The Cozy Vintage Staple That's Making A Comeback In Contemporary Homes

If you think back to popular interior designs in decades past, there are probably a few that you don't expect to make a comeback any time soon. And from the matching furniture sets of the 1980s and the over-the-top minimalism of the past few years, there certainly are some past trends that many designers are happy to see the back of as well. However, there is one vintage item that has actually been making a return to homes lately, showing up in a variety of different ways: patchwork quilts.

To see proof of this revived trend, you can look straight to social media. TikTok creator @athomewithtaylorr5, for example, has repurposed an old vintage patchwork quilt as a quaint bathtub curtain. User @eleanorrosehome also urges their followers on Instagram to add a pop of color and visual interest to their home with a patchwork quilt. And this trend doesn't just stop with individual homeowners and social media accounts — a variety of reputable designers have jumped on board this revival movement, too. Take designer and creative Landon McAfee, for instance. He told Homes & Gardens that he loves to use old patchwork quilts, placing his "over neutral sofas or plain bedding to add color and pattern." So, there you have it. Patchwork quilts are officially reappearing in plenty of modern homes, including everywhere from the bedroom to the bathroom, living room, and even on various tabletops. If you're wondering what this recurring trend means for you, don't worry. We can now explore some of the ways that this decades-old home accent piece can be styled in contemporary homes so that it feels fresh and trendy as well as cozy.

There are a range of different ways vintage patchwork quilts can be arranged in contemporary homes to feel intentional and fun. However, one key aspect to keep in mind is that these quilts, by nature, feature a lot of mixed details and fabrics all together. As such, unless you are someone who likes a maximalist decor scheme, you may want to pair the quilt with some solid-colored items, which help to ground the quilt and make it stand out. Otherwise, you may risk losing it within a busy space. For example, you could try laying an old red and blue quilt over a bed, then layer on some plain red cushions and a blue rug to tie the quilt into the room and make it appear like a focal point.

But quilts can be practical, too. Rather than just decorating a surface or couch, you can take advantage of the eye-catching patterns to draw attention away from other unattractive spots in your home. If you have a disorganized or full pantry, for instance, you could hang the quilt over the doorway to cover up the mess and make that space more visually appealing. Finally, don't be afraid to break the quilt up. Just because many quilts come in large sizes doesn't mean you necessarily have to keep it that way. You could always try cutting it into smaller pieces and scattering those around your home. Those pieces could be put into frames and hung as DIY wall art or turned into cushions for a pop of colorful patchwork to be placed on a couch, bed, or entryway bench.