Decorating with antiques – 13 design tips plus advice on buying antiques
10. Embrace upcycling
Neither do pieces with a history have to be restored to an original finish, including when you’re buying art. ‘Don’t be afraid to upcycle: a lick of paint can transform old wooden furniture, giving it a renewed energy,’ says Clara. ‘We love to make an antique feel very modern with a gloss finish in a bright colour. Likewise, a modern frame on a traditional artwork can give it a new identity.’
1. Bring in antiques to lift a room
One of our favorite ways to make a home look expensive, decorating with antiques can achieve different emphases, depending on what is selected.
‘Juxtaposing antique finds with modern furniture will lift a space; a bold antique brass pendant light will make a statement and catch the eye whilst an oversized vintage rug in muted colours will anchor a space allowing modern furniture and accessories to take center stage, says Clara Ewart, head of design, Kitesgrove.
2. Consider re-upholstering antiques
Think about changing the upholstery of antique pieces – which can have a dramatic effect.
'I find that antiques have a timeless quality that is difficult to achieve with most modern pieces, and the depth that they give to a scheme provide unparalleled comfort,’ explains Henriette von Stockhausen, creative director of VSP Interiors. ‘However, often it is the juxtaposition of old and new that creates that certain special energy.
'For a contemporary feel, you can add a wacky fabric to repurpose an inherited piece. Alternatively, if you have a funky mid-century piece but don't like the upholstery, use a beautiful antique fabric on it to add new texture and personality. Repurposing new with old or old with new both really work well.
'I generally try to create interiors that reflect my clients’ lives and personalities and antiques certainly help with this storytelling,’ Henriette continues. ‘Whether choosing one piece in an otherwise modern interior for major impact or a whole house for settled comfort, it’s about blending and mixing periods and styles to make the space come alive.'
3. Ensure your interiors are liveable, not contrived
It’s important to avoid pastiche when decorating with antiques. 'Most of us are not trying to recreate an accurate historical interior but a liveable characterful space that is comfortable as well as beautiful,’ says Henriette. ‘Nothing should feel too contrived, rather it should be playful, captivating our interest wherever we look.
'Almost anything goes and there are no hard and fast rules, other than whether the piece speaks to you and you like it. If it is special to you, you will find a space where it can shine.
'To create this, also consider architectural salvage and antique fabrics. They can add that sense of connection and lived-in feel that we all crave without looking too staid.
'At the same time they can also be easily mixed into a more contemporary interior – as in this bedroom above – if you are unsure about antique furniture.'
4. Use antiques as accent pieces
Don’t rule out using smaller items: these can still make an impact within interiors. ‘Smaller antiques work well as accent pieces, whether it’s a beautiful vase, a side table or a light,’ says Clara Ewart. ‘These little details will make your home feel as if it has organically come together over time.’
5. Start your scheme with a lead piece
Where to begin a room design when you’re decorating with antiques? 'An antique rug is often my starting point for an interior: it might be a client's existing rug or I might source one and build a scheme around it,’ says Henriette. ‘Just like a lead fabric, the rug should have at least three colors in the design to draw upon and build upwards.'
6. Take the home’s architecture into account
Take your cue from your home to create the best effect when you’re decorating with antiques.
‘When styling antique pieces, it is important to respect the architecture of the house you are decorating,’ says Clara. ‘Some houses are well suited to lots of antiques whilst others will benefit from a mixture of vintage and modern.’
7. Bring antiques into kitchens and bathrooms
You might want to follow Henriette’s lead, focusing on the kitchen and bathroom as a place to incorporate antiques. 'I always try to put something old into a kitchen and bathroom: it helps that not everything is built in or too matchy matchy,’ she says. ‘I might use a dresser or a chest of drawers or adapt a piece, maybe adding glazed doors to a bookshelf or converting a console to make a washstand.'
Antique furniture is also one of our favorite sustainable kitchen ideas – they bring instant charm and personality to the space while also helping you do your bit for the planet.
8. Swap modern lighting for antique
It’s perfectly feasible to re-use old lighting. ‘Antique lighting is a wonderful way to incorporate vintage pieces into a room, not only adding to the aesthetic but providing a key functional element as well,’ says Clara. ‘Most vintage lamps can be easily re-wired, so if you find something to suit your style, don’t be put off buying it if a little work is needed to make it good as new again.’
9. Experiment in your designs
Antiques don’t have to fulfill their original function. ‘Old paravent screens can become cupboard doors, rugs can become headboards, urns can become lamps and tables can become kitchen islands,’ says Henriette. ‘Creativity is key – let your imagination run wild and tell your own story!'
How to source antiques online and off
More of us than ever are buying antique furniture online. The increase in interest in antiques is largely due to a focus on sustainability and the desire of the design savvy to bring character into their homes.
These are the best ways to source pieces you’ll love for years to come both in person and online.
Where to browse for antiques
‘There are many places to find wonderful antiques and you don’t need to have a big budget to find pieces which can be restored, re-upholstered and renewed whether you choose to go to a decorative fair or an auction house,’ says Clara Ewart. ‘Re-purposing one-off pieces of furniture or lighting will also provide a great sense of satisfaction to be continuing the life of an item which may otherwise have been discarded.
‘There are some great finds at flea markets and antique stalls; be prepared to visit more than once as there will be new items available each week from various sellers. Auction houses hold some really special pieces and you can start off at smaller, local auction houses rather than having to go straight to Christie’s depending on budgets.’
11. Only buy what you love
Ensure that what you’re buying is something that you love. Antiques are hardy and have endured the elements this far; they are likely to fail you now. By choosing something that you’re really fond of from the off will likely mean that you will be pleased with the piece for years to come.
12. Be aware of hidden costs
Consider hidden costs when buying online; shipping, restoration and re-upholstery are the most common costs that you should look out for.
13. Measure everything
Always check the size of a piece and whether fits the space you have in mind. A helpful tip is to cut out a card or paper template and put it in the spot you have in mind for complete peace of mind.
This advice for decorating with antiques will help you add character and charm to your home. This is how top interior designers go about it, and how they shop.