What’s Hot, Vintage Edition
Chairish VP of Marketing Noel Fahden dishes on what buyers crave now, highlighting surprising vintage trends and the sustainable styles driving 2025 décor.
As VP of Global Merchandising for Chairish, Noel Fahden has a front-row seat to the ever-evolving world of vintage and antique décor. We asked her to share what’s trending right now, what younger buyers are gravitating toward, and how Chairish stays ahead of the style curve. Her insights reveal a marketplace full of surprises, from the return of 1980s sculptural furniture to the growing appetite for provenance and personal storytelling in home design.
What trends are you seeing right now in antique and vintage decor that might surprise our readers?
One surprising trend is the growing popularity of 1980s and even early 1990s pieces, particularly bold lacquer finishes, sculptural forms, and postmodern designs once considered too recent to be “vintage.” There’s also renewed interest in traditional European antiques—think Regency, Gustavian, and Napoleon—which are being mixed with modern elements for a richly layered look. Overall, buyers are gravitating toward character-rich pieces that reflect craftsmanship and a sense of history, especially as mass-market furnishings feel increasingly generic.
And are there specific time periods or design styles experiencing a surge?
The most recent trend report shows a strong appetite for vintage, tactile, sustainable, and expressive pieces, especially those rooted in mid-century, Art Deco, and artisan-made styles. Bright color trends (like Cosmic Cobalt), playful patterns, and 1990s throwbacks are also making waves.
Is there a particular category, such as furniture, lighting, or decorative objects, that is receiving significantly more attention from buyers in 2025 compared to previous years?
Chairish offers over 1.2 million items for sale, with more than 2,000 new pieces added daily. With a global audience, our shoppers’ tastes span a wide range of styles and categories. Seating remains one of our strongest performers, whether it’s sofas, accent chairs, or dining chairs, followed closely by tables of all kinds. We’re also seeing rising interest in categories like tableware, serveware, and storage solutions, which align with the growing trend toward “small space refreshes” and manageable home projects. Additionally, our original art category—featuring works from highly sought-after artists—continues to grow rapidly in both popularity and sales.
Which types of antiques or vintage pieces are younger buyers (Millennials, Gen Z) gravitating toward most right now, and are they buying with the intent to decorate, collect, invest, or all three?
Younger buyers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are gravitating toward vintage pieces that feel unique, character-rich, and sustainable. Think of sculptural accent chairs, funky 1970s and 1980s decor, brutalist case goods, Murano glass, and playful postmodern lighting. They’re largely buying with the intent to decorate, but there’s growing awareness of the investment value and cultural relevance of vintage, so for many, it’s all three: personal expression, smart styling, and long-term value.
How does Chairish spot or predict emerging trends before they fully take off in the market? Is it data collection, design world chatter, or something else entirely?
At Chairish, identifying emerging trends is both an art and a science. We draw on real-time marketplace data—tracking what shoppers are searching, saving, and purchasing—while also staying closely connected to our network of interior designers, dealers, and tastemakers. We actively monitor digital trends, read print publications, and attend major global design events and showroom presentations, allowing us to spot early signals and translate them into actionable insights for our audience and sellers.
Are you noticing any shift in how people are mixing old and new, specifically in the way vintage is being integrated into modern interiors?
Absolutely. There’s a clear trend toward blending high and low, vintage and contemporary, to create spaces that feel uniquely personal. Rather than sticking strictly to one style, people are mixing vintage pieces with modern or even minimalist furnishings, layering textures and eras to tell their own story. This eclectic approach not only adds character but also makes each room feel curated and one-of-a-kind.
Does storytelling or provenance play a role in a buyer’s decision-making process on Chairish today?
Visual presentation on Chairish, combined with thoughtful editorial storytelling and curated merchandising, is crucial in helping buyers envision how pieces will fit into their homes. Sharing the story and provenance behind each item adds depth and authenticity, often playing a key role in a buyer’s decision-making process.
Are there any “comeback kids” you’re seeing (styles, materials, or forms) that had previously fallen out of favor but are now becoming hot again?
In vintage furniture, we’re definitely seeing a comeback of bold, sculptural forms from the 1970s and 1980s—think curvy sofas, lacquer finishes, and geometric shapes—that had been overlooked for years. Additionally, warm wood tones and handcrafted details from mid-century modern pieces are regaining popularity as buyers seek timeless quality combined with nostalgic appeal.
What are a few keywords or descriptors that shoppers seem to be searching for most on Chairish this summer?
This summer, shoppers on Chairish are gravitating toward keywords like rattan, special touches for outdoor dining, and unique vintage lighting to create inviting and stylish spaces. These elements capture the season’s focus on natural textures, alfresco entertaining, and distinctive ambiance.
What advice would you give to collectors and vintage lovers who want to stay ahead of the curve while still buying pieces they’ll love for the long haul?
Focus on timeless craftsmanship and authentic character—these qualities ensure pieces remain meaningful and valuable over time. Don’t be afraid to try new styles and rearrange your space; decorating is an ongoing journey that allows your collection to evolve and stay fresh while reflecting your unique taste.
If you were to create a dream collectibles collection for our readers, featuring a mix of what’s trending and what’s timeless, what would it include?
A dream collectibles collection would blend vintage seating and distinctive lighting with beautiful rugs that add texture and warmth, all tied together by bold color hues. Mixing styles, from mid-century modern to eclectic vintage, creates a layered, one-of-a-kind space that feels both on-trend and timelessly personal.
About Charish
San Francisco–based Chairish, founded in 2013, has grown into a major online destination for vintage and antique home furnishings, art, and decor. Focusing on curated, secondhand pieces, the platform connects buyers and sellers worldwide while encouraging sustainability through resale. Chairish also owns the European design site Pamono.com and, through these companies, seeks to be a recognized resource in encouraging a reuse- and resale-based approach to home design.
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