There is a distinct comfort in the past. While modern minimalism has its place, many homeowners are turning back the clock to infuse their sanctuaries with character, warmth, and nostalgia. Your bedroom is the perfect canvas for this retro revival, and window treatments are often the unsung heroes of interior design.
Choosing the right blinds can instantly transport a room to a different era, whether it’s the roaring twenties or the groovy seventies. Vintage-inspired blinds offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that sterile, contemporary shades simply cannot match. From delicate fabrics to bold patterns, these selections add layers of texture and history to your windows.
If you are looking to refresh your sleeping space with a touch of old-world charm, you have come to the right place. We have curated a list of nine stunning vintage-inspired styles that promise to elevate your decor and provide the cozy atmosphere you crave.
1. Classic Floral Roman Shades
Nothing says “vintage cottage” quite like a soft floral print. These shades bring the garden inside, offering a romantic and whimsical vibe that works perfectly in bedrooms. They soften the hard edges of window frames and add a splash of color without overwhelming the space.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Opt for muted pastel colors like sage green, dusty rose, or pale yellow.
- Look for cotton or linen fabrics that drape naturally.
- Pair with sheer white curtains for a layered, breezy effect.
Items To Buy
- Vintage floral roman shades
- Botanical print window blinds
- Cottagecore window shades
- Rose print roman shades
- Pastel flower blinds
- Shabby chic window treatments
- Fabric tie up shades floral
- French country floral blinds
- Wildflower pattern shades
- Vintage botanical roller shades
2. Woven Bamboo Roll-Up Blinds
For a more bohemian or mid-century modern aesthetic, woven wood is essential. These blinds add natural texture and warmth, filtering light beautifully rather than blocking it out completely. They were a staple in 1970s interior design and remain a timeless choice for creating a relaxed, organic atmosphere.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Choose a “tortoise” or variegated finish for depth.
- Layer them under heavy velvet drapes for contrast.
- Ensure the weave is tight enough for privacy but loose enough to let sunbeams dance through.
Items To Buy
- Woven wood shades
- Bamboo roll up blinds
- Natural reed blinds
- Vintage boho blinds
- Tortoise shell bamboo shades
- Rattan window shades
- Jute window blinds
- Cordless bamboo shades
- Tropical window treatments
- Mid century modern wood blinds
3. Delicate Lace Roller Blinds
Lace isn’t just for doilies and tablecloths; it makes for stunning window treatments that scream Victorian elegance. A lace roller blind allows for privacy during the day while letting maximum light flood the room. It adds a touch of femininity and intricate detail that plain roller shades lack.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Look for patterns featuring scallops or floral motifs.
- Install inside the window frame to show off molding.
- Keep the rest of the room’s textiles simple to let the lace shine.
Items To Buy
- Lace roller shades
- Victorian window blinds
- Sheer lace blinds
- Scalloped lace window shades
- Vintage lace curtains
- Embroidered roller blinds
- White lace window treatments
- Antique style lace shades
- Floral lace roller blind
- Country lace shades
4. Plush Velvet Roman Shades
For a bedroom that feels like a luxury hotel from the 1920s, velvet is the material of choice. Heavy, opaque, and incredibly soft, velvet shades provide excellent blackout capabilities while adding a sense of drama and opulence. This style works best in moody, Art Deco-inspired spaces.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Select deep, jewel tones like emerald green, navy blue, or burgundy.
- Ensure the shades have a thermal lining for extra insulation.
- Accessorize with brass or gold hardware.
Items To Buy
- Velvet roman shades
- Emerald green blackout shades
- Navy blue velvet blinds
- Luxury window treatments
- Art deco window shades
- Thermal velvet blinds
- Custom velvet roman shades
- Burgundy window shades
- Thick bedroom blinds
- Opulent window decor
5. French Country Toile de Jouy
Toile de Jouy is a classic pattern originating from 18th-century France, featuring pastoral scenes in a single color against a white background. These blinds act as art pieces for your window, offering a sophisticated and narrative element to your bedroom decor.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Stick to classic colorways like blue/white or red/cream.
- Mix with ticking stripes or gingham checks elsewhere in the room.
- Keep the walls neutral so the blinds become the focal point.
Items To Buy
- Toile roman shades
- French country blinds
- Blue and white toile shades
- Red pastoral print blinds
- Vintage farmhouse shades
- Toile de jouy window treatment
- Rustic french blinds
- Country cottage shades
- Scenic pattern roller shades
- Black and white toile blinds
6. Retro Scalloped Roller Shades
Before blinds became strictly utilitarian rectangles, scalloped hems were the norm. A roller shade with a decorative bottom edge and perhaps a fringe or tassel pull instantly recalls the 1940s and 50s. It’s a clean look with just enough flair to be interesting.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Choose a vinyl material for an authentic retro feel.
