Vintage Toys as Decor

Inspired by “Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900–2000,” this week we decided to bring some extra vintage to modern decor. When we receive requests to add a “touch of vintage” to children’s rooms, we always recommend that parents-to-be look for something that already belongs to their family, in particular toys. We also go around to flea markets or search online for original pieces or replicas that can add a nice touch.

We are big fans of the Kit-Cat Clock. Can you believe this clock has been around for 80 years? In 1932 during the heart of The Great Depression, the Kit-Cat Clock with his signature wagging tail, rolling eyes, and contagious smile inspired joy during one of America’s darkest hours. This clock remains incredibly popular—every three minutes, for the past 50 years, someone has purchased a Kit-Cat Clock.

Wagons are always in fashion! Instead of getting a new wagon, we like finding vintage wooden wagons, which we use to display children’s books.

We love tins. We are particularly fond of this Rocket Ride Tin and this Curious George Tin Bank.

These vintage metal tea cups are perfect for holding a little girl’s colored beads or Barbie’s accessories, but they can also be stacked and converted into a beautiful side lamp.

 

Do you have any vintage toys in your child’s room?

My Tiny Nest

My Tiny Nest

Alessia and Julie successfully combined their diverse backgrounds and styles to create unique, personalized spaces for their clients. Julie likes clean, fluid lines while Alessia goes for fun colors.

Comments

  1. eastwitching

    August 13, 2012

    Old and unusual items attract a child’s eye because of their quirkiness. I used to play with a battered old wind up man in a tin boat at my Grandmas house when I was little – will never forget it.

  2. Shannon Goldberg

    August 13, 2012

    We are currently in the process of giving our 5yr old son’s room a vintage makeover with inspiration from the 40s thru the 60s, we are using several vintage toy pieces and absolutely adore them all!

  3. Lisa

    August 13, 2012

    I don’t have any vintage items in my children’s rooms, but I would like to. I’ve been wanting an old school desk for the longest time. It actually would reside in the livingroom, as my son prefers to be near us while doing his work. As for my girly nursery I just decorated, everything is new. Adding a couple vintage items would make the room so much more interesting. Thank you for the inspiration.

  4. MapleSyrup

    August 14, 2012

    Oh my, those vintage metal tea cups are just gorgeous! I haven’t see any like those anymore!

  5. Vintage Clocks

    August 15, 2012

    Wow …….really great room decoration.
    Thanks for share brilliant blog……..:-)

  6. Tasha Cune

    August 16, 2012

    I like the vintage wooden wagon. Good thing anybody with simple carpentry skills can do that.

  7. Vintage Toy

    August 17, 2012

    This is really a thing to consider, thank you very much regarding writing about this subject. .E

  8. Zen

    August 17, 2012

    There are so many to-die-for vintage finds at Etsy, toys included!

  9. Toy Vintage

    August 21, 2012

    It’s amazing how many people agree with you here. Nice writing style.

  10. Florence Amber

    August 21, 2012

    One vintage toy I can never forget are those wooden alphabet blocks. And the great thing about it is that they are still around and you can get them from toy stores every where.

  11. frauline

    August 26, 2012

    porcelain dolls, wooden blocks, tin kitchen sets. ah, i miss my toys from long ago!

  12. Fabie Natashinov

    August 27, 2012

    Well, thank God for Etsy and eBay.  The things that reminded us of our childhood and that are long gone can still be found here.

  13. KirstinD

    August 28, 2012

    This sure made me wish I kept all my toys from when I was a kid.

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