Create a Vintage Home Study Look with Unusual Framed Art

Not so long ago, most homes of a certain size would have had a study. Over time, these rooms became less important to people, and the study began to disappear, giving way in some cases to a simple home office. There's something about the classic style of a study that has timeless appeal, though, and people are beginning to wonder how to recreate that look in the modern age.

If you want to achieve an old-fashioned aesthetic in your home study, there are a lot of elements that go into the overall effect. But one of the most effective and inexpensive is displaying the right kind of framed pictures on your walls. Here are some ideas for things you can frame to take your study back in time.

Vintage maps

Maps are interesting to look at, with all their intricate detail and unique design elements. Modern maps never quite match the beauty of older ones, though, and you can get hold of some vintage printed maps fairly cheaply.

They look great in a dark wooden frame, especially if you can find a map with those classic sepia tones.

Antique scientific diagrams

Those old-fashioned scientific diagrams and etchings immediately bring to mind the excitement of discovery and knowledge in times long gone.

The good news is that you can often find old medical guides and other books that are packed full of these fascinating illustrations, and they're not always very expensive. Choose a diagram you like – or a series of them – and carefully remove them from the book for picture framing. A plain black or very dark brown frame really makes them stand out.

Collectable cigarette cards

Before the dangers of smoking were fully understood, tobacco companies would give away collectable cards in packs of cigarettes. Because there were so many produced, even particularly old ones can be bought cheaply from antique dealers.

The illustrations depict things like animals, ships and long-forgotten sporting stars, and they're in a style you just don't find today. Frame them in sets, or individually in small frames of a colour that suits the design.

Portraits of influential people

Original portraits are prohibitively expensive, but there are prints available of just about anyone you could think of. Famous historical figures or favourite writers are good choices for a study, and a grand, ornate frame will complete the antique look.

Classic advertising

Vintage hand-drawn advertising was originally intended to simply sell products, but people appreciate it nowadays for its unique style.

Prints of old adverts are widely available, and they look great in a simple, thin wooden frame in light or medium shades.