So you’re scrolling through Pinterest at 2 AM again, aren’t you? And you’ve stumbled onto those gorgeous apothecary rooms that look like they belong in a medieval castle or a Victorian herbalist’s cottage. Yeah, I’ve been there too—double-tapping every single one while simultaneously wondering if I could recreate that magic without selling a kidney.
The truth is that you don’t need a trust fund or a degree in herbalism to create an apothecary that exudes vintage charm. I’ve been gradually turning a spare closet—and eventually an entire room—into my own potion-making haven for the past few years, and I’m sharing all the details.
Start with the Right Foundation: Walls and Floors
Dark, Moody Wall Colors
Get over that washy white wall. Your pharmacy room must have volume and personality. I did mine in deep forest-green, and, to tell the truth? Game-changer. Imagine fat burgundies, sooty grays or even black in case you are daring.
The darker colors create this cozy, intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re tucked away in a secret healing sanctuary. Plus, they make those amber bottles absolutely pop against the background. Dark walls = instant ambiance.
Exposed Brick or Stone Accents
Can’t afford actual stonework? Neither could I. Peel-and-stick brick wallpaper exists, and it’s shockingly convincing from three feet away. I added a brick accent wall behind my main shelving unit, and guests always ask if it’s real.
The texture adds dimension and that rustic, centuries-old vibe you’re after. It’s like instant architectural history without the construction dust.
Vintage Wood Flooring or Area Rugs
You’re halfway there if your floors are hardwood. Otherwise, a large area rug in the Persian or Turkish style works wonders. It unifies the entire space, and I bought mine for $40 at an estate sale.
The key is choosing something with rich colors and intricate patterns. Worn and faded actually works in your favor here—it adds to that lived-in, generational wisdom aesthetic.
Shelving Solutions That Tell a Story
Open Wooden Shelves
Discard those modern floating shelves. You want thick shelves made of used wood that display the grain and maybe even some of the normal scratches and cracks. It was constructed from barn wood, and its rustic appeal surpasses that of IKEA.
Stack them at varying heights for visual interest. Your bottles and jars shouldn’t sit in perfect military rows—this isn’t a pharmacy, it’s an apothecary. Think organized chaos with intention.
Vintage Apothecary Cabinets
Ever wondered why these cabinets cost a fortune? Because they’re the holy grail of apothecary aesthetics. Those tiny drawers with handwritten labels are chef’s kiss.
I found mine at a flea market for way less than the online reproductions. Check estate sales and antique shops—they’re out there. Each drawer can hold different dried herbs, seeds, or small tools.
Wall-Mounted Display Cases
Glass front cabinets protect your belongings while also showcasing them. I found two old medical cabinets on Facebook Marketplace, and they are ideal for holding my rarer plants.
The glass keeps dust out (because who wants dusty chamomile?) while maintaining that curated, museum-quality presentation. FYI, cleaning glass gets old fast, but it’s worth it 🙂
Lighting: Setting the Mood
Edison Bulbs and Vintage Fixtures
Modern LED strips? Hard pass. You want warm, amber-toned lighting that flickers slightly and creates shadows. Edison bulbs in wrought iron or brass fixtures nail this perfectly.
I added task lighting where I actually work after installing an antique chandelier with Edison bulbs as my primary light source. Everything seems magical because of the warm glow, especially when blending in the evening.
Candles, Candles, and More Candles
Beeswax candles are non-negotiable. They smell amazing, burn clean, and look authentically old-world in brass or pewter holders. I keep at least a dozen scattered throughout the room.
Candlelight while you’re measuring herbs or creating tinctures? That’s the vibe we’re chasing. Just maybe keep a fire extinguisher nearby—safety first, witchy aesthetic second.
Natural Light Control
Heavy linen or velvet curtains can be used to adjust the amount of natural light. Since direct sunlight damages herbs and tinctures, you should be able to block it.
I use deep burgundy velvet curtains that I can draw during the day. When they’re open, the filtered light creates this soft, dreamy atmosphere. When closed, it’s moody dungeon realness.
