12 Modern IKEA Items That Could Totally Pass For Vintage

There's a reason why IKEA has been the go-to for affordable home decor for over 80 years. The clean lines, Swedish simplicity, and timeless aesthetic has created a household name that will always hold significance in the world of design. There have been several pieces of vintage IKEA furniture that recently returned to stores, but these collections can be limited and short-lived. However, IKEA also offers many pieces from their permanent collection that could pass for vintage. If you love retro decor and vintage furniture, but your budget is tight and you can't find attainable name-brand pieces, don't underestimate IKEA's modern catalog.

From mid-century sofas to quirky wall decor, IKEA has an impressive selection of home objects that look like they were ripped out of a 20th century catalog. There's a reason why certain shapes, finishes, and designs have stood the test of time. You can easily make your standard IKEA furniture look stunningly vintage by choosing the right items and styling your interior accordingly. These are the 12 best IKEA items to source if you want to curate a timeless space.

IKEA featured their STURSK wall clock in their retro style spread, and it's easy to see why. This piece has a long pendulum and simple structure which mimics the look of wall clocks from the '70s and '80s. For example, the Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller Pendulum Coffin Clock has a similar pendulum, while the Junghans German Wall Clock has a sleek black color and minimalistic frame. This accessory is ideal if you're looking for a retro piece that will still fit seamlessly into a clean, contemporary interior.

Styling the STURSK wall clock is easy due to its sleek and simple frame. It won't compete with surrounding decor, making it an excellent addition if your space already feels busy. In their shoot, IKEA styled it with an assortment of other clocks to create a quirky display. This is proof that you don't have to play it safe with this minimalistic item. Adding a piece of colorful furniture nearby will also provide necessary contrast to the black and white piece. For a truly retro look, try hanging it against a '70s or '80s-inspired wallpaper backdrop.

IKEA's OSKARSHAMN wingback chair isn't just cozy — it also looks very similar to arm chairs from the '50s. The Theo Ruth Wingback Chair is one famous example. IKEA describes their version as "timeless," which is evident in the vintage-inspired frame. The Tonerud red shade appears particularly retro, and can instantly add a pop of color to your space.

You can go two different ways when it comes to styling the OSKARSHAMN chair. The first is to surround it with simple, modern pieces, so that it stands out as a traditional accent piece. You can add something like this Dgsandgo Green Side Table to curate a fun and eye-catching look. The second styling method is to lean into the traditional appearance even more and create a cozy look with patterned textiles and lots of wood. '50s-inspired rugs, along with patterned pillows and natural wood accent pieces, can make your space look beautifully vintage.

The combination of the curved body and playful yellow color make the HERRÅKRA chair look like it was plucked straight out of the late mid-century. It also features angled wooden legs, another marker of mid-century design, as seen with this similar post-modern-style accent chair by Selig from the late '60s/early '70s.

An easy way to make your yellow arm chair pop is to surround it with live greenery and natural wood. Not only will this help lean into the early '70s look, but it is also consistent with current design trends. You can use this chair to bridge the gap between past and present styles. When you lean into organic decor, that doesn't mean you should stray away from brightly-colored accent pieces. Butter yellow is a huge home decor trend, reflecting the desire for sunny shades and warm interiors to make a comeback.

The VARMBLIXT lamp was designed by Sabine Marcelis, and it appears to be inspired by donut lamps that were popular in the '70s. Similar Italian vintage donut lamps can sell for well over $500, making the VARMBLIXT an affordable modern alternative at $99.99. IKEA also featured the VARMBLIXT lamp in their article all about achieving retro style.

IKEA's vintage-inspired light can add a cozy mood to your home no matter how you choose to style it. In the IKEA article, they chose to curate a monochromatic look when styling the VARMBLIXT wall lamp. They hung the orange-toned donut lamp against a yellow wall, putting the focus on the shape rather than the color. However, you can also take the opposite approach and place it against neutral backdrops to act as an eye-catching accent piece. The beauty of the VARMBLIXT lamp is its versatility, and you can even set it on a surface, rather than mounting it on the wall.

The RIAN side table is technically a new IKEA design, but it looks awfully familiar. Although it isn't exactly the same, it closely resembles the Thomas Jelinek side table that IKEA released in the '80s. It doesn't have wheels, but it has a similar asymmetrical chrome frame with a rectangular white top. It is also available with a black tabletop, but the white gives it a more vintage appearance.

This is another minimalistic piece that can easily blend with surrounding decor, but it will pair better with streamlined, modernist pieces rather than ornate, traditional decor. Styling a side table will make the item look intentional, rather than only functional. Add a small houseplant with accessories like retro coasters. This Leadiy Acrylic Coaster is a post-modern accent piece that will add a playful touch.

Modular sofas were introduced in the '40s, but became an interior design staple in the '60s and '70s. The JÄTTEBO sofa is visually similar to legendary Italian sectionals like the Doimo Salotti Sectional or the Giancarlo Piretti Modular Sofa from 1973. The earthy, green color is very '70s as well.

