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I hear this question all the time! “Can you mix antiques with modern decor?” Absolutely! Mixing antique pieces into modern decor renders beautifully stunning results. Antiques give a sleek modern home personality and character. This is an important aspect if you’re downsizing and want to create a modern space without losing personality.
Add Antique Statement Pieces
If you know me, it is no secret that I love modern decor. I love stark black and white modern decor. Rustic modern decor is always a hit in my book. But my favorite is modern organic. That is where antiques fit in the best, in my opinion. Adding antique statement pieces to the mix of modern organic decor gives a space ambience and personality. While the modern decor pieces feel fresh and new, mixing in antique pieces will help a home feel established in its own right.
Display Family Heirlooms
Family heirlooms can be a controversial topic, and while I’m not an antiquities expert, I believe there are times when an older piece can be reborn with a little paint. (Please don’t come for me). As an example, I inherited a dresser my parents purchased after they were first married. At the time I’m writing this, that would make the dresser approximately 60 – 65 years old.
I inherited it in great condition. Except the drawer bottoms fell out. There was a crack in the top and the attached mirror wasn’t fully attached. After trying to repair the drawers and fill the crack with wood filler, I decided to either get rid of the piece, or [shock] paint it.
I strive for a modern organic look and feel, and I wanted this antique piece to blend in. I determined my color of choice was black. The hardware on this dresser isn’t original, in fact, it has been updated multiple times. It has been brushed nickel, lacquered brass, and knurled black metal. All of those options change the feel of this dresser and help it blend seamlessly with modern decor.
Mix in Faux Antiques
I know, I know, faux antiques are not the point of this article. However, if you really love the feel of antique furniture and can’t find the right piece, or can’t afford actual antiques, then replicas are not a bad option. When mixing in replicas, think about what the originals had to offer. Storage, style, versatility, and longevity are all words that come to mind. Find faux options that also fill those requirements.
The black dresser served us in many ways. It was literally our dresser for the first fourteen years of our marriage. Then it was a diaper changing table and supply chest. Then it stored school and office supplies. At one time, it was even a television console. Think about a piece’s usefulness before purchasing. Form and function are the name of the game. The more function you can get from the form, the more longevity you’ll gain in the long run.
Here are a few beauties I think would fill the bill.
Mix antiques with modern decor in a bedroom setting. These beautiful night stands would fit in perfectly in a modern bedroom and soften the feel we desire from a place of rest. The black color and sleek style would offset a clean lined space that was chef’s kiss!
These stunning book cases are what I consider a classic modern style with clean lines. The items inside the cabinet are mostly modern pieces consisting of storage boxes, sculptural vases, books and bowls. However, the replica antique mirror and artwork create a stunning arrangement.
Finally, this image from McGee & Co illustrates with perfection how antiques and modern decor can cohabitate with pristine style and class. It gives a very old money vibe, don’t you think?
The antique feel of the flooring and vintage vessel, mixed with the modern table and lamp is breathtaking. The modern brings relevancy to the antique elements, and the vintage gives staying power to the newer, modern pieces.
If you’re downsizing, upsizing, restyling or simply starting out, you can mix antiques with modern decor! The result is a room with personality and flair; a room that lives outside the box!
