yes to Saturated

@hattiekolp / Instagram

Paint your kitchen walls a saturated hue. If you have wooden cabinets, like those seen here, it will make for an extra moody contrast.

Continue to 21 of 21 below.
21 of 21

Look to Leather

Ashley Webb Interiors

Leather—as seen on the barstools in this kitchen—is always an excellent option for those seeking to incorporate vintage inspired furnishings into their space. The more patina over time, the better!