If you’ve ever wandered through a historic home, you’ve most likely noticed some differences between how people used to live versus how we live today.
In older homes, storage space was often scarce, and rooms themselves were smaller (it’s true — humans really are larger now than we were 100 years ago!). No, I’m not asking you to go back to living with just one tiny closet— but there are some features that deserve a second look.
Today, I’m sharing five timeless home details to steal from the past and bring into your own space. From tassels to picture rail, these old world touches prove that classic design never goes out of style.
#1: Tassels
Tassels date waaay back (we’re talking to the era of the Egyptians) and have been used throughout various cultures for various reasons: as status symbols, protection against evil spirits, a representation of levels of learning & accomplishment, and for just plain decorative purposes.
Today, tassels are (still used) during graduation ceremonies, placed on hardware, used as curtain tie-backs, and can even be used in fashion.
We’ve found placing a tassel on a doorknob, cabinet knob, or tied to a skeleton key adds a subtle layer of character to any space. Not only do tassels contribute to creating a more lived-in aesthetic, they’re particularly practical for skeleton keys. If you’ve ever owned a piece of furniture that locks/unlocks with a skeleton key, you know those buggers can slip out of your hand making it semi-impossible to find.
By adding a tassel, not only do you zhuzh up the look, but you add some weight to the key, helping it stay put. So, if it’s been hidden, it’s much easier to find (ask me and my toddler how we know).
This is our favorite type of decor element–not only is it beautiful and interesting, but it adds function.
#2: English Ceiling Airer
If you’ve never heard of an English ceiling airer, you are not alone. These date back to 18th-century Europe and were mainly found in larger estates. The airer consists of a rack with wooden rails and pulleys, to lower and raise the system. Since heat rises, these airers were installed on the ceiling to dry clothes suspended from the rails.
We whole-heartedly believe that utilizing every space in a functional, and beautiful way, is key to getting the most out of your home while loving it. An English air drier might be the best way to utilize horizontal space in your laundry room. Not only do they help you make use of dead space, but they also prolong the life of your clothes and reduce your carbon footprint.
Win-win.
#3: Tapestries
Tapestries have been around since ancient times, mainly as displays of artwork, often depicting religious or mythological scenes. They were also of practical use, often hung on the wall for insulation purposes, as you can only imagine how cold stone buildings of the Renaissance and Medieval periods could be.
Now, you can still find beautiful antique tapestries online, as well as a plethora of modern tapestries sold by individual artisans (like this one here on Etsy) or on your favorite retail site.
This is a fun, unique way to add warmth, art, and interest to your walls.
#4: Picture Rail
If I could add picture rail to every room in my home, I would. Until around the 1940’s, picture rail was the main way to hang artwork in a home. Much like crown moulding, picture rail is a trim installed around the perimeter of a room, typically 6–12 inches below the ceiling, depending on ceiling height.
Movable hooks hang over the rail, giving you a damage-free way to display your collection. More modern options include metal rods (like this brass picture rail from Etsy) that is installed on one wall in a room. This option is great for creating a focal point to display your collection of artwork.
#5: Peg Rails
I almost didn’t add this one to the list, as they are already everywhere. However, these are so iconic and functional that they are worthy of an honorable mention.
Peg hooks have been around for centuries. We have seen them reemerge drastically, and for good reason. Aesthetically, peg hooks are gorgeous as-is in their natural wood state or painted to match the backboard and wall. We mainly see these in laundry rooms, utility rooms, vestibules, mudrooms, and pantries.
The options are endless when it comes to functionality — hang your reusable grocery totes, dried herbs, or even that folding chair you need every time you reach your top cabinet. I could go on and on, but for your sake, I won’t.
We love all of these timeless home features for good reason: they’re not only beautiful, but also incredibly practical and add character you just don’t find in new builds alone. Small details like these help your home feel layered, thoughtful, and uniquely yours.
If you’re feeling inspired to add a touch of timeless charm to your space but don’t know where to start, reach out — we’d love to help you weave a little old-world magic into your modern home.
Start here by booking your discovery call
This post handcrafted with care by an actual human in the Mountain West 🤎
