Better Homes and Gardens named Evergreen Fog as the color of the year for 2022, but it’s time to make room for a new hue in your interior design.
Will this year be all about sapphire? Maybe it’s time for Topaz or ruby red to be shown some love.
Regardless of your color choice, you’ll need to know how to choose the right vintage furniture to complement this season’s trends. Here are some decorating ideas with antiques to help you through the year.
Only Buy What You Love
You’ll probably agree that antiques are meant to be cherished. So don’t settle for anything less than your heart’s desire!
Looks and cost shouldn’t be your only concerns when shopping. Buy something because it speaks to your soul and makes your heart sing when looking at it.
Pick up Each Piece
The more you handle antiques, the better idea you’ll have of how well-made they are. Try lifting each piece and checking for any loose joints or cracks.
Test out furniture to see if they’re comfortable. Chairs, for example, should be sturdy enough that there’s no wobble when you sit down.
Consider the Story
An impressive history makes an item more valuable. Dresses worn by famous actresses or balls from famous sports events are worth an especially high price.
Besides its monetary value, knowing how something was preserved can also add to your enjoyment of it as a collector’s item. You’ll get an idea of how you can keep your antique finds in the best possible condition.
Don’t Buy Too Much
When you’re inspired by some antique designs on Pinterest and Facebook, don’t buy every product listed. Remember, your space looks different from the Victorian-inspired room you saw online.
Start small by purchasing one item and see how it fits into your space. You’ll be able to better visualize how all the furniture works together if they aren’t all there at once!
Beware of Online Antique Shopping
Always check the return policy. Can you still return the item if you’ve opened its package?
Read the fine print before buying so there are no surprises later on!
Old Doesn’t Mean Old-Fashioned
Most people don’t want their furniture or artwork to look brand-new. Signs of age, damage, and artist signatures are proof of authenticity, after all.
Just because an item is old doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate it into a modern living space. The antique style is all about blending different periods of history. Here’s an example of how a minimal living room can have a vintage touch.
Picture a bold red sofa with a white mahogany coffee table. The contrasting colors create an impact, but something rustic is missing. Add a grandfather clock to the corner and a stylish, industrial look will unfold.
Mix Styles
Mixing styles can be fun! It’s not always practical, but if you want your decor to look more eclectic, it can certainly help. If you’re not sure where to start, consider adding a bit of everything.
A vintage record player with a modern lamp is a great example of blending different styles. A sofa upholstered in rich red velvet with modern legs paired with a leather armchair is another example. Or a wooden coffee table from the 1920s with a marble top.
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
If you’re hesitant about mixing antique furniture with modern pieces, buy vintage vases or a TV set. You can always put small items like these in storage later on if you don’t like them.
Contrasting Finishes
Try mixing up the finishes on antique pieces so they don’t all match perfectly.
You can use different wood tones or pair metals like brass and copper. There won’t be too much of any one thing in your home.
Pay Attention to the Details
A piece with a few scratches and dings is fine. But if it’s full of chips or has missing pieces, it might not be worth your money.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re not sure if an item is the real deal, get a second opinion. Find out where the seller got their merchandise so you can do your research.
Shop for Antiques Locally
Shopping at local antique shops gives you more opportunities to negotiate. If you aren’t getting the price you want, offer something else in exchange for the item (like a pair of lamps).
Sometimes vendors will even throw in freebies if it’s an antique they’re having a hard time selling!
But don’t push too hard. These people are trying to make a living. You’ll win deals more often by being friendly than expecting a discount every time.
Get Modern Pieces to Balance Things Out
For homes with mostly antique furniture, it’s important to have a few modern pieces. You can give an antique dining room an upgrade with a colorful rug.
Modern pieces can even be focal points in a vintage space. For example, a sleek glass chandelier can anchor the dining room.
If you have a vintage house that needs some TLC, adding modern furniture will help bring it up to date without making it feel too different.
Use Natural Light
Use windows to your advantage. Castles and manor houses like to use natural light in their feeding rooms to make the area feel large.
Keep this in mind with your antique decor—you can use sunlight to create the illusion of space.
Get Rid of Clutter
Furniture is great, but there’s a point where it becomes too much. If you have an antique dining room table, but it’s covered in knickknacks, consider getting rid of the chaos.
You can find storage solutions to hide your keepsakes until you need them again.
Repurpose With Purpose
Just because a piece started as a dresser doesn’t mean you can’t convert it into a TV stand. Think about what you want to use the room for and repurpose your furniture accordingly.
If you need a spot for dinner, a closet can be turned into a table. A taotie mask can be wall decor.
Just be mindful of how you use the piece. Don’t just throw it on the wall and call it a day; make sure it’s secure.
Highlight Craftsmanship
Showcase the intricate details of your antique furniture by placing it in well-lit areas. Use natural light to highlight wood grain and artificial lighting on jewels.
If you can’t find a suitable spot for your antique furniture, place it on a pedestal. This way, it’s elevated above other pieces and still gets the attention it deserves.
Incorporate lamps into your antique furniture arrangement. Light will give the pieces more dimension.
Consider Function
Some of your pieces should serve a function. There should be dresses you can wear for special occasions and appliances that still work.
This will help your antique furniture collection feel like a proper home.
Upholster With Care
Choose high-quality, timeless fabrics when reupholstering. This will maintain the furniture’s value and appeal. The value may even increase.
Avoid using patterns that are too busy or loud, as they can make your pieces appear cheap. Try to keep your upholstery traditional with a pattern that would’ve matched the era of the piece.
Accentuate
Antique pieces can be turned into something new again with a little paint and polish. To give your furniture an updated look, consider using a distressed finish on the piece or picking up some new hardware to replace the old pieces that are falling apart.
You can also try painting over any worn-out spots or stains to update them without spending too much money.
Try These Decorating Ideas With Antiques This Season
The decorating ideas with antiques we have here are some of the latest interior design trends of 2023. Feel free to take these ideas and use them to spruce up your pad or get creative with bringing antiques into your office. Mix and match different styles and finishes to make your space truly your own.
The best thing about antiques is that you can start your collection today. Just be wary that these items are pricey. Use our loans section to find ways to finance your next vintage purchase.
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