With the increased cost of living and the environmental impact of our shopping habits, becoming more sustainable and shopping secondhand is an easy choice. This choice is especially easy when it comes to expensive purchases like furniture. Whether you acquired older furniture and decor from your relatives or a flea market, incorporating it into your home with more modern pieces can present a challenge. However, it is not impossible!
Read on for our best tips on how to mix modern and antique furniture.
Make a statement
One way to ensure a vintage piece of furniture flows with the rest of your space is to make it the centerpiece of your room. Rather than try to integrate it, choose to make a statement. Think a large armoire being the focal point of your living room or entryway or a vintage headboard being the star of your bedroom. Try to use muted or neutral colors around the piece to let it shine and draw the eyes of all who enter the room.
Refinish and refurbish
Not all vintage and antique furniture are created equally, and some need a bit of an upgrade. If you love a piece but can’t stand the lacquer or finish and feel it throws off the look of your space, don’t be afraid to change it up. Refinishing a piece can renew it and allow it to fit seamlessly into your room without much hassle. Some options include swapping out the hardware or re-staining or painting your furniture, says a Reno, NV, interior decorator.
Coordinate colors
An easy way to mix your modern and antique furniture is to coordinate the color palette. You can do this by refinishing your older piece to match your more modern ones. However, refurbishing isn’t the only way. You can use your decor to link your antique and modern furniture. Pull a color from your vintage piece and incorporate it into the throw blankets, pillows, and other decor in the room. Remember, your furniture doesn’t need to be all the same color to feel cohesive. You can choose complementary and coordinating colors to tie everything together.
Layer textures
Vintage and antique furniture is often bulkier and larger than modern furniture, so you must create balance. One way to achieve this harmony is by playing with layers and textures. Pair bulky furniture with sleek decor, such as streamlined lamps and rounded accent pieces. You can also use natural elements like leather and wool to add softness and modernity to your space. This way, your room will not feel overwhelmed by its furniture.
Look for lighting
Light fixtures are an attractive way to add a vintage element to any room. While mid-century modern lamps are currently having a moment and are a great avenue to take, they aren’t the only option when it comes to light sources. Vintage chandeliers, like art deco sputnik chandeliers, add a touch of old-fashioned flair to any living or dining room. Ornate vintage mirrors are another option and make a statement while reflecting light and making your space appear more open.
Don’t be afraid to pair the old with the new. Use the tips above to help you mix modern and antique furniture and create the eclectic home of your dreams.
