Styling Antique Furniture with Modern Pieces

There’s no secret design has evolved around mixing the old and the new. And I am here for it. There’s something beautiful about the history from old items layered with new pieces that makes any hutch, table, dresser, etc feel unique and custom but also stands the test of time. 

We recently took possession of my Nana’s china hutch and added it to our flex space. I loved this piece of furniture because of the wood tone, glass doors, storage space and endless opportunities for styling it. 

If you’ve got an antique bench or side table, keep it!! Place that new lamp, a few magazines, a throw blanket or a clean candle on it and it’ll look so timeless. You could also brighten the piece of furniture up by using white vases or book, fresh foliage, interesting candle sticks or silver/gold geometric figurines. Anything you have can work well if paired right together. Same goes for that vintage sideboard or corner shelving unit, by simply displaying white dishes or that new ceramic pitcher on it gives it new life. A few other decor items that can quickly update vintage pieces in your home include real (or faux) potted plants, trays with vases and coasters, coffee table books or new photo frames with family photos. 

Sometimes these old pieces that seem to be outdated or “ugly” are actually the best place to start when piecing together a home in a way that feels welcoming and lived in verses every thing brand new and trendy. We challenge you to find an antique piece of furniture (or use one that you already have) and apply these tips and see how it makes you feel. Our hope is that it’ll encourage the space to tell a story and share the history that comes with mixing the old with the new.