Designing Custom Vintage Labels: Create Timeless Product Packaging

Vintage labels and retro packaging have made a big comeback, capturing the charm of past eras and adding a unique touch to modern products. If you’re looking to create custom labels that look like they belong in a different time, you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to design vintage labels that feel authentic and add personality to your products. From selecting the right fonts and colors to choosing materials that enhance the retro vibe, these tips will help you create beautiful, custom vintage packaging.

What Makes a Vintage Label Design?

Creating a vintage label isn’t just about slapping on an old-fashioned font. It involves using design elements that match the look and feel of a certain era, as well as selecting materials that reinforce the vintage aesthetic. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you bring a timeless look to your custom labels.

Step 1: Start with a Classic Color Palette

To achieve a vintage look, start by choosing colors that feel “aged” or slightly faded. Bright, modern colors can feel out of place on vintage labels, so opt for softer, muted tones. Think sepia, cream, faded blues, browns, and other earthy shades.

For a mid-century retro look, pastel colors or slightly bolder reds and yellows can work well, too.

When selecting colors, consider the product type and how you want it to be perceived. For example, food labels on jars of jam or honey might use warm, rustic colors, while cosmetic labels on perfumes and soaps might suit elegant pastels.

Step 2: Choose Fonts that Capture the Vintage Feel

Fonts can immediately set the tone of a vintage label. Here’s a breakdown of fonts that suit different vintage themes:

Victorian Fonts: Serif fonts with decorative flourishes, often used in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These fonts create an ornate look, ideal for vintage packaging on items like candles or lotions.
Art Deco Fonts: Clean and geometric, with strong lines, typical of the 1920s-1930s. These fonts are perfect for products that aim for a luxurious or upscale vibe, like specialty foods or liquors.
1950s Retro Fonts: Bold, playful sans-serif fonts that add a cheerful, mid-century touch. This style is great for product labels on family-friendly food items or playful beverages.

Limit yourself to one or two fonts for consistency. Mixing too many styles can make the label look cluttered and less authentic.

Step 3: Add Retro Textures and Finishing Details

Vintage labels often incorporate textures and details that give them an aged or handmade look. Adding light “wear and tear” effects—like faded edges, subtle scratches, or a distressed background—can make the design feel more genuine.

Classic touches, like decorative borders or simple illustrations, can also reinforce the vintage feel. For example, Victorian-style labels may feature ornate frames, while 1950s retro labels often include colorful icons or simple illustrations.

Popular Products for Vintage Labels

Certain product categories work especially well with vintage packaging. Here are some ideas for incorporating a retro look:

Food and Beverage Labels

Vintage designs are a great fit for food products with an artisan touch. Think of jams, sauces, honey, and even alcoholic beverages like whiskey and wine. Labels with rustic fonts, earthy colors, and classic illustrations help to create a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship. Clear or kraft paper labels with matte finishes can further enhance this old-fashioned look.

Beauty and Personal Care Labels

Soaps, lotions, and perfumes often shine with vintage labels, especially when paired with retro packaging. Victorian-style labels on beauty products create a luxurious, old-world charm, while Art Deco or 1950s themes can add elegance and fun to the product.

Home Goods and Candles

Candles, essential oils, and even household cleaning products can carry off a vintage look beautifully. Candles, in particular, look great with labels on kraft or textured paper, paired with classic designs that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Vintage Themes for Custom Labels

Different vintage styles bring their own unique charm. Here’s a look at a few popular themes you might use for your custom vintage labels:

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

The Art Deco style is characterized by geometric patterns, metallic colors, and bold lines. This theme works well for products aiming for a sophisticated or luxurious appearance. Art Deco labels often incorporate metallic colors like gold or silver, making them ideal for premium products, like specialty food items, cocktails, or perfumes.

Victorian Style (Late 1800s-Early 1900s)

Victorian labels are often ornate, featuring flourishes, scrolls, and detailed borders. This style is a great choice for products that want a classic or handcrafted look, such as soap, tea, or candles. A Victorian-style label typically uses serif fonts and intricate details that create a refined, elegant appearance.

1950s Retro

For a lively, colorful look, the 1950s retro theme can add playfulness to food packaging or household products. Labels from this era often feature bold typography and simple illustrations, like cartoon-style food items or iconic mid-century graphics. This style is perfect for products that aim for a family-friendly or nostalgic feel.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Vintage Labels

The material you use for your label plays a huge role in its overall look. Here are some top options for vintage labels that help complete the retro aesthetic:

Textured Paper: A popular choice for vintage labels. With its natural grain, textured paper provides an antique look that suits products like artisan foods or handmade beauty items. It mimics the feel of traditional labels and adds authenticity to the design.
Kraft Paper Labels: Bring a rustic, earthy quality that’s perfect for products with a farmhouse or natural aesthetic. The brown color and matte finish give the label a classic, old-world look, making it perfect for food items and candles.
Matte Finish: Provides a soft, non-reflective look that feels more vintage than glossy finishes. Matte labels look understated and elegant, making them ideal for products that want a timeless look without excessive shine.

For added authenticity, consider distressed printing effects or embossing. Distressed effects give the label an aged look, while embossing adds a tactile, luxurious quality to the design.

Create Your Custom Vintage Labels with Wizard Labels

Ready to bring your vintage label design to life? Whether you’re creating Victorian-style labels for artisan soaps or 1950s-inspired labels for fun beverages, Wizard Labels can help. We specialize in custom labels for any product type, with high-quality printing and durable materials that make your vintage packaging stand out.

Order My Vintage Labels Now

FAQ: Common Questions About Designing Vintage Labels

What makes a label design “vintage”?

A vintage label design uses muted colors, classic fonts, and sometimes distressed textures to create an old-fashioned look. Adding ornate borders or illustrations can enhance the vintage feel.

What materials work best for vintage labels?

Textured paper, kraft paper, and matte finishes are ideal for creating an authentic vintage look. These materials provide an aged, natural feel that suits retro designs.

Which products are best suited for vintage labels?

Vintage labels are popular for artisan foods, beauty products, candles, and home goods. They add a timeless charm that works well for products with a classic or handmade appeal.

How can I design a label with a 1950s retro look?

To achieve a 1950s look, use playful fonts, bold colors, and simple illustrations. This style works well for family-friendly products and food items, creating a cheerful and nostalgic vibe.

Does Wizard Labels offer custom printing for vintage labels?

Yes! Wizard Labels specializes in high-quality custom labels, including vintage and retro designs. Contact us to start designing a label that brings your vision to life.