Good Reasons To Love Stars And Stripes

Shana Ecker
Updated

Decorating with red, white and blue may sound kitsch, but the trend towards all things Americana has been growing in recent years. In fact, designers such as Thom Filicia, who embraced this color palette in his own homefeatured in House Beautiful,have put their own chic spin on patriotic decor. After all, there's nothing more dynamic than stars and stripes.

We spoke with Steve Winters, owner ofHistorical Americanawho has been collecting authentic flags and other memorabilia for over twenty years. Originally an antiques dealer, he stumbed into this niche market when he received rave reviews after framing an entire wall of flags he had collected over time on his office wall. "Every flag is different and has its own character," he told us.

Staircase by Rehoboth Beach Home Builders Echelon Custom Homes

Winters explained that the value of these vintage items can range from $100 to upwards of $60,000 for very rare flags that are dated before 1800, which are usually only found in museums or private collections. If you've come across one, but you have no idea what it's worth or how old it is, he suggests to first count the stars to determine an approximate year and then note if it was hand-sewn or printed.

Do you love the idea of incorporating this look into your home, but don't know where to start? Try one large-scale flag as the focal point of a room. Winters has also seen people hang them in hallways, kitchens and over fireplaces. "It's like a great painting. You feel like you have a little piece of history."

Perhaps a vintage flag or another piece of Americana is just the accessory your space needs. Click through some flag decor on sale now atOne Kings Laneand our other favorite sites in the slideshow below.

48-Star American Flag

1950s American flag with metal grommets. Individually pieced and sewn stars and stripes. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

41-Star Sampler Flag

Framed collection of eight 41-star flags hand-sewn together. Archivally framed. Flag, 15"W x 18"L. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

Texas Flag

Vintage Texas flag with sewn edges from the 1936 Centennial in Dallas that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the battle with Mexico that resulted in the Republic of Texas. Archivally framed. Flag, 8"W x 11"L. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

WWII Era 48-Star Flag With Stick

48-star flag from the World War II ear on a stick. Archivally framed. Flag, 1.5"W x 2"L; stick, 3.5"L. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

Cigar Flag Pin

Vintage paper cigar given out at a National Presidential Convention in celebration. Very few have survived. Archivally framed. Cigar fan, 4"W x 9"H. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

American Flag Pillow

Custom pillow made from vintage American flag. Hidden zipper. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

Metal Eagle Plaque

Vintage solid metal eagle. Back includes a string tied to two hooks for easy hanging. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

Flag Pillow With Linen Back

Pillow made with a vintage flag with blue linen backing. Zipper closure. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

Hand-Hooked Flag Rug

Mounted hand-hoked flag rug sewn onto a linen and wood frame. Signed in the hooking by the maker and dated 1990 in the upper left corner. The initials of the maker are hooked into the lower right corner. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

US Flag Print, 1899

Antique United States flag print from<em> Flags of the Maritime Nations</em> published by the Department of the Navy in 1899. Lithograph displayed in a wood frame with a cream mat behind UV glass. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/20059?utm_source=HuffPo&utm_medium=display&utm_content=HuffPO&utm_campaign=flags" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a>

Patriotic Mid Century American Flag Rug

Completely one of a kind and precious vintage handmade American Flag that we would identify as a rag rug or a braided type of rug, knotted together and created out of what appears to be old bed linens or sheets. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77030122/patriotic-mid-century-american-flag-rug?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=flag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_original_query=2&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=vintage" target="_blank">Etsy</a>

Vintage Artisan Wood Box American Flag

The box measures about 5.5" in height & has a 15" diameter. The inside and bottom of the box are a beautiful light colored wood.The box is in excellent vintage condition. <strong>From</strong>: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117584825/vintage-artisan-wood-box-american-flag?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=flag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_original_query=2&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=vintage" target="_blank">Etsy</a>

General John Pershing Color Portrait Circa 1920's

Very cool antique portrait with great colors. The paper is very brittle so it's best not to remove it. Small amount of water damage as shown. Antique frame measures 12.5 x 15.5" <strong>From</strong>: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122912687/general-john-pershing-color-portrait?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_query=flag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_original_query=2&ga_page=10&ga_search_type=vintage" target="_blank">Etsy</a>

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