Incorporating antique-style furnishings into your home can be a great way to create character, depth, and an element of surprise within any room. A vintage piece can also become an important part of your conversation, bring to mind a story from the past, or set the ambiance of an entire room. By utilizing one piece of family heirloom furniture or designing your entire home with the collection of vintage items that you have, it is important to know how to achieve balance between the aesthetics, functionality, and preservation of these items. Shop furniture at Antique Farmhouse for curated selections to help you start or grow your vintage collection.
By learning how to combine vintage and modern furniture into a cohesive style you can create your own unique home. Instead of trying to re-create one period or another, you will aim to create harmony between the older and newer items in your home; this can include items that have the character of aged wood or retro items along with things that serve a purpose (also referred to as function). To effectively combine and mix eras requires you to have a good eye for fashion and a strong understanding of craftsmanship while showing off the best work from every time period.
Understanding Vintage Furniture Styles
A strong foundation for effectively combining furniture is knowing the defining characteristics and styles of different vintage types. Victorian furniture is characterized by ornate woodwork, a sense of grandeur, and a very formal look. Pieces from the 1950s and 1960s represent a very minimalist style in keeping with the lines of mid-century modern design and add elegance to your home without being overly flashy. Art Deco furniture also reflects symmetry, but is more dynamic due to the use of bright colors, unique geometric designs, and the addition of flashy elements to provide an air of decadence to the design. Understanding the primary features of each vintage style will make it much simpler to find and incorporate these different types of furniture into your home.
Mixing Vintage and Modern Elements
Combining antique pieces or secondhand treasures with a complementary design style of other interior items will create a blended overall look or feel, where you will add interest and richness through different textures and shapes. An example of this would be your rustic farmhouse table which can contrast beautifully with a more modern type of chair. Another example would be placing your antique dresser in a modern-looking bedroom setting as an additional visual element. Creating an eye-catching focal point within a space is also achieved by mixing your transitional or vintage armchair and matching it to your minimalist reading lamp. Overall, having a visually compelling area through contrasting materials adds depth to how you will view your house as an archive of your life thus far and what your experiences mean to you!
Choosing the Right Vintage Pieces
Selecting is a combination of your personal style and practical considerations. When searching for vintage furniture, always consider size, color, and condition. Large pieces can be the anchor of a room; meanwhile smaller pieces could be easier to assimilate into existing arrangements. Test the stability of the item and check the joinery for quality craftsmanship; check the surface of the piece for any kind of damage. Many items will have some minor scratching or wear that adds character, but be careful not to select an item that has structural issues that hinder its functionality.
Incorporating Vintage Accessories
You have probably heard of furniture being a focal point but vintage accessories are what really make the interior design. Vintage accessories can include mirrors with decorative frames, retro light fixtures, vintage clocks and vintage artwork, all of which contribute to the overall atmosphere. By displaying your collection of glass or ceramic items in an open shelving unit, you are including these items as part of your overall interior design. There are many other small decorative items you can use to create a nostalgic feel while providing texture in your home’s interior.
Color Palettes and Textures
Vintage treasures are often enhanced by the colors and textures of the original items. Lighter shades such as olive green, dusty blue and blush are complementary with aged wood and traditional upholstery materials. Darker, rich-colored (e.g., jewel- or rich-toned) fabrics can contrast nicely with the patina of the piece. Tactile finishes that vary in texture (e.g., marble vs. linen) provide added depth and retain visual interest. To achieve added comfort and dimension, layer rugs, curtains, and throws.
Caring for Vintage Furniture
Maintaining vintage furniture means doing regular maintenance and some gentle restoration. Wipe dust off furniture using a soft cloth on a weekly basis to keep from having too much dust on the surface. Do not put wood furniture in exposed areas; direct sunlight or any other heat source can make wood fade and/or warp. Use non-abrasive cleaners made to clean the specific material your furniture is made out of to clean. Occasionally polishing wood will give it back its shine and when cleaning upholstered furniture; using steamers or hiring a professional to clean upholstery may be needed from time to time.
Where to Find Vintage Furniture
The search for vintage items can be time-consuming and tedious. Thrift and consignment shops have new inventory on a regular basis, so checking them out often gives consumers a better chance of finding great vintage items. Estate sales can also have nice vintage finds at good prices. Online marketplaces allow consumers to locate vintage items across the country; however, many specialty vintage shops will restore items to like-new condition. If you check out these various establishments on a regular basis, you will increase your chances of finding something truly unique for your collection.
Conclusion
For many, decorating with classic and antique style furnishings is more than simply gathering beautiful furnishings; it is about creating a personal reflection of one’s life experience through the unique design of your home. You may create a space that has a blend of classic and contemporary styles by understanding the different styles of furniture, finding the right combination of both types of furniture, taking proper care of both types of furniture, and combining both types of accessories in unexpected ways. By thoughtfully incorporating all these elements into your home, you can achieve a unique representation of yourself while maintaining a timeless quality to the overall design.