Antiques can add character and visual interest to any living space, whether at a garage sale or as gifts from family and friends. Here are some excellent strategies for using them in modern homes.
Antique Shipping Services
Any collector understands the difficulty in transporting fragile and old shipping antiques across the nation safely. Doing it on your own can be stressful and time consuming; let Ship Smart safely transport them for less cost than doing it on your own – our price calculator makes the process much simpler; just call our friendly customer service for more details or use our price calculator online to determine just how affordable this shipping type can be – even if just one item needs moving, they have you covered with ease.
What is an Antique?
Antique and vintage are often used interchangeably; both terms describe objects that are older or of significant historical value. There’s often a distinction in materiality that becomes essential when decorating or collecting an item of this nature.
Antique items typically date back at least 100 years and are of some historical significance, while more contemporary vintage pieces range between 20 to 100 years. Being older vintage items are usually more costly and sought-after.
Mixing traditional and contemporary design isn’t always simple, and using standard techniques and tools of interior decor may not always prove effective. Here are some ideas for including antique items into modern living spaces.
Work in Antique Lighting
A touch of antique lighting will add warmth, charm, and old-world elegance to your living space. Light fixtures from bygone eras are now collector’s items such as chandeliers, oil lamps, wall sconces and floor lamps constructed out of various materials.
Think carefully about the size and layout of your space before choosing chandeliers over table lamps; some rooms require warm illumination while some need the dramatic flair that only an ornate chandelier can bring. Swapping out your lamp shade for something classic and unique may create the desired vintage aesthetic.
Layer Antique Pieces with Modern Ones
To achieve an individual and unique style that truly reflects you, look for opportunities to combine antiques with your furniture.
There are multiple approaches you could take when selecting furniture to contrast against an antique accent piece, or divide the contrast 50/50 for more vibrant results.
Embrace Upcycling
Upcycling is the practice of recycling used materials back into usable objects for new use. In terms of interior design, upcycling typically refers to using vintage, old and antique items to add an updated aesthetic without breaking the bank at antique stores. Upcycling offers an affordable way to achieve classic vintage looks.
One popular way of recycling antiques is using old window frames as picture frames. This gives your room an antique, rustic aesthetic while showing off photos or artwork. Old wooden crates can even be transformed into shelves while antique suitcases provide storage or seating options.
Display Antique Collections
If you own an antique collection such as vintage cameras and snow globes or silver objects from years past, arrange them on shelves, inside cabinets or an art gallery to add style and character to your living space. It is an excellent way to spark conversations while showing your enthusiasm and passion with those closest to you.
Antiques can hold great sentimental value, and displaying them prominently helps highlight this sentimental value while providing us with nostalgic memories and creating an atmosphere of home comfort.
How Antiques Can Contribute to a Better Space in Your Living Room
Antiques add a distinctive and elegant look to any living space, creating an authentic atmosphere and sense of history often missing in contemporary living rooms. Many living rooms today look alike.
To combat this problem, be creative and look for original and distinctive antique pieces that add character and distinction to the living room. Furniture, clocks, jewelry and other household objects that have been around a while will help break free from conformity to create an area that stands out as its own private sanctuary.