Display Your Botanicals Like Art
Amber Glass Apothecary Jars
In addition to being attractive, those brown glass bottles serve a practical purpose. They prevent the deterioration of light-sensitive herbs. I’ve probably gathered more than fifty jars of all sizes, and I’m still looking for more.
Label everything. I use a vintage label maker for the clean ones and handwritten tags tied with twine for the more rustic feel. Consistency isn’t the goal; character is.
Specimen Jars and Bottles
Clear glass jars work beautifully for colorful dried flowers, roots, and botanicals you want to showcase. I have a whole shelf dedicated to rainbow-organized herbs in matching jars.
Mix sizes and shapes—tall cylinders next to squat wide-mouth jars creates visual rhythm. Fill them to different levels too. Uniformity is boring.
Hanging Dried Herbs and Flowers
Bundles of eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary hung from ceiling hooks or an old drying rack add vertical interest and have a wonderful scent. I dry fresh herbs year-round to keep the rotation going.
They also make the space feel actively used rather than just decorative. Plus, having herbs within arm’s reach while working is super practical.
| Herb Type | Drying Time | Best Display Method | Light Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | 2-3 weeks | Hanging bundles | Low |
| Calendula | 1-2 weeks | Open jars | Medium |
| Rose petals | 1 week | Glass display | High |
| Chamomile | 10-14 days | Covered jars | High |
Furniture with History
Antique Wooden Worktable
Your prep surface should feel like it’s seen a century of herbal wisdom. I use a massive antique butcher block table as my main workspace. The scars and stains tell stories.
Make sure it’s actually functional—you need elbow room for mixing, blending, and bottling. Aesthetics matter, but so does not knocking over your expensive essential oils because your table’s too small.
Vintage Apothecary Stools
Those vintage height-adjustable lab stools? Ideal for an apothecary space. Between my worktable and the shelving areas, I alternate between these two.
They’re surprisingly comfortable and way more interesting than a boring desk chair. IMO, seating is where people skimp, and then they wonder why their space doesn’t feel authentic.
Brass or Copper Serving Carts
A rolling cart not only gives you portable storage, but its metallic warmth also conveys a sense of vintage elegance. I keep a mortar and pestle, empty bottles, measuring spoons, and other items I use frequently in mine.
The patina on aged brass or copper is gorgeous. Don’t polish it to a shine; let it keep that weathered character.
Authentic Apothecary Tools
Mortar and Pestle Collection
I own four mortars and pestles in different sizes and materials—marble, brass, ceramic, and wood. Each one serves different purposes, and they’re all displayed prominently.
They are sculptures rather than merely tools. “Serious herbalist vibes” are immediately announced by a heavy marble mortar on your worktable.
Vintage Scales and Measurements
Old-fashioned balance scales with brass weights are functional AND gorgeous. I use mine for weighing dried herbs, and it’s become a centerpiece.
Even if you use a digital scale for precision (which I do for tinctures), having a vintage scale displayed adds legitimacy to your space.
Glass Droppers and Funnels
Not only are those tiny funnels and delicate glass droppers adorable, but they are also necessary for moving oils and tinctures. On my desk, I have a collection in an old glass jar.
They catch the light beautifully and make even basic tasks feel intentional and ritualistic.
Textural Elements That Add Warmth
Woven Baskets for Storage
Baskets made of rattan, wicker, or willow offer concealed storage while preserving the organic, rustic style. I use them for everything from collecting materials from my garden to storing extra jars.
Stack different sizes for visual interest. Leave some empty—negative space prevents the room from feeling cluttered despite having tons of stuff.
Leather-Bound Books and Journals
A collection of old herbalism books (or honestly, any vintage books with leather binding) adds scholarly credibility. I haunt used bookstores specifically for this.
Keep a handwritten journal for recipes and experiments. The act of writing by hand connects you to centuries of herbalists who did the same.
Natural Fiber Textiles
The harder elements are softened by neutral-colored cotton, linen, and burlap. I cover my worktable with linen table runners and cover surfaces with burlap when working on messy projects.
These materials age beautifully—stains and wear become part of the story rather than flaws to hide.
Botanical Artwork and Prints
Vintage Botanical Illustrations
On framed botanical prints, there is no room for negotiation. I’ve collected vintage prints from estate sales and printable reproductions from Etsy. Gallery walls with pressed plants and illustrated herbs create an instant ambiance.
