There’s something about vintage art that instantly changes a space. It brings warmth, character, and a sense of individuality that’s very hard to replicate with anything new.
When I started sourcing paintings across Europe for Hue, it became clear very quickly that people weren’t just looking for something to fill a space on a wall. They were looking for pieces that felt personal, something they could connect to, live with, and sometimes build a room around.
If you’re interested in the sourcing side, I share more on this over on The Trove.
What is Vintage Art?
Vintage art typically refers to original paintings created several decades ago, often mid-century, they have lived a life (or even many lives!) before arriving in your home.
Unlike prints or mass produced artwork, these pieces are truly one of a kind which makes them really quite special. They carry texture, depth, and imperfections that give them their charm. You’ll often find original chipped frames, aged canvases, and beautiful brushwork.
Buying vintage is so different to buying something new.
Why Vintage Art Works So Well in Modern Interiors
Modern homes can sometimes feel a little flat, particularly anything with no period or architectural features. Clean lines, new materials, and neutral palettes can be beautiful, but they can lack depth.
Vintage art brings that depth back in. It softens a space. It adds contrast. It introduces colour in a way that feels layered rather than overly styled. And because each piece is unique, it gives a room its own identity.
This balance of old and new is where interiors start to feel interesting I think.
How to Choose the Right Piece
This is the part people often overthink. In reality, it’s much more instinctive than you might expect. Start anywhere you want, there really are no rules but I can talk you through how I tend to approach it.
Start with colour
Colour is usually the first thing you respond to.
Look for tones that either:
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complement your space, or
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gently contrast with it
A painting doesn’t need to match perfectly. In fact, it’s often better when it doesn’t. A slightly unexpected colour can bring a room to life. I love blues, greens, against pinks and earthy tones most. That's my favourite palette.
Think about scale
One of the most common mistakes is choosing something too small. Especially above a sofa, bed, or fireplace. Smaller works are beautiful too, but they tend to work best grouped together or layered into a space. A small piece can be work if punchy but you really want to avoid it looking like its floating or dominate negative space.
If in doubt, go slightly bigger than you think.
Choose a subject you’ll enjoy living with
You don’t need to understand art to choose it, you just need to enjoy it.
Some people are drawn to landscapes, others to still life, florals, or abstract compositions. Personally, I often find myself drawn to landscapes, they work in almost any setting and can feel either traditional or modern depending on the piece.
What matters is that it holds your attention and you feel a connection.
Trust your instinct
This is the most important part.
When I’m sourcing, I’m looking at hundreds, often thousands, (yes really!) of paintings at a time. The ones I choose are the ones I instinctively respond to, the ones that simply catch my eye and draw me in.
That same instinct is usually the best guide when you’re choosing for your own home.
Where to Hang Vintage Art
Placement makes a huge difference to how a piece feels.
Living room
Above a sofa or fireplace, a painting can become the focal point of the entire room. If you are hanging over a sofa you might find this post useful, or these tips if you hanging over a fireplace.
Bedroom
Art in a bedroom should feel softer, more personal, something you enjoy waking up to. Do not underestimate the power of art in a bedroom, your best pieces should live here!
Hallway
A hallway is a great place to be a little more playful. Smaller works, clusters, or a mix of frames work well here. A loo is a good place to really have fun with art. A staircase gallery wall always makes a space feel more like a room and not an in between space.
Kitchen
Often overlooked, but one of the best places for art. It makes the space feel lived in and relaxed, just another room in the home.
Bathroom
Nudes look wonderful in a bathroom!
Creating a Gallery Wall with Vintage Art
Gallery walls work particularly well with vintage pieces because of the variation in frame, scale, and subject.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Mix frame styles rather than matching everything
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Combine different sizes and orientations, a good mix of portrait and landscape hangs
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A slightly organic layout always feels better
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Consider adding objects (mirrors, plates, etc). I've written a piece on The Trove with some ideas on why the best walls aren't just art.
Styling Vintage Art in a Modern Home
This is where everything comes together.
The key is contrast:
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Pair vintage paintings with very traditional, mid century or contemporary classic furniture. Think about the materials and decorative objects nearby. Also mixing vintage art with contemporary pieces is very effective.
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Let the artwork introduce colour into a neutral room
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Layer pieces rather than spacing everything out perfectly
It shouldn’t feel too polished. The charm of vintage art is in its character, so let that come through.
Where to Buy Vintage Art
Vintage art can be surprisingly hard to find "done well".
Many pieces are hidden in markets, auctions, and smaller dealers across Europe. Sourcing takes time, and knowing what to look for makes a big difference.
At Hue + Holasz, every painting is personally sourced. I source paintings that I love. I’m especially drawn to colourful, textured and expressive oils.
You can explore the latest collection online.
Final Thoughts
Choosing art doesn’t need to feel intimidating.
It’s not about getting it “right”, it’s about finding something you love, and giving it a place in your home.
The best interiors are the ones that feel personal. Vintage art is one of the simplest ways to achieve that.
Explore more
Browse the latest collection from Hue + Holasz, or follow along on The Trove for more on sourcing, collecting and living with vintage art.
