Vintage Nursery & Children's Decor

A Nostalgic Take on Vintage Nursery Decor

There’s something irresistibly charming about a vintage-inspired nursery—where soft nostalgia meets practical, beautiful design. It’s about creating a space that feels timeless, full of character, and just the right amount of whimsy.

One of the most inspiring examples comes from @ceciliahallinghowells, who has transformed an awkward alcove into the dreamiest of children’s bedrooms. This isn’t your typical pastel-hued nursery—this is layered, textured, and bursting with period charm.

A Cosy Nook with Heritage Charm

The star of the show is undoubtedly the built-in bed, nestled within an alcove framed by a delicate arch. Tucked away like a secret hideout, it feels instantly cocooning—a design that not only makes use of tricky architecture but also creates a feeling of snug security. The interior of the nook is lined with a tiny-scale patterned fabric, adding depth and warmth, while a pair of floral curtains introduce a dose of old-world charm. It’s a look reminiscent of grand country house nurseries from the past, where every detail was designed for comfort and storytelling.

A Palette of Earthy Tones

Colour plays a crucial role in this scheme, with a rich, earthy palette that feels both grounding and playful. The bed’s deep terracotta base and the classic red of the cabinet bring warmth and a sense of history, while the layered browns, creams, and ochres lend a beautifully muted, heritage feel. It’s a refreshing alternative to modern nursery trends, proving that children’s rooms don’t have to be pastel to feel soft and inviting.

Playful Details and Timeworn Textures

Everywhere you look, there’s something to spark curiosity. A well-loved wooden train set sprawls across a herringbone jute rug, bringing natural texture underfoot. A scallop-edged rattan lampshade and a classic turned-wood stool add a sense of handcrafted charm, while a red-painted cabinet houses vintage toys and books, hinting at stories passed down through generations.

The Magic of a Grown-Up Nursery

What makes this space so successful is its ability to feel playful without being childish. It’s a room designed to grow with its occupant, where every piece has longevity and meaning. Instead of opting for fleeting trends, @ceciliahallinghowells has created a space steeped in history, where classic design meets childhood wonder. It’s proof that vintage interiors don’t have to be fussy or overly precious—they can be as practical as they are beautiful.

For more inspiration on creating a vintage nursery with timeless appeal, take a look at the full post on @ceciliahallinghowells’ Instagram here.

Tucked away in the eaves, this charming attic bedroom by @emma__ainscough is a masterclass in vintage-inspired children’s decor. Wrapped entirely in soft blue tongue-and-groove paneling, the space feels both cosy and traditional, reminiscent of the nostalgic nurseries found in old country houses. The built-in bed, complete with neatly tailored bedding and a striped wool throw, turns the awkward angles of the room into a snug and inviting nook. A set of inbuilt shelves brims with vintage treasures—wooden toys, old books, and a classic Roberts radio—each detail carefully chosen to bring a sense of history and warmth to the space.

Touches of deep red add just the right amount of contrast, from the delicate ticking stripe on the throw to the bold, glossy bedside table, which injects a playful modern twist. Striped fabric wall lights and a traditional framed rooster painting further reinforce the vintage aesthetic, making this little retreat feel like a scene straight from a storybook. It's a space designed for quiet moments—reading by lamplight, tucking into soft pillows, and drifting off surrounded by layers of thoughtful, timeworn charm.

This enchanting children's bedroom is a masterclass in vintage-inspired design, where pattern, texture, and nostalgia blend seamlessly. At its heart is a beautifully upholstered daybed in oversized gingham, framed by a whimsical canopy in soft pink ticking stripe with a floral pelmet—a perfect nod to the timeless elegance of antique nurseries. The walls, covered in a delicate diamond-print wallpaper, create a cocooning effect, while layers of carefully chosen textiles, from embroidered cushions to scalloped trims, add richness and warmth.

No detail has been overlooked in curating this dreamy space. A rattan elephant-shaped bedside table introduces a playful yet traditional element, complemented by a pleated lampshade and stacked vintage books. The mix of classic florals, stripes, and gingham captures that effortless, lived-in charm often found in historic country houses. Designed by @seansymington, this bedroom is a love letter to childhood nostalgia, proving that vintage style can be both comforting and deeply stylish. For more of Sean’s work, visit his Instagram profile here.

Tucked beneath a charming sloped ceiling, this nursery, by Sapphie Chichester is a delightful blend of vintage whimsy and classic English style. The room is enveloped in a trailing floral geranium wallpaper, a nostalgic nod to the storybook nurseries of the past, while a green striped upholstered daybed creates a snug corner layered with gingham and embroidered cushions. A scalloped rug and pleated lampshade add that irresistible old-world charm, proving that a child’s space can feel both playful and beautifully curated.

