I’m a sucker for nostalgia. I think that’s why I like antiques and vintage pieces so much. I don’t like to overdo it, but a piece here an there evokes such a sense of character. Truly, there is something uniquely satisfying about bringing a piece of the past into your living space and using it in a new way.

I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who feels this way. Vintage fabrics have gained in popularity over the last couple of decades as home decor trends have changed and evolved. For example, the shabby chic trend made barkcloth florals popular and not long after the mid-century modern trend made ‘60s and ‘70s prints popular. Personally, I’m a fan of English country, and I can always find room for a bold floral, a gentle plaid, or even a unique damask. Usually, I’m fine with vintage-inspired, but every now and then I like to get the real thing.

Years ago I wrote a piece for a magazine about buying vintage fabrics, so I thought I would share a few tips that I found here.

What to look for when fabric hunting

It’s best to buy vintage fabrics in mint, unused condition, but this is getting harder and hareder. As soon as something vintage becomes popular it gets more difficult to find. Especially when it’s something fragile such as a fabric.

When it comes to vintage fabrics look every piece over very carefully. Always open up the fabric and examine the entire piece for stains and thinning spots. A while back I spoke to the owner of one of my favourite Toronto vintage stores, Victoria Dinnick of Gadabout, and she told me this:

“The sun can rot fabrics and make them weak, so open up a piece of fabric wide and give it a gentle tug.” Store owners won’t appreciate you manhandling their fabrics, so do it very carefully. “There’s nothing that can be done about sun-fade, but it doesn’t spread, so you can cut out a small area and still salvage the rest.”

She also recommends being on the lookout for mould and mildew (check both the front and back of the piece), which appear as tiny brown and black pinpricks. Again, there’s nothing that can be done, so if you see them, think twice before buying.

Where to Find Vintage Fabrics

At the top end of the market are auction houses, followed by estate and rummage sales, church bazaars and thrift stores. Vintage clothing fairs are also a great source for textiles. And of course, something that was not as prevalent when I first researched this many years ago, online shops and marketplaces. Buying vintage fabrics online is risky because you can’t touch the fabric or look at it up close, so be sure you want it before you buy.

Another tip from Vctoria was to check fabric stores that have been in business for a few decades as they might have old stock hidden away in their basements and could be happy to get rid of it. Consider asking the store owner if he or she has anything that isn’t on display. The worst they can say is no, right?

Using Vintage Fabrics Around the House

There are so many possibilities when it comes to adding vintage fabrics to a room, so think outside the box a little bit. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Personalize lampshades with an unusual print. And if you want something really subtle, cover the interior of a plain lampshade with a vintage textile.
• Reclaim old tablecloths or upholstery and give them new life as pillows—add them to a neutral sofa or chair for a clean look with a sense of history.
• Mismatched antique linens are perfect for old-fashioned hand towels in a guest bath.
• Old curtain panels are great for upholstering ottomans or occasional chairs.
• Line the inside of a bookshelf or armoire for a unique look.
• When in doubt, frame it. You can preserve fragile and meaningful pieces while still displaying them for all to see.

Photos courtesy of Unsplash