I love being outside as much as I can in the summertime. I eat a lot of my meals outside, I have my first sips of coffee from the back deck every morning and in the evenings, I love to sit outside and read while the sun sets. My “summertime” office is in the converted carriage house in our backyard and I work with all the doors and windows open. Because of this, I am also someone who gets a little melancholy at the first scent or sight of fall. I was talking to a friend about this and I’ve seen traces of fall a few times recently. There’s something in the way the light shifts this time of year and there’s a certain smell in air. It’s still warm, it’s still sunny, but the change is lurking! The back-to-school stuff in all the stores is not a help either.
Since we’ve got a few more months of outdoor living (at least here in Colorado) let’s talk vintage pieces in your yard. Vintage belongs outside. It was built for it. It’s lived through storms and seasons. It’s already beautifully imperfect — just like a good outdoor room should be.
Why Vintage Feels So Right Outdoors
Vintage pieces carry stories. A wrought iron bench with a little rust, a chipped urn, a rickety-but-charming bistro table — they add instant soul. In outdoor spaces, especially here in the West where nature is big and bold, vintage grounds us. It slows everything down. And it lets you stop worrying about perfection.
Bonus: most vintage outdoor finds are built to last, and they’re usually far more sustainable (and more interesting) than anything new and mass-produced.
My Outdoor Room Staples (Vintage Edition)
1. Something to Sit On
French café chairs, wicker loungers, an old glider with sun-faded cushions. Look for iron or teak — pieces that have a little patina. Add striped cushions or faded florals for softness. I’m a big fan of stripes outdoors.
2. A Place to Gather
An iron table with a cracked marble top, a vintage trunk used as a coffee table, or even an old farm table that’s earned its wear. I love styling with layered linens — think antique grain sacks or vintage tablecloths from the ‘50s.
3. Layers of Light
Nothing too precious. I use mismatched lanterns, hurricane jars with candles, or strings of bulb lights draped through trees. If you find an old oil lamp at a flea market, grab it! I changed my cafe lights out to have a mix of colored bulbs and clear and I love the artsy vibe it brings my backyard at night. I used to leave my lights on almost all night but I’ve been reading about how detrimental backyard lighting can be for birds and bats so I’ve only been turning them on when necessary.
4. Collected Greenery
Terracotta pots, galvanized buckets, stone planters — the more mismatched, the better. Repurpose things like copper kettles, wooden crates, even a vintage ladder as a plant stand. These add that wild, collected feel that’s way more inviting than perfect symmetry.
5. Something Quirky
I always add a little something that doesn’t “belong.” A piece of statuary, a mirror on a fence, or a carved wooden bird. These unexpected bits are what make a garden room feel personal. My mom has a mirror in her backyard behind some ivy and it wakes up a dark corner.
Where I Hunt for Outdoor Vintage
- Local: estate sales, garage sales, and antique stores (I like the Colorado Antique Gallery a lot)
- I’ve also found good stuff at local thrift stores (ARC Thrift and Goodwill in particular)
- Want the same soulful, vintage energy? Here are a few treasures I’d style into an outdoor room in a heartbeat:
Shop the Look: Vintage Outdoor Finds
- Russell Woodard Vintage Garden Chair – A mid‑century fiberglass chair in patinated paint; great lone seating or grouped in threes for a retro flair. Matches modern cushions beautifully.
- Set of 6 French Folding Bistro Chairs from the 1950’s – Colorful steel-and-wood chairs with timeworn charm. Perfect for intimate al fresco meals or casual porch seating.
- Pair of 1950’s Dog Sculptures – I love these. They would add personality wherever you put them. They would also be fun to dress up for every holiday…
- Vintage Rattan Patio Set – Super chic vintage chairs from the 50’s for a touch of texture and natural style.
- Vintage Hurricane Lanterns – These would give such a fun, retro summer camp look to anyone’s backyard.
“Sandwich outdoors isn’t a sandwich anymore. Tastes different than indoors, notice? Got more spice. Tastes like mint and pinesap. Does wonders for the appetite.”
― Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine
The Colorado Nest 
Love this provocative piece. Brings back fond memories of both of my grandmother’s yards. Little fanciful touches can do so much. There is comfort in these old memories. thanks!