- Look for contrasting trims on the scalloped edge.
- A ring pull or crochet tassel is a must-have accessory.
Items To Buy
- Scalloped roller shades
- Retro vinyl blinds
- Fringed roller shades
- 1950s style window shades
- Decorative hem roller blinds
- Vintage pull down shades
- Roller shades with trim
- Classic vinyl roller shades
- Custom scalloped blinds
- Retro window treatments
7. Ticking Stripe Roman Shades
If you love the coastal grandmother or vintage nautical look, ticking stripes are essential. This fabric was originally used for mattress covers but transitioned into decor due to its durability and classic appeal. It offers a clean, structured look that feels historically grounded.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Stick to thin, vertical stripes in navy, charcoal, or red.
- Ensure the fabric is a sturdy cotton canvas.
- This style pairs exceptionally well with antique wood furniture.
Items To Buy
- Ticking stripe roman shades
- Vintage striped blinds
- Coastal window shades
- Farmhouse stripe blinds
- Blue and white stripe shades
- Canvas roman shades
- Nautical window treatments
- Vertical stripe blinds
- Fabric striped shades
- Cotton ticking blinds
8. Rustic Burlap or Linen Shades
For a more rugged, vintage farmhouse appeal, look to natural fibers like burlap or heavy linen. These materials have a rough-hewn texture that feels earthy and grounded. They are perfect for bedrooms that aim for a “lived-in” historic feel rather than polished elegance.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Embrace the natural beige or tan color of the fiber.
- Look for a “relaxed” roman shade style that swoops slightly.
- Ironing isn’t necessary; the wrinkles add to the charm.
Items To Buy
- Burlap roman shades
- Linen window blinds
- Rustic window shades
- Natural fabric blinds
- Farmhouse burlap shades
- Unbleached linen shades
- Textured roman blinds
- Vintage linen curtains
- Hessian window treatments
- Relaxed roman shades
9. Mid-Century Pleated Shades
In the 1950s and 60s, sharp lines and geometric forms were king. Pleated shades, often made of paper or stiffened fabric, offer that crisp, accordion look that fits perfectly in a retro-modern bedroom. They fold up tightly, vanishing from sight when you want a full view.
How To Achieve This Look:
- Don’t be afraid of bold colors like orange, teal, or mustard.
- Choose a “top-down bottom-up” design for versatile privacy.
- Keep the rest of the window clear of heavy drapes.
Items To Buy
- Pleated window shades
- Mid century modern blinds
- Accordion shades
- Paper window blinds
- Orange window shades
- Mustard yellow blinds
- Retro pleated blinds
- Top down bottom up shades
- Cellular shades retro
- Colorful window blinds
Create Your Timeless Retreat
Your bedroom should be a reflection of what brings you peace, and for many, that peace is found in the charm of yesteryear. Whether you prefer the rustic texture of burlap, the elegance of velvet, or the whimsy of floral prints, there is a vintage-inspired blind to match your vision.
By swapping out standard modern blinds for one of these character-rich options, you can transform your room from a sleeping area into a storied retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are vintage-style blinds effective at blocking light?
Yes, many vintage styles, especially velvet or thick linen roman shades, are excellent for privacy and light control. However, styles like lace or woven bamboo are better suited for light filtering. If you need total darkness, look for blinds that come with a blackout liner.
2. Can I mix vintage blinds with modern furniture?
Absolutely. In fact, mixing eras creates a dynamic and curated look. A sleek modern bed frame can look stunning against the softness of a vintage floral shade or the texture of bamboo.
3. How do I clean fabric roman shades?
For most fabric shades, regular vacuuming with a brush attachment will keep dust at bay. For stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent is usually safe, but always check the manufacturer’s care label. Some delicate fabrics may require professional dry cleaning.
4. Are these blinds child-safe?
Vintage often implies cords, which can be hazardous. However, many modern reproductions of vintage styles now come with cordless lifts or motorized options to meet current safety standards. Always check for “cordless” in the product description if you have young children or pets.
5. Do I need curtains if I have decorative blinds?
Not necessarily. Decorative blinds like Toile or patterned Roman shades are designed to be the focal point. However, layering curtains over blinds can add insulation and make the room feel extra cozy and finished.
