How to Mix a Few Select Antique Furniture Items into a Contemporary Setting

A living room with antique furniture and a coffee table.

What was once frowned upon by interior designers, has now become a trendy way to furnish a room, and if you are looking to add a few select antique furniture pieces to an already contemporary setting, here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect balance.

Think Accessories 

If the main concept is contemporary, adding a few antique accessories will give the room a balanced look. Things like framed antique maps, antique mirrors and lamps, can all complement a contemporary or modern setting, and by checking out Sydney antiques through an online dealer, you can view many fine examples without even leaving your living room.

A living room with antique furniture and a large framed map of the world.

Textures and Grains 

When adding a few antique items, look for something with texture, such as a leather-bound writing pad, or a couple of mahogany table lamps, and when mixing old and new, try to match timber grains and colours, which gives the room a balanced look. Velvet and suede are great materials, if used sparingly, and always remember that the antique items are there to complement, rather than be the main focus.

A living room with a zebra print rug and antique furniture.

Antique Lighting

 What better way to introduce antiques than using lighting? Wall lights can be effectively used, as can a nice central chandelier, which would be perfect located above a contemporary table. If you would like to view a large selection of antique lights, search online for a local antique dealer, and when you find what you are looking for, a secure online payment will see the items packed and despatched to your home address.

A living room with an antique yellow couch and blue ottoman.

Rich Colours 

A pair of Victorian or Edwardian chairs that are upholstered with rich colour would really look good in a contemporary room, or perhaps some Elizabethan cushions, or a footstool. Keep the rich colour to a minimum, otherwise it will make the room look too busy, and lilacs and light blues can be integrated into almost any setting.

Related:
The classic beauty of vintage kitchens

A living room with white furniture and antique chandelier.

Avoid Asking for Second Opinions 

Designing an interior space is all about preferences, and we all have different likes and dislikes, so if you think your lounge looks good, take any criticisms with a pinch of salt. You are the one who will spend time in the room, and if you feel good about your surroundings, that’s all that should matter. Asking others what they think about the layout of a room invites a conflict of interests, and what might be a bit loud for one person, can be perfect for another.

A living room with antique furniture and a rug.

Ideally, you should stick to the 80/20 rule when mixing modern and antique items, with the modern taking up the majority, and carefully choose the antique pieces to complement rather than being the focus. Think about accessorising rather than setting the theme, and playing with textures and grains can be very rewarding, so be a little bold and you will find things slip into place.

There’s always the danger of trying to follow trends, and while it is fine to read a few interior design blogs for a little inspiration, don’t see their advice as something that is set in stone.

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