If You Want to Give Your Home That Layered Vintage Look in 2026, Designers Say This Is the One Color You Need to Use
This warm, grounding shade is the secret to a collected and cozy home
In 2026, the interiors I’m most interested in aren’t the ones chasing the latest trend, but the ones that feel like they’ve been slowly, thoughtfully built over time.
A curated and layered vintage look does just that, and it’s easy to see why it's having a real moment. These spaces feel richer, warmer, and far more personal than anything too austere or matchy-matchy. But a big part of getting decorating with vintage right comes down to color.
So, I asked the experts which color does this best, and the answer was surprisingly consistent. There’s one shade that keeps coming up as the secret to creating that cozy, collected feel – warm, grounding, and super chic – designers agree: if you want your home to feel stylish in 2026, it all starts with decorating with brown.
Why Designers Love Mixing Vintage with Chocolate Brown
As interior design trends for 2026 lean warmer and more emotionally driven, the idea of a perfectly coordinated beige home is quietly falling out of favor.
Rich, earthy tones are instead taking the lead, bringing depth and softness to rooms that might once have felt stark or overly styled. And designers are increasingly drawn to shades that add depth with a mix of eras, textures, and finishes rather than a bland, copy-and-paste aesthetic.
It’s less about chasing trends and more about choosing timeless, storied elements that will age well. The layered vintage trend speaks to a growing desire for spaces that feel authentic, personal, and a little imperfect. And that's where brown comes in.
According to the 1stDibs 2026 trend report, chocolate brown came out on top as the dominant color designers anticipate using in the year ahead, with 33% of respondents selecting it as their top color choice – a figure that has nearly doubled since 2022.
The report also notes a broader move toward earthy, dramatic hues, with browns, burgundies, and deep greens leading the way. This palette shift reflects a growing appetite for warmth in the home – and a move away from cool minimalism toward spaces that feel layered and lived-in.
Within that palette, brown room ideas stand out as the most versatile and enduring choice. It bridges decades, styles, and materials with ease, making it especially well-suited to those who love to mix vintage finds with modern design.
As Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior, explains, brown has been a constant color trend in interiors for decades, and its appeal shows no sign of slowing.
'Brown works because it anchors a room,' Sophie explains. 'It brings instant depth without demanding attention, the way bolder shades sometimes can.' And when used in moderation, unlike bolder colors that can dominate a space, chocolate brown homeware finds bring depth in a quieter, more considered way.
'At Vinterior, we’re seeing shoppers gravitate towards those rich tobacco leathers, warm walnut woods, and deep chocolate textiles that defined some of the most timeless interiors of the 20th century,' she adds.
It’s also a color that gets better with age and story. When thrifting or investing in vintage wooden furniture, brown upholstery, or amber-hued glassware, these pieces tend to patina, developing character rather than looking tired.
'When you’re thrifting, pieces in these earthier tones tend to wear beautifully – they age with grace, and they lend a softness that makes spaces feel grounded and inviting,' Sophie points out.
Perhaps most importantly, brown is remarkably versatile. 'A 1970s coffee table in a moody walnut stain pairs just as well with contemporary modular seating as it does with a vintage rug,' Sophie explains. 'A caramel-toned leather chair brings warmth to a minimalist space, while a dark-stained sideboard adds weight to something more eclectic.'
While brown has long been associated with heritage homes, designers are now embracing a more expressive side of the hue – particularly one that works in transitional spaces that embrace a bold mix of old and new.
If you're looking to mix decades in your interior design, chocolate brown works especially well with a mid-century modern mood or a touch of 70s glam. Jacu Strauss, designer and creative director of Lore Group, is particularly keen on this retro revival.
'I’m very excited about a return to 70s glamour, but a curated, sophisticated version of it,' he explains. 'Think expressive upholstery, a generous use of mirrored furniture, and a rich palette of browns, deep reds, oranges, and gold accents paired with glass. Layer in thick shag pile rugs, cork wall treatments, and sculptural lighting. Done well, it’s not kitsch, it’s indulgent, warm, and full of character.'
When done well, brown becomes the grounding color that allows bolder elements to thrive, preventing the space from tipping into kitsch, and instead creating a sophisticated yet collected scheme.
How to Decorate with Brown to Add a Vintage Feel in 2026
The key to thrifting, shopping, and styling brown like an expert lies in balance.
Layering different tones – from chocolate and espresso to caramel and walnut shades – will add depth without overwhelming a space. While mixing finishes, such as glossy lacquered pieces with matte wood or soft textiles, keeps the look soft yet contemporary.
Brown also works best when paired with contrast. Working beautifully in small doses to elevate a quiet luxury, pared-back scheme; glass, mirrored, or metallic accents will help lift such rich shades, while light upholstery or natural stone prevents brown tones from feeling too dark.
For those willing to go all in, brown paint can be transformative. Used on walls, cabinetry, or even ceilings, deep chocolate and espresso hues create an enveloping warmth that instantly elevates a space.
Far from feeling dark and oppressive, these shades add intimacy and create a sense of cocooning – particularly in cozy spaces such as living rooms, dining spaces, and bedrooms.
Whether introduced through paint, dark-stained wood, leather, vintage glassware, or more contemporary pieces, brown is most effective when it’s used to ground the space rather than dominate it.
'People are craving homes that feel lived-in and layered, and brown, in all its variations, helps achieve exactly that,' Sophie concludes. 'It’s the color that lets everything else breathe, so if you’re hunting for one vintage shade that won’t date, this is it.'
Shop Chocolate Brown Decor
Delicate yet sturdy, this floral earthenware serving dish brings an instant sense of nostalgia to the table. The brown tone softens the intricate pattern, making it feel more modern than your Grandma's florals.
This bordered wool rug is a stylish mix of both traditional and contemporary style. The deep, chocolatey tone is offset by a refined border detail, giving it a tailored feel that anchors a room beautifully.
With its clean lines and rich dark-wood finish, this Italian mid-century coffee table brings depth to a quiet living space. The square top and rounded legs strike that perfect balance between sculptural and sharp, while the natural patina adds story.
Playful and sweet, this hand-painted picture frame adds a layer of personality to walls or shelves. The chocolate-brown base is lifted by cream star detailing, giving it a whimsical, slightly folk-art feel that works beautifully in layered interiors.
These sculptural 1970s Italian armchairs are a celebration of retro color and craftsmanship. Upholstered in a deep brown velvet with generously comfortable proportions, they bring warmth, softness, and a sense of edge to any seating area.
Textural and characterful, this striped pillow cover adds warmth without overwhelming a sofa. The mix of wool and cotton gives it a tactile, handwoven quality, while the earthy brown tones layer seamlessly with both vintage and contemporary pieces.
More than a passing trend, decorating with brown offers something rare in today's trend cycle: longevity. It remains classic and timeless, will soften with age, it bridges old and new effortlessly, and gives other colors and textures the room they need to shine. If 2026 is about creating homes that feel lived-in, collected, and personal, this is the one color that will help you achieve just that.
