How to Decorate with Antique furniture?
Have you ever wondered how to decorate with those antiques you’ve inherited? Those precious pieces beloved by a grandmother or aunt that have been in the family for decades and now belong to you? It’s a question I received last month from a reader and one many people have struggled with.
Today Courtney from Courtney Out Loud is back with his monthly contribution and the topic of the day is decorating with wood antiques, specifically those vintage pieces handed down from previous generations. Please welcome back Courtney and his artful analysis on how to decorate with antique wood furniture:
“Mixing antique and modern furniture styles helps create an individualized and multilayered room that reflects the owner’s unique taste and personality.
However, many people adhere to one specific style when decorating their homes. This approach is great if you are truly passionate about a particular era or genre of design, however, for the majority of homeowners they tend to be at a loss when they happen to inherit a family heirloom. How do you incorporate it into your home’s personality and style? Case in point, Kate received this email from a reader seeking help:
- "My mom has a vintage buffet that I convinced her to hang onto. I want to use it in my home, but how do you incorporate vintage pieces with your regular decor, without making it feel like grandma’s house?"
Great question! Exactly how do you incorporate vintage and antique furniture into your home without having it feel too dated ? Don’t fret because it’s as easy as following one of these six simple rules.
1) Determine Your Design Focus A room filled with nothing but antiques can quickly make your home feel dated and more like a museum. Unless you are purposefully going for a "boho" look, then you need to decide the primary style of your space – modern, traditional, contemporary – whatever it may be. Making the decision on what style will dominate the room will allow you to make conscious choices on what types of antiques will work with your aesthetic. You can then begin to layer in vintage and antique pieces that suit your particular design focus and also add character.