In IKEA's design spread, they showcased the modular sofa with a geometric area rug. The addition of the BRÖNDEN rug added to the retro atmosphere and complemented the sofa's clean lines. For throw pillows, you can go for warm, earthy colors like muted yellow and orange for a '70s-style touch. Adding accessories with a cozy, natural color palette is a great way to elevate the space, without competing against the sofa. This set of Btyrle Velvet Throw Pillow Covers includes several '70s-inspired shades that will look beautiful with the JÄTTEBO sofa.

There was a specific type of daring design style that took over in the '60s and '70s. Atomic Age decor rose to popularity as a sort of optimistic rebellion against the threat of the Atomic bomb. The style represented what homeowners believed the future might look like. If you love the retro-futuristic decor from the space age era, the BLÅSVERK pendant lamp will work in both modern and traditional spaces. Its playful curvature and neutral, ivory color create the perfect balance between retro and timeless. It has a similar appearance to the Italian space age Plexi lamps from the '70s.

The off-white color of the BLÅSVERK pendant lamp makes it easy to add to any existing color scheme. You can hang a single lamp over a tulip table for an authentic appearance, or you can hang two pendant lamps over your kitchen island for a subtle, vintage-inspired touch. The Hansweld Round Dining Table is an affordable and highly-rated tulip table to complete a small dining space or breakfast nook. As a final touch, consider adding the BLÅSVERK table lamp to your living room to create visual consistency between spaces.

IKEA's HAVBERG was originally released in the '70s, but they have created a new, modern variation. These styles of armchairs date back to the '60s, and were popular in Nordic design. For example, the Ring Mebelfabrikk arm chair from 1960 is very similar in form and material. Leather arm chairs with a swivel base may be retro-inspired, but they have never gone out of style.

A large piece of furniture with caramel leather upholstery can help your living room look instantly more sophisticated. Lighter neutrals like cream and ivory can make the leather piece pop. Matte black accessories will match the black legs of the HAVBERG chair, and enhance the refinement even further. The HAVBERG chair is also an ideal piece to fill any empty corner or awkward nook in your living space that looks empty, as it looks beautiful as a standalone piece.

Verner Pantone's flowerpot lamp has had a massive resurgence in contemporary interiors. His mushroom lamp, known as the Panthella, also has a similar design. IKEA's NÖDMAST table lamp takes inspiration from these trendy, vintage pieces and offers a tri-color option for only $19.99. It is battery-operated, so you can place it practically anywhere — even if an outlet is nowhere to be found. It has a USB-C port for easy charging.

A flowerpot or mushroom lamp is a great way to add a touch of mid-century modern style to your bedroom. You can boost the NÖDMAST table lamp by placing it on several thick books, perhaps ones that reflect the design era. A mid-century-inspired bedside table will complete the look, like the Poly & Bark EdgeMod Dorsey Nightstand. Beyond your bedroom, you can also put two matching lamps on each side of your foyer sidetable for a stylish entrance.

There are several qualities that make the STARKVIND table appear vintage. It has angled mid-century modern legs, a dark wood finish, and what appears to be a vintage speaker. However, it is actually an air purifier. This is an example of how IKEA combines classic design with modern functionality. If you have a vintage-style interior and your current air purifier is ruining the aesthetic, the STARKVIND table is a unique alternative.

One trick you can use to make this IKEA piece look like mid-century vintage is placing it next to a mod arm chair or sofa. This Inzoy Mid Century Modern Accent Chair would enhance the retro appearance of the STARKVIND air purifier table. IKEA also styled the table next to the Jättebo sofa, mentioned above. The JONES CLOCKS Film Desk Clock is a tabletop accessory that can really emphasize the target era.

Green glass vases have been a design staple for centuries. Depression era glassware often came in green and pink tones with a transparent finish. The KONSTFULL vase is a green glass beauty from IKEA's current collection, and it can instantly give your interior a timeless touch. If you're searching for a small and affordable piece that will provide a vintage-inspired pop of color, consider the KONSTFULL vase.

The first step in styling your KONSTFULL vase is to make it glow. You should place the vase near a natural light source to allow sunlight to spread the calming color throughout the room. Then, add a flower arrangement that complements the height of the vase. The flowers should be about 1 ½ the height of your vase for a well-balanced look. However, if you're after a purely mid-century look, a shorter, thicker arrangement was more common for the time.

If your style is more antique than mid-century, IKEA still has options that will suit your interior. The STJÄRNÖ bed frame features a curved steel headboard and footboard with decorative spindles. This is reflective of traditional wrought iron bed frames from the early 20th century. Some Victorian bed frames were more ornate than others, but the IKEA version marries modern simplicity with a traditional structure.

When it comes to selecting the perfect bedding, you can choose from two different design approaches. The first option is to go with simple white or off-white textiles. This will create a calming environment and allow the iron bed frame to remain the primary statement piece. The second option is to lean into the Victorian era with an antique floral bedding set. This Greenland Home Antique Rose Quilt Set is a top-rated pick. For more antique bedroom inspiration, browse these stunning farmhouse bedrooms that you will want to spend the night in.