There’s something timeless about vintage art. Whether it’s the soft lines of an old rotary phone or the charm of a handwritten letter, vintage aesthetics can transport us to slower, simpler times. If you’re craving sketch inspiration that’s equal parts cozy and classic, this list is for you.
From delicate florals to retro fashion, these 20 easy vintage sketch ideas will help you add a little old-school charm to your sketchbook. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to unwind with some slow, intentional drawing, you’ll find something lovely to sketch here.
All artwork provided is original and can be used as a reference for your own drawings.
Table of Contents
Draw Inspiration from Retro Objects
Start with the icons of the past—typewriters, film cameras, gramophones, and rotary phones. These items are full of interesting shapes and textures, making them fun (and surprisingly easy) to sketch. Try playing with shading to capture that antique feel, or sketch them in a still life scene for extra charm.
Explore Vintage Fashion
From flared trousers and polka-dot dresses to pearl necklaces and bowler hats—vintage fashion is a goldmine for sketching. These looks are often defined by bold silhouettes and playful accessories, giving you plenty of ways to play with proportion and style.
Embrace Antique Architecture
Old train stations, Victorian storefronts, cobbled streets, or rustic cottages with ivy-draped windows—all perfect subjects to sketch when you want to slow down and soak in the details. Focus on capturing textures like wood, brick, and wrought iron to bring these scenes to life.
Romanticize the Everyday
Part of the vintage aesthetic is finding beauty in the ordinary. Sketch an open journal with a fountain pen, a teacup with floral trim, or a candlelit desk. These quiet, simple scenes evoke a sense of nostalgia and make for wonderful practice with composition.
Add a Touch of Nature
Vintage art often celebrates natural beauty, especially when it’s delicately drawn. Think botanical illustrations, pressed flowers, or birds in flight. These elements add softness and elegance, grounding your sketchbook in timeless charm.
A Few Sample Sketches to Spark Your Imagination
Need a jumpstart? Try sketching a dusty record player spinning a vinyl, a leather-bound suitcase with vintage travel stickers, or an old bicycle leaning against a picket fence. Or capture the gentle romance of a lace-trimmed handkerchief or a pocket watch frozen in time. These small details can tell big stories.
Vintage Teacup and Saucer
Typewriter with Paper
Stacked Tea Tins
Sewing Machine
Rotary Phone
Retro Suitcase with Travel Stickers
Postcard and Wax Seal
Pocket Watch with Chain
Pair of Round Glasses
Old Key with Ribbon
Old Books with Worn Covers
Lantern with Flickering Flame
Laced Victorian Boots
Gramophone Playing Music
Floral Postage Stamp
Film Camera
Feather Quill and Ink Bottle
Classic Fedora Hat
Candle in Brass Holder
Classic Bicycle with Basket
Vintage sketching is all about evoking a feeling—a whisper of the past wrapped in pencil strokes and soft shadows. Whether you’re channeling your inner old soul or just experimenting with a new style, these easy vintage sketch ideas are perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with the beauty of bygone days. So grab your pencil, slow down, and let nostalgia guide your hand.
