What Is the Eclectic Grandpa Aesthetic and How to Add It to Your Home

We never thought we'd say this, but it looks like the style icon you should be channeling in 2024 is your grandfather. According to Pinterest Predicts, eclectic grandpa is the aesthetic to embrace this year, and, honestly, we're living for it. The eclectic grandpa trend takes the idea of what's in style and flips it on its own head. Sure, it's about vintage cardigans and patterned pants, but more importantly, the trend is about collecting long-lasting, high-quality pieces you love and watching your personal style develop because of this. In a world of fast fashion, the eclectic grandpa aesthetic is encouraging us to curate a closet of expressive, well-loved items that will be worn for years to come. We could talk about why you should embody this trend in your clothes, but we would rather explore why and how you can incorporate it into your design style.

Bringing the eclectic grandpa trend into your space may be easier than you think. There's so much room to play in this design style because the number one rule is to ignore the rules. The goal is to look like someone who has spent a lifetime curating the things they own. Take your time finding pieces that make you happy and, more importantly, choose items that speak to your individuality. Think quality materials, timeless furniture, unique tchotchkes and art that inspires you. Create a space that is both expressive in nature and feels lived-in.

Where better to step into your eclectic grandpa era than the thrift store? Remember, this style isn't about easy solutions. It's about finding the pieces that feel as though they have always been a part of you and mixing the old with the new. Combining vintage and modern items is the name of the game here. Many timeless treasures can be found in thrift shops or antique stores if you look hard enough. Be intentional about what you are adding to your collection. You want to invest in things you know you will take care of. If you're lucky, you might even find a "grandpa sweater" to add to the collection.

Sure, this trend seems chaotic to the untrained eye, but that is what makes it so fun. There aren't strict guidelines to follow when designing your space. The emphasis, rather, is on experimenting and trying to bring out the design free spirit within you. Much like the outfits we've seen in this style, the room should look thrown together but with a hint of intention. So if you're having trouble embracing the chaos, work on finding the invisible thread that ties everything up nicely.

What better way to show off your carefully curated eclectic grandpa art collection than a gallery wall? We recommend a mix-and-match approach to choosing your frames. Don't spend time worrying if the pieces you've gathered go together. Work on finding art that speaks to you. The beauty of this trend lies in its ability to create style without actually having it.

We all have them: souvenirs, trinkets and baubles we've picked up during various stages of life. Now is your chance to show them off. Bring out the porcelain Elvis you've got tucked away in a closet or the music box you've always wanted to find a place for. This style is all about leaning into pieces that express who you are. An eclectic grandpa has an array of stories to tell and a collection of tchotchkes to back those stories up, so why shouldn't you?

The more patterns, the better. You heard us correctly. The limit does not exist when it comes to patterns. Think about your grandfather's favorite outfit: vintage sweater, plaid pants, tweed fedora. It's utter chaos on the pattern front, and yet, somehow, it still works. This playful spin on design allows you to throw the rules you've learned out the window and throw the patterns you like against the wall.

A byproduct of designing a space that feels timeless is you're inherently collecting pieces that are timeless. Longetivity is key here, so make sure that whatever you're adding to the space is made to last. It's not about being trendy, it's about authenticity and quality. If you have quality items, you'll want to take care of them. Don't be afraid to go for bold prints either. If you like it, that's all that matters.

Eclectic grandpa style is personal, and one of the easiest ways to add intimate details to your space is new light fixtures. Have fun with them. Try a patterned metal frame or a glass chandelier. It creates a subtle statement with minimal effort. Our personal favorite is a wicker pendant light.

What does your grandfather do with all of the books he's collected over the years? Displays them, of course. A lifetime collection of books deserves to be shown off and shared, so why not turn that empty wall into a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf? You walk away with not only your own personal library but more storage for your tchotckes.

Anything art deco creates an air of quiet luxury, and whether or not the originators of this trend openly say it, luxury is definitely a keyword. Add furniture that screams understated elegance. If you look hard enough, we bet these pieces already exist in your home. They might just need a fresh coat of paint or to be refinished. Go ahead and give them another life. It creates the layer of intention to your space that is central to the style.

Nothing says "collector's item" quite like decadent glassware. It's a simple way to bring a chic layer to the eclectic grandpa aesthetic. If you're not totally in love with one set, don't be afraid to try multiple. Assemble a collection that feels like you.

The eclectic grandpa trend is all about high-quality materials, and it's hard to find a piece that's higher quality than the Turkish rug. With the various patterns and colors available, take time finding one that speaks to you. This is one of those items that you will have in your home for a lifetime. Pro tip: Use the rug's color palette as a launching pad for the rest of your room.

What we love about this style is the ability to channel it, well, however you want. In the same way that your grandpa's house contains frivolous items (like a pineapple lamp), your space should, too. We don't talk enough about how fun it is to put your own spin on anything you design. With many trends there's not a lot of wiggle room for personal flair, but the eclectic grandpa trend encourages it.

Nothing says eclectic grandpa quite like a handmade blanket. Seek out knitted or crocheted afghans to create classic comfort in your space. Blankets can add a sense of lived-in coziness, and, as with all items in this style, make sure you find one that's personal to you. Quilts are also an excellent option when looking for unique patterns or specific colors.

Truthfully, we don't want to limit ourselves and the eclectic grandpa style with a color scheme. However, if you are looking for somewhere to start, channel the fabrics and sweaters you would find in your grandfather's closet. Use moody, rich colors as your base and go from there. This will create an atmosphere of cozy luxury that also serves as a fun canvas for any pieces you add.

Adding vintage tech to your eclectic grandpa-esque space is a no brainer. Start with something easily accessible like a record player — old or new. These retro touches play up the eclectic vibe, plus they're just cool. If you're feeling adventurous, try an old-school tape player with a stack of classic rock tapes.

If you're going to express yourself, why not go big? When it comes to the electic grandpa style, timeless doesn't have to mean subtle or neutral. It's all about your definition of the word and what you think you'll want in your home for years to come. Expressive elements like retro tile are a fun way to show off your personality. Maybe you found the tile during your travels, or maybe it was already a part of the room. As with all things in this trend, it's about making everything just one piece of your bigger picture.

Lean into the vintage side of the eclectic grandpa trend with a one-of-a-kind bar cart. A retro piece like this really plays up the eccentric nature of this style. Find a cart with ornate details or maybe one made entirely of glass. If you're not into cocktail culture, use it as a fun display for your trinkets or throw some fresh flowers on it. In our opinion, there's more than one way to use a bar cart.