Designers think that the motivation behind this shift is strongly tied to the emotional and nostalgic connotations of vintage style. “There is a yearning for things that have emotion behind them and a story behind them, and sort of that little bit of whimsy and discovery that you find with vintage pieces,” says designer Stacy Garcia, CEO & Chief Inspiration Officer at Stacy Garcia Design Studio in New York.

But beyond just the feeling of nostalgia, what makes a vintage piece truly stylish today? If it was solely about nostalgia, wouldn’t we all be installing plush green carpet and linoleum floors again, too? So I spoke with some interior designers to find out which vintage pieces specifically are poised for a style renaissance in 2026. Read on for your de facto designer-curated thrift store shopping list!

Many of us seem to be leaning into cozy “grandma hobbies” today — like knitting, needlepoint, and sewing — so it makes sense that quilts would make a comeback, too. “The bold geometry of patchwork quilts feels modern again. Especially if you pair them with other solid bright colors and let them really be the star of the show,” says Jessica Ahnert Davis, owner and creative director of Atelier Davis.

In a world of fast furniture and disposable decor, these pieces feel even more meaningful and comforting, Garcia adds. “There’s a renewed appreciation for quilts and handmade textiles because they bring warmth, texture, and a human touch into the home,” she says. A quintessential grandma creation, quilts are finally having their moment and being recognized for the craftsmanship that makes them truly special. 

And while we’re returning to an appreciation for craftsmanship, traditional furniture details are seeing a resurgence, too. Things like tufted cushions, fringe trim, and skirted sofas or chairs are suddenly everywhere again. “These elements feel nostalgic yet fresh when mixed with modern pieces, creating spaces that feel curated rather than overly styled,” Garcia explains.

The Apartment Therapy 2026 State of Home Design report found that vintage textiles will be one of the most sought-after items in secondhand shops this year, so it makes sense that you’re seeing embroidery everywhere right now. Whether displayed as art or used as upholstery, embroidered pieces are on everyone’s list right now. Ksenya Malina of New York interior design studio Time & Place Interiors agrees, saying she’s seeing a rise in embroidered towels and linens as well.

In the same vein, Malina also predicts we’ll see a resurgence of upholstered or embroidered footstools and ottomans, as decorators strive to inject functional antique accents into modern homes. Not only are ottomans a great spot to rest your feet at the end of a long day, she says, but they’re also useful to hold a tray of drinks or appetizers when you entertain.

People are finding so many ways to repurpose vintage candy dishes and cookie tins — from jewelry holders, to knickknack bowls, to ornate centerpieces. “When displayed together as a collection, candy dishes can look so fun and sculptural,” Davis says. “Especially with light streaming in from a window behind.” Or, try clustering a few old-school cookie tins together to hide coffee-table clutter.

China cabinets are yet another example of an attempt to add personality, history, and a sense of storytelling back into our spaces, according to Garcia. “China cabinets are coming back because people want to actually see and enjoy the things they’ve collected over time, rather than hide them away,” Garcia says.

Displaying collections like that, whether china or something else, can also be a gateway to connect with your history and loved ones. Glass hutches increase visibility and encourage use of items that might otherwise be hidden away in a drawer. “Putting a tea set out and actually sitting and using it … making yourself a glass of tea and having a friend over — there’s something so nice about that,” Garcia says.

We might not be laying out a formal dinner table each night anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) pull a few great pieces of silverware out from grandma’s set every now and then, Malina says. “A couple of beautiful vintage serving spoons elevates even a casual table setting (takeout included). And mix-and-match silverware pieces give an eclectic, French look to your meal,” she explains. This is an easy way to add some whimsy and old-world glam to the everyday. 

We’re definitely seeing a shift toward warmer ambient lighting in homes right now, and candles are a huge part of that. Vintage candlesticks can seriously elevate the look. 

Malina suggests adding an antique candlestick or two to your favorite shelf. If you’re feeling really funky, you can even create a grouping of mismatched candleholders of differing heights on your sideboard for a pretty vignette. “To give it an authentic look, light the candle briefly and then blow it out, so that the wick turns black,” Malina says.