Every detail has been carefully considered to create a space that feels timeless yet lived-in. The painted green dresser and antique side table inject character, while open shelving brims with books, soft toys, and trinkets that tell a story of childhood wonder. A warm wash of yellow from the gingham blind brings a joyful touch, tying the whole scheme together. Designed with both nostalgia and practicality in mind, this nursery is a masterclass in vintage decorating. For more, visit @sapphiechichesterltd.

"Working closely with our client, the design for this nursery started with the beautiful @lakeaugust wallpaper. I think the pattern flows so well around the eaves bedroom. We designed the chest of drawers to have a changing table on top painted in @farrowandball Cooking Apple Green. The daybed was also bespoke to fit tightly within the space and upholstered in a favourite @chelseatextiles woven stripe. I absolutely love how this bedroom turned out and you can’t help but feel joy looking at it! Photographed by @astridtemplier for @englishhomemag 💛"

A riot of pattern and color, this vintage-inspired nursery is a masterclass in playful, old-world charm. Wrapped in a delicate geranium wallpaper, the room feels like it’s been plucked from the pages of a well-loved storybook. The spindle cot, dressed in layers of ditsy florals and soft patchwork quilts, sits beneath a grand checked canopy—adding a touch of whimsical drama. Every inch of the space has been considered, from the ruffled curtains that frame the window to the antique chest of drawers, its faded paintwork only adding to the sense of nostalgia.

But what makes this nursery truly special is the effortless clash of color, texture, and pattern—a bold approach that somehow feels utterly harmonious. A bright blue side table, an intricately patterned Persian rug, and a charming scalloped lampshade all bring personality, while vintage toys and artwork complete the scene. It’s a space brimming with warmth, character, and a sense of lived-in magic—proof that when it comes to decorating children’s rooms, more is most definitely more. For more inspiration, visit @englishhomemag.

This enchanting children’s bedroom captures the charm of a bygone era, blending traditional craftsmanship with a warm, nostalgic feel. The built-in bunk beds, adorned with hand-painted folk motifs, feel straight out of a storybook, nestled beneath whitewashed beams that echo the coziness of an Alpine retreat. The layering of textures—gingham blankets, plush pillows, and a timeworn Persian rug—softens the structured wood paneling, creating a space that feels both snug and characterful. Soft lighting, vintage-inspired wall sconces, and an aged wooden stool complete the room, reinforcing its timeless aesthetic.

It’s a masterclass in mixing old-world charm with practical modernity, proving that children’s rooms needn’t be dominated by primary colors and plastic. Instead, thoughtful details—like scalloped trims, artisanal craftsmanship, and a muted, earthy palette—bring a sense of history and permanence to the space. It’s a room that doesn’t just house childhood but grows with it, making it the perfect example of how vintage design can lend depth and personality to even the most functional of spaces. For more dreamy interiors like this, visit @amberinteriors.

This joyful vintage children’s bedroom is a perfect blend of nostalgia and playfulness, proving that classic design can feel both fresh and fun. The red-painted metal beds, reminiscent of old-school dormitories, are softened by cheerful yellow gingham bedding, setting a warm and inviting tone. The blue-and-white patterned wallpaper adds a layer of vintage charm, while the mismatched yet harmonious patterns—like the checkered rug and striped sconces—bring an effortlessly curated feel. Tucked between the beds, an antique wooden bedside table adds depth and history, reinforcing the room’s timeless appeal.

This space is a masterclass in how to make vintage feel lively rather than fussy. The framed fruit prints add a playful, almost storybook-like quality, while soft toys resting on the beds subtly remind us that this is, at its heart, a child’s retreat. The painted window trim and beadboard ceiling keep things light and airy, ensuring the mix of patterns and colors never overwhelms. It’s a room designed to spark imagination while embracing the comfort and familiarity of heirloom-inspired decor. For more charming interiors like this, visit @whittneyparkinsondesign.

This enchanting vintage-inspired bedroom is a dreamy mix of old-world charm and playful nostalgia. Drenched in shades of blue and white, the space feels both fresh and timeless, thanks to its striking floral wallpaper and perfectly mismatched patterns. The bed, crowned with a delicate scalloped canopy, is layered with gingham and block-print pillows, creating a cozy, collected-over-time feel. A pleated lampshade, an antique dresser, and classic striped Roman blinds reinforce the sense of history, while painted trim adds a crisp, tailored finish.

The beauty of this room lies in its balance—it's whimsical without being fussy, refined yet inviting. The soft scalloped edges and contrasting patterns give it a storybook-like quality, while well-loved vintage pieces ground the space in tradition. It's the kind of room that feels like a gentle nod to the past, perfect for sparking a child’s imagination. For more beautifully layered interiors like this, visit @laurastephensid.