6 antiques that work in modern interiors
Loved for their ability to bring character and age into a scheme, antiques have long been incorporated into interiors. While many of us may envision fine chinaware or gilt Florentine furniture in a more traditional home, it’s worth noting that many antiques also work beautifully in modern interiors.
The beauty of decorating with antiques lies in the versatility and patina they offer, reflecting the eclectic tastes of their owner. While all antiques provide a unique charm, some styles transition better into modern interiors than others, creating a harmonious contrast rather than a harsh clash.
Interior designer Ahmad AbouZanat says, ‘Incorporating antiques into modern interiors adds depth, character, and a rich sense of history. These pieces bring unique stories and cultural significance, grounding contemporary spaces with warmth and soul.’ While it may feel unfamiliar mixing eras, ‘Don’t worry about matching styles perfectly’, says Ahmad. ‘The key is to mix thoughtfully and let each piece have its moment. Antiques can soften sleek lines, introduce cultural heritage, and make your home feel more personal and collected over time.’
These are the most classic antiques that work in modern interiors, suggested by interior designers who have long decorated with them.
1. Antique mirrors
(Image credit: Vanessa Chaverri-Gratz)
Whether your scheme edges on the minimalist or the more transitional design style, an antique mirror will almost always provide the perfect contrast against a neutral wall or in a more pared-back scheme.
Ahmad says, ‘As an interior designer, I always encourage homeowners to consider incorporating a few antique pieces into their modern spaces. Antiques bring an unmatched richness through history, texture, and craftsmanship, adding soul and depth that new furniture simply can’t replicate. A vintage brass mirror in a minimalist entryway, for example, instantly creates a focal point that tells a story.’
Rebecca Hughes, Creative Director of the eponymous design studio, also decorates with mirrors as a way to bring antiques into a modern space. She says, ‘Designing with antiques and vintage pieces is about creating a dialogue between past and present. An antique mirror with its unique patina adds depth and history, opening up a space with subtle elegance.’
This Murano glass mirror is undoubtedly a statement. No matter where you hang it, it’ll elevate and contrast beautifully, particularly against a neutral color palette or beside contemporary decor.
Vintage Gilt Italian Mirror
You can’t beat a gilt vintage mirror. This oval-shaped piece is a lasting style that will bring grandeur and enduring elegance into the home, and offset more stark, modern materials and colors.
Vintage Arch-Topped Wall Mirror
This arched wall mirror is simple yet classic. It’ll bring sophistication to any wall, and its simplicity allows for all styles to be paired alongside it, whether it’s a piece of modern art or a piece of contemporary furniture.
2. Antique textiles
(Image credit: Future)
Decorating with antique textiles is one of the easiest ways to give a modern scheme character, as they pair beautifully with more neutral colors and contemporary textures.
If you want to elevate a wall with pattern and texture or give your sofa set-up some depth, an antique fabric might be just what your scheme is missing. Shauna Dennison Taylor, Creative Director at Penny Morrison, says ‘Incorporating antiques into contemporary interiors adds a layer of warmth, charm, and storytelling that simply can’t be replicated with new pieces. Whether you’re drawn to rustic patina, delicate lace, or bold prints, the key is to choose ones that tell a story.’
She explains, ‘Antique textiles, whether lace, linen, or something richly embroidered, can be incredibly impactful. Frame them to create instant artwork, drape them casually over the back of a sofa or ottoman, or hang them using elegant brass accessories for a relaxed but refined touch or the potential in a favourite vase or an unusual pottery piece as many can be easily rewired to become one-of-a-kind lamps to pair with a patterned or pleated shade for extra personality.’
3. Antique ceramics
(Image credit: Jennifer Barron Interiors)
While you might think decorating with vintage ceramics only belongs in a farmhouse kitchen, you’d be surprised to hear that displays of antique china or lusterware can provide the perfect contrast in a modern home, offsetting the starkness with character and elegance.
Even if your scheme is minimalist, it’s worth considering hunting for a stack of antique plates, a collection of bowls, or a singular vase, as they can make all the difference to a clinical kitchen, an empty dining room in need of some decor, or the walls of a hallway. Being aware of the valuable dishware styles you can shop second hand will allow you to ensure the antiques you’re collecting are not only attractive, but a wise investment that will continue to stand proudly in your home and never date.
