Mixing pieces of history with a modern-day look may feel intimidating and tricky, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There is no reason you can’t add a touch of antique charm to a modern interior without dating the whole space. Utilise these five antiques to give a vintage feel to your modern home.
Antique Light Fittings
Antique light fittings are a subtle way of bringing vintage touches to modern interiors without overwhelming the space. Chandeliers in particular are a good way of adding a classically antique look to any living room, dining room, or hallway.
A lot of antique light fittings are on the smaller side, meaning they won’t feel like they’re out of place among to the rest of your modern furniture, simply adding some antique charm to the room. If you like something more extravagant, however, go for an over-the-top chandelier with a lot of light fittings that can dominate the space. Having a single piece of large antique furniture in the modern setting creates a stunning contrast, without transforming the space to something antiquated.
Antique Frames & Mirrors
Are you hoping to preserve your special memories in a special way? Antique and vintage picture frames are a brilliant addition to any home. Using a piece of the past to frame your important memories is a great way to capture some history in your own modern spaces. The antique silver material is especially good, having a reflective surface that looks perfectly in place alongside any modern furnishings. This is another versatile type of accent piece that can be found in a huge range of styles from the most ornate Victorian to the sleekest Art Deco – whichever suits your style the most!
Silver mirrors are also a great way to add a vintage feel to a modern interior. Accenting a wall with a large mirror or simply placing a smaller mirror in a subtle spot can transform a space and make it so much more homey. Being another antique made from reflective materials, mirrors are also versatile and compliment clean modern-looking furniture effortlessly. Dressing table mirrors are the perfect additions to modern bedrooms for those who just want a subtle touch of times gone by in their homes. Vintage hand mirrors can be a dainty little touch, adding some character to your space and prevent the dreaded show-room aesthetic.
Antique Bowls
Antique bowls are great centrepieces, and will not look too out of place or eye-catching amongst modern décor. The classic look of antique silver bowls or other metal bowls in particular look minimalistic enough to be smaller accessories or focal points depending on how you choose to decorate.
You could use an antique or vintage bowl as a fruit bowl, a punch bowl, or even just as a decorative centrepiece with potpourri (or even nothing) in it. Experiment with different styles and eras such as the Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Rococo, and you’re sure to find something perfect for your own space.
Antique Candelabra & Candlesticks
Everyone loves a candle, and they have been staples in cosy modern homes for years now. If you’re looking to jazz up your dining room table, or simply enhance the time you dedicate to burning some candles and getting atmospheric, consider antique candlestick holders for your needs.
Many modern homes feature decorative candlesticks/candelabra, so why not take it the extra mile and invest in an antique to add uniqueness and character to your home. Antique candlesticks come in many complex sculptural forms, making for attractive centrepieces and accessories that don’t compare much to their modern equivalents. They are sure to catch eyes and start conversations at gatherings of all kinds.
Clocks & Antique Timepieces
With modern-day technology taking over when it comes to telling the time, analogue clocks are rapidly becoming more and more of an ornament/accessory rather than a functional clock. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t invest in a quaint antique clock for your modern space. An antique clock face can add a classy look to your home, bringing a level of sophistication that’s hard to beat. The variety of materials available allows you to pick and choose what time period/colours will be best suited to your own home.
Similar to the mirrors previously mentioned, versatility is a big selling point of antique clocks. You can opt for a single large wall clock to really set off a space, or a smaller mantelpiece clock or desk clock for a more subtle touch. The choice is entirely up to you and either option is sure to bring vintage aesthetics to your otherwise modern home without upsetting the feng shui of the space.
Overall, there are many ways you can add a piece of history to your home without having to worry about it clashing or making your home look too old fashioned. Invest in something that has a timelessness to it that antiques manage to achieve effortlessly and your décor will never go out of style.