Essential Tips for Mixing Modern & Antique Furniture
Although there are many types of furniture that you can choose for your home, there’s no rule that says you have to stick to one era or style. In fact, mixing two different types of furniture can create an interesting and unique look in any room. If you do it right, it won’t make your space feel overly eclectic.
For example, mixing modern and antique furniture pieces can help you introduce a unique contrast to your space using various textures, shapes, and styles, all while maintaining a visually intriguing sense of balance. To mix modern and antique furniture in such a way successfully, the following are some essential tips.
Top 7 Things to Consider
Before you begin purchasing antique and contemporary furniture pieces to combine in your home, be sure to consider the following to ensure a successful mix:
- Harness the power of repetition: Repetition is essential when decorating a space, especially if you are mixing two different styles. Choose one element and repeat it throughout the room to anchor the look and make it feel cohesive. For example, a more ornate antique piece can work cohesively with a more minimal modern piece if they both share the same colour or texture.
- Add touchable dimension with textiles: Textiles, such as rugs, pillows or throws, are great for adding warmth, colour, and contrast. They can also help unite two different styles by introducing a common texture, pattern, or colour to the space.
- Use oversized antiques in smaller spaces: If you are decorating a smaller space, don’t be afraid to choose oversized antique furniture pieces. Doing so can help you create a focal point and add depth to the room without overcrowding it. Instead, you’ll add a sense of grandeur that will make the space feel bigger than it is.
- Insert a subtle nod to the past: If you’re looking for a place in your home to start combining modern and antique furnishing, consider an area that currently has a more contemporary aesthetic. Then, introduce a single piece of antique furniture to subtly add a hint of the past. This can be as simple as adding an antique side table or chair to create interest and contrast. Doing so ensures that you don’t take away from the existing aesthetic while still maintaining a visual balance.
- Use the 80/20 rule of decorating: Unless you want to invest in a lot of antique pieces, the 80/20 rule is a good way to keep your space from becoming too eclectic. This rule states that 80 percent of the room should be decorated with more modern pieces, while 20 percent of the look should be made up of antique furniture. This allows you to keep things balanced and cohesive without having too many competing elements.
- Play with lighting and reflection: One of the easiest ways to add antique elements to a contemporary space is by introducing vintage light fixtures and mirrors. Installing a beautiful antique light fixture or mirror can instantly add an old-world charm to any room without feeling overwhelming.
- Don’t shy away from unexpected colour combinations: One of the best things about mixing modern and antique furniture in a room is that you can create unexpected colour combinations. For example, combining a bright red antique armchair with a modern grey sofa can add visual interest without feeling overly eclectic. Just be sure to keep the space balanced by repeating other elements, such as textures or patterns.
How to Make Antique Furniture Look Modern
Another way to create a balanced aesthetic using both antique and modern furniture is to invest in antique furniture and then make it look more modern so that it blends with the existing aesthetic. The following are a few ways that you can do this:
- Have Furniture Professionally Reupholstered: Reupholstering antique furniture in more modern fabrics is a great way to update the look. Doing so will allow you to retain the vintage charm of the piece while updating it with a more contemporary feel. Choose fabrics that complement the colour palette of your room, or opt for neutral shades to ensure a cohesive look.
- Mix Modern Artwork with Antique Furniture: Artwork is a great way to instantly bring modernity to any room. Hang modern artwork, such as illustrations or photographs, on the walls above antique furniture to create a visual contrast. This will help add interest to the space and make it feel more cohesive.
- Make An Antique Rug Look New Again with Modern Furniture: Layering a vintage rug with modern furniture can help add texture and depth to your space. Consider choosing a colourful, patterned antique rug that will stand out against the more minimal furniture to create a sense of contrast. Doing so will add life and interest to any room.
- Add In Lucite or Mirrored Accents: Lucite and mirrored accents are great for adding a modern touch to any space. Consider adding mirrored side tables, Lucite chairs, or even a vintage trunk with a mirrored top to instantly bring your space up to date. Doing so will ensure that the space doesn’t feel too static and can help create a visually balanced look.
Get All Types of High-Quality Furniture at Carrocel
If you’re looking for the perfect pieces to mix modern and antique furniture in your home, look no further than Carrocel – furniture store Toronto. We carry an extensive selection of high-quality furniture from both contemporary and vintage eras, so you can find the right pieces to help create a unique and balanced space. From mid-century modern armchairs to Victorian-era desks, we have something for everyone.
Contact us online or call us at 416-999-2525 for more information about our Toronto showroom.
Modern Walnut Office Desk
Rich dark espresso finish colour- Antiqued brass hardware and matching grommets
- Modern Walnut Office Desk
Louis XVI Style Sofa in Indigo Navy Blue Fabric
Floral carvings and details- Thick cushion upholstery work
- Louis XVI Style Sofa in Indigo Navy Blue Fabric
Modern Sculpted Curved Glass Coffee Table
Constructed and moulded from glass- Unique curved modern design
- Modern Sculpted Curved Glass Coffee Table
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