Mix frame styles—mismatched vintage frames look way better than matching modern ones. The variety adds to that collected-over-time feeling.
Pressed Flower Displays
Press your own flowers and herbs in floating frames. I rotate mine seasonally, swapping out spring violets for autumn leaves and winter evergreens.
It’s free decoration that’s deeply personal. Plus, you can press extras while drying herbs—multitasking at its finest.
Anatomical or Celestial Charts
Vintage-style anatomy prints or celestial maps connect herbalism to its historical context. I have a moon phase chart and a medicinal plant anatomy print that tie everything together.
They add educational value while maintaining the aesthetic. Guests always pause to read them, which creates great conversation starters.
Incorporate Living Plants
Potted Herbs on Windowsills
Fresh herbs can be used as living décor in addition to being used in cooking. This bridge connects your dried apothecary and living garden with terracotta pots of rosemary, thyme, and mint.
The green life energy balances all the dried and preserved elements. Plus, fresh rosemary within grabbing distance? Yes, please.
Trailing Ivy and Vines
Pothos or English ivy cascading from high shelves softens the space and adds movement. I have ivy growing along one entire bookshelf, weaving between jars.
They’re nearly impossible to kill (trust me, I’ve tried accidentally), and they thrive in the moderate light most apothecary rooms maintain.
Terrarium Displays
Small glass terrariums with moss, tiny ferns, or succulents add whimsy without breaking theme. I keep three on my worktable—they’re meditative to look at during long blending sessions.
Self-contained ecosystems feel appropriately witchy and require minimal maintenance. Win-win.
Scent: The Invisible Design Element
Essential Oil Diffuser (Subtle, Please
A ceramic or brass oil diffuser can subtly scent your space, but go easy. Overpowering fragrance ruins the nuanced scent profile you’ve built with dried herbs.
I rotate oils monthly—eucalyptus in winter, lavender in summer. The goal is enhancement, not assault on the senses.
Incense and Smudge Sticks
An abalone shell holding sage bundles, palo santo, or incense adds ritualistic elements. I burn them weekly to refresh the energy and scent of the space.
The smoke curling up past your hanging herbs creates this mystical atmosphere you can’t achieve any other way. Just crack a window—smoke detectors have zero chill.
Personal Touches That Make It Yours
Family Heirloom Pieces
Grandmother’s mixing bowls, great-aunt’s medicine bottles, or inherited botanical guides connect you to your own lineage. I display my grandmother’s embroidered handkerchiefs and her collection of tiny perfume bottles.
Instead of being a Pinterest imitation, these items give your pharmacy space a distinctively personal touch. Their backstories are more important than how Instagram-worthy they are.
Handmade Ceramics and Pottery
Support local artists by incorporating handmade ceramic jars, plates, or containers. I have several pieces from a local potter that I use for salves and creams.
The irregular, hand-thrown quality contrasts beautifully with vintage glass and adds contemporary craft elements to the old-world aesthetic.
Your Personal Witchy Weirdness
Include whatever appeals to you, whether it be found feathers, tarot cards, tiny sculptures, or crystals. A shelf in my room is devoted to interesting rocks and bones that I have gathered over the years.
This isn’t a museum recreation; it’s your working space. Let it reflect your actual interests and spiritual practices, even if they don’t fit traditional apothecary imagery.
Bringing It All Together
It’s not necessary to buy everything at once or strive for Pinterest perfection in order to create an apothecary room with vintage charm. It involves gradually gathering items that speak to you, combining useful equipment with exquisite displays, and creating a room that feels both historic and intimate.
Start with one or two foundational elements—maybe those dark walls and some vintage jars—then let your space evolve organically. I’ve been working on mine for three years, and I still find new pieces monthly that find their perfect spot.
An apothecary room is beautiful because it is intended to be used, not just photographed. Make it beautiful, of course, but make it useful above all else. Blend your teas, mix your tinctures, and allow the purposeful magic of working with plants to fill your space.
Now stop reading and start hunting for those amber bottles. Trust me, once you find your first one, you’ll understand the obsession 🙂