7 Tips For Incorporating Antiques Into Your Decor, According To Designers

Discover the art of decorating with antiques.

If you’re lucky enough to have some incredible antique pieces just waiting to be styled into your home, you’ll want to give these items the love that they deserve. “Southerners embrace the art of storytelling—and interior design can be a great way for Southerners to tell the story of their family and their heritage,” notes Sara Hillery, the founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design in Richmond, Virginia.

If you’re not quite sure how to best weave finds from yesteryear into your contemporary space, keep reading. Designers chime in with tons of suggestions for how to make the most of special antiques without resulting in a home that looks too dated.

Related: 9 Decor Items You Should Never Buy New

Mix Periods

A room shouldn’t contain solely antique pieces; it’s all about artfully mixing them in alongside more contemporary furnishings. “Mixing periods and styles is about creating  bold tension and juxtaposition,” says Gray Walker, the founder of Gray Walker Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Modern upholstery with its sleek lines could easily be flanked by a crusty painted Louis XVI Bergere covered in a classic leopard.”

Katie Davis, the founder of Katie Davis Design in Houston, Texas, likes to weave in small antique pieces that add character to a space—place an antique side table between two contemporary chairs, for example. “The warmth of the worn wood or bamboo can be such a great addition to a living area,” she says.

This tactic isn’t just confirmed to a home’s main living spaces—you can even mix eras in the powder room! “Incorporating an antique mirror with an interesting frame and aged patina creates warmth and interest,” says Emily Wallace Wood, the founder of Wallace Wood Interiors  in Richmond, Virginia. “Many people may have similar ‘off-the-shelf’ lighting, tile, or plumbing fixtures, but a unique addition like this makes it memorable.”

Prefer to keep things to a smaller scale? Have fun weaving in some antique accessories in your more modern living room. “Small antique ceramic bowls or wood boxes are always beautiful interspersed with books on a coffee table or built in shelving,” Wood says. “They act like little sculptures to provide a layer of height and interest.”

Group Items with a Similar Finish Together

When decorating with a mix of antique and modern pieces, pay attention to the finishes present and style like with like, suggests Christine Carney, director of design for Blackberry Farm Design. However, this doesn’t have to be done perfectly so. “Don’t be afraid of contrast since this adds to the interest,” she adds.

Reupholster Antique Pieces

A well-loved antique may be in need of a bit of a refresh, and reupholstery is one great way to breathe new life into an heirloom that has been passed down over generations. Shani Core, the founder of Palm Beach-based Shani Core Interiors, has a special love for antique rocking chairs. “I love to reupholster these gems in vibrant prints with either a waterfall skirt or longer, pleated skirt for drama,” she says. “Then, adding in a contrast welt and button tufting is always a good idea to bring in another pop of color.”

It’s all about skillfully mixing materials. “Balance out brown woods with painted pieces and bolder antiques with crisp new upholstery to make the older pieces feel welcomed into the overall space,” suggests Chad Graci, the founder of Graci Interiors in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Refinish a Wooden Piece or Add New Hardware

There is a major debate among pros as to whether repainting wooden furniture is or isn’t acceptable—but even if you fall into the latter camp, note that you can still make some small alterations to a wooden piece that’s in need of a little TLC. “I would never paint or lacquer a fine, brown wood antique piece of furniture, but love to refinish and add soft close glides and modern hardware for updating,” Core says. She recommends also getting a piece of glass cut for such pieces to protect their surfaces for generations to come.

Don’t Worry About Styling a Full Set

If you don’t have a full antique dining set or have had to part ways with half of a chair duo, fear not. “I try to avoid perfectly matched pieces,” Hillery says, noting that she actually encourages her clients to split up sets when possible.

Place Antique Art in a New Frame

Antique art will add so much soul to a home—perhaps all yours needs is a new frame and some matting to truly shine. “Don’t be too quick to pass up or stow away inherited art,” Wood says. “Often reframing a piece can bring it to life again, and the bonus is its priceless sentimental value.”

Give a Piece a New Purpose

There’s no reason to use an antique piece for its intended purpose if you find that it better serves a different function. “Instead of using a secretary as a desk, I love to set it up as a beautiful bar,” says Richmond-based designer Ashley Hanley.

Related: A Comprehensive Guide To Thrifting Home Decor Like A Pro

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