Using Antiques In Interior Design

Many interior designers follow the principle of layering when it comes to decorating, and with antique ornaments and furniture coming into favour in recent years, we’re looking at how to blend the old with the new and incorporate antiques into modern homes.

Decorating with antiques can quickly make your home look outdated (or like a museum) if not done carefully. So taking the time to consider the placement of each item and how it works with the rest of the room is key when using antiques in your home decor.

If you want to really transform your home and feel ready to commit to a piece that is more entwined with the architecture of the property, here are some of our favourite ways to use antiques:

Light fixtures

Vintage light fixtures are a great way to add a vintage feel to any home (and work especially well in older properties where they look right at home).

A glamourous fixture like this French style chandelier would look beautiful above the table in a formal dining room, or these Victorian double wall lamps would be great in a high walled living room.

When buying reclaimed lights, be sure to speak to a professional prior to installing them to rewire the fixtures and replace bulb holders and suspension chains, and have an electrician to test them and make sure they’re safe to install.

Fireplaces

Fitting an antique gothic stone fireplace can be an effective way to create an eye-catching focal point in any room of the house. And because it will blend with the overall architecture of a home, when used alongside more contemporary furniture, it can be a great way to mix different decorating styles together.

Alternatively, if you’re not ready to take the plunge and install architectural or more permanent pieces in your home, there are some other ways to use antiques to decorate your interiors:

Desks

Antique desks are a great way to incorporate vintage elements into your home. Whether you opt for a finished item like this amazing industrial mahogany table, or you have a reclaimed wooden door converted into a unique desk for your home office, an antique desk will blend seamlessly with the rest of your furniture, while still being a standout piece.

Planters

When it comes to your outdoor space, no matter how much room you have, or the style your garden and property follows, there are a huge range of antiques that are perfect for use as planters.

Filling a stone trough or reclaimed sink with plants and flowers can add a great rustic feel to a country garden. Whilst using a selection of old chimney pots in a range of sizes would work wonderfully to give a more industrial look.

For more ideas for how you could use antiques in your garden, check out our previous blog post.

West Yorkshire Architectural Antiques are specialists in genuine, high-quality interior and architectural antiques. We only sell originals - never reproductions, so you’re guaranteed to find something truly unique. Take a look at the antique furniture we currently have in stock here.