Whether you’re creating a plate wall or simply showing off an antique vase on a shelf amongst newer tableware, these pieces can ground a more modern scheme with charm and patina. Shauna says, ‘If you don’t have much surface space, display ceramic plates and shallow bowls on the wall. A curated arrangement of antique dishes adds texture and interest to blank expanses – and it’s a clever way to enjoy fragile pieces without fear of everyday wear and tear.’
4. Ornate furniture
(Image credit: Emma Lavelle / Studio Alexandra)
Often inspiring vintage furniture trends, a staple antique style you can always rely on in practically any style of modern home is an ornate, gilded piece of furniture. These ornate gilt styles are artisanal classics that provide depth, impact, and grandeur.
Designer Laura Hammett says, ‘Antiques are the heartbeat of a layered interior. In my own home, pieces like a 19th-century French Louis Philippe commode or an English bobbin leg table bring a timeless depth that simply can’t be replicated with new furniture.’
She adds, ‘I love the interest that mixing pieces from different historical eras brings, and I like not having to stick to one look. The key is to create a balanced mix that feels cohesive rather than disjointed. I like to pair contemporary furniture with antique accessories and vice versa. For example, a modern sofa can be complemented by an antique coffee table. It’s all about contrast and harmony.’
Explaining how to mix traditional and modern design, decide on your common colors, and seek out contrasting materials, says Laura. Using a consistent colour palette can help tie different eras together. Additionally, mixing materials such as combining sleek metals with textured woods can create a layered and interesting aesthetic. The goal is to create a space that feels timeless and curated, with each piece telling its own story while contributing to the overall design narrative.’
Ali Childs, founder of Studio Alexandra, often uses ornate antique tables (pictured above). ‘We often use antique or vintage bedside tables in our interiors; they mix well with contemporary pieces and add instant character to a scheme. For styling, the key is to avoid overloading the bedside; a patterned or lacquered tray topped with a water glass and carafe, some books, and a candle is really all you need.’
5. Art Deco decor
(Image credit: Nina Farmer / Jared Kuzi)
Not all eras and styles will look right in a modern home; acknowledge your interior design style and what will work in your space. Opt for a piece of decor that coordinates in some way (this might be through color, pattern, material, or shape) or go for the opposite route and choose something intentionally contrasting.
Adam Zimmerman, Founder of Syl-Lee Antiques, says, ‘In general, from what we are seeing these days, many antiques don’t make sense in modern interiors. However, of course, there are exceptions.’ He adds, ‘I would say that Art Nouveau, 1890 to 1910, does not fit in well in modern homes because the style is too ornate and pieces usually take up a lot of space.’
However, later eras can blend well into contemporary schemes. Adam says, ‘Art Deco design from around the 1930s on the other hand tends to work well. The geometric, not-too-bulky style fits in well with modern interiors.’ A minimalist living room might do well with certain historic pieces. Adam says, ‘Not as many large tables or bedroom sets, but as accent pieces. Things like side tables, sculptures, lamps, artwork, and sometimes desks. Some designers include Eileen Gray, René Lalique and Jacques Ruhlman.’
Eileen Gray Chrome Plated Glass Top Lamp Table
Adam suggests hunting for Art Deco pieces if you’re working with a minimalist or modern interior. This abstract chrome table is a classic style designed by Eileen Gray and feels so contemporary.
Art Deco Malachite Art Glass Vase 1930
Inspired by the well-known Lalique vases, this malachite carved vase is a one-of-a-kind piece that will bring grandeur and elegance to any surface, be it a bookshelf or a coffee table.
Art Deco French Table Lamp in Pewter, 1930s
Art Deco lighting is a classic way to incorporate history into a more modern scheme. This pewter table lamp feels historic yet contemporary, a happy medium between new and old.
6. Rare books
(Image credit: Studio Alexandra)
Antiques aren’t limited to furniture and decor, in fact, seemingly simple pieces can make a modern interior feel grounded and more inviting.
Antique books can be found at thrift stores, book stores, and on vintage websites. They’re an easy yet impactful way of decorating a bookshelf idea, contrasting against newer spines with shiny jackets, an antique book with an aged exterior gives a room depth and a sense of eclecticism.
Shauna says, ‘Old books add gravitas and character to shelves and coffee tables. When scouting second-hand bookshops, look for editions with striking spines, beautiful dust jackets, or a subject matter that speaks to your interests, art, gardening, travel, or architecture all work particularly well.’
There are many antiques you should be collecting to make a modern home feel aged, eclectic, and unique. From Art Deco lighting to ornately gilded furniture, one one-of-a-kind, artisanal antique can make all the difference to an eraless scheme.
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