Decorate a home office with vintage style and class

Let’s start with the essentials, a horizontal surface to write on and place other essentials like a computer/fax/copier, phone and anything else you want close by. Think of a desk with a roll top. There are reproductions made in various sizes to fit your work space and needs. If you like authenticity, consider working with a reputable antiques dealer who will help you find the desk for your needs.

Roll top desks offer plenty of cubbies to store all sorts of necessities like paper clips, thumb drives and pens. There are larger drawers that are file-sized in case you have paper files you want right at your fingertips. The top of a roll top desk has a shelf, great for displaying photos, books, awards, or consider placing an antique clock to help keep time.

One feature available with a roll top desk is that you can close the top and create a beautiful profile, leaving your work undisturbed underneath.

Let’s go to the seats. An antique desk looks better with antique seats. Once again, there are companies that specialize in reproducing desk chairs; some even come with wheels for easy mobility around your workspace. It’s probably best to buy a chair with arms, so be sure to measure the height of your desk so that the arms of the chair fit the desk. The arms of the chairs give you a place to pause and lean back as you contemplate your workday.

Seating for your customers and guests should be comfortable, but not the kind of chair that swallows you up and makes it hard to get out without the help of a front loader! You also don’t want overly modern chairs. The traditional wing chair works well with a vintage-style home office. I recommend a trip to a reputable furniture store where you can select the style of legs and customize the fabric your chair will be covered with. At least two chairs must be upholstered in matching fabric. A third chair or small loveseat is optional, but will add a lot to the overall look of your office. Upholster this third seat in a complementary fabric to the chairs.

If you decide your walls need an update to match your furnishings, consider checking out paint companies that offer historic colors. Offices were typically considered masculine rooms and were painted in darker colors. Green is traditional and is associated with fostering creativity. I suggest that before you commit to any color, live with a few of your favorite color choices for at least 2 months. Paint samples of your color selections on the walls and check the colors in different lights and at different times of day. Choose what your eye finds most appealing making sure it complements your choice of upholstery and window treatments.

Complement your newly decorated vintage home office with brass inkwells, vintage lighting, meaning not track lighting. The first typewriters produced in the 1800s by Draper, Victor and Hammond add an especially nostalgic touch to your office environment.

Remember, no matter how you decide to decorate your home office, it should be comfortable and conducive to your work. After all, you live and work there.