Decorating with antique furniture
Have you found a beautiful old antique table at your grandmother’s house or won the bidding on an antique dresser? Congratulations! Good craftsmanship and high quality are not the only things that go into a home – they are also a piece of history that creates a personal impression. But how do you ensure that the antique furniture integrates into the room in a stylish and natural way?
1. Dare to mix styles
Let go of the idea that a room has to have a consistent style, because you get the best results when styles are mixed. For example, antique furniture looks great with modern and stylish interiors. Try it and see!
2. one piece of antique furniture per room
Antique furniture is often chunky and dramatic, so too many pieces of antique furniture in one room can make it feel over-furnished. A good rule of thumb is to have a maximum of one piece of antique furniture per room, so you avoid getting tired of it or, in the worst case, throwing it out.
3. Give the furniture space
Placement is essential for a balanced overall impression. A large piece of furniture that only plays a supporting role in a room can, at worst, make the room feel smaller, for example if you push a large antique cabinet into a corner. So make sure there is space around the piece of furniture to give it the starring role it deserves.
4. Collect crystal ornaments
Crystal items such as bowls, decanters and vases can be used in everyday life, but are also stylish interior decorations. Place them around the home – such as in the bathroom, window or bookshelf – for a beautiful and tasteful look.
5. Give the furniture a new function
One mistake many people make is forgetting that antique furniture can actually be used in everyday life. For example, an antique side table can become your new work desk and an old secretary can be used as a bar cabinet.
6. Repaint the furniture
Unless the furniture in question is too expensive, why not try repainting it? This can give the room it is placed in a whole new feel. If a piece of furniture has previously felt too solid, one tip is to repaint it in a lighter color.
7. rethink furniture
There are no rules that say you can’t put a stylish chest of drawers in the bathroom or an antique cabinet in the kitchen. Often, it’s the most unexpected solutions that create magic!
8. dress up
If you have an antique sofa or chair that is not in very good condition or feels a bit outdated, there is a simple solution: reupholster it with a beautiful upholstery fabric. This way you can extend the life of the piece, and if you still feel tired of it, you can always resell it – now in a fresher condition.
9. working with details
If a room feels cold, try adding a few unique decor pieces, such as an antique urn or soulful sculpture. Along with a beautiful scented candle, a bouquet of flowers and a stylish book, the styling will feel both timeless and modern.
10. Experiment and take your time
One of the benefits of buying antique furniture second-hand is that not every furniture purchase has to be a life-changing decision. If you fall in love with a piece of furniture, you can buy it and try it out in your home for a while, and if it doesn’t work out, it’s no worse than selling it on.
