Antiques have never been so chic. The rising 2023 decor trend of mixing antiques and modern furniture is one to watch if you love spaces that have one foot in the past and one in the present! A perfect balance of old and new, this trend asks us to incorporate a select few pieces of authentic antique, vintage, or antique-look furniture into our modern homes to create eclectic and unique rooms that are peppered with pieces of our own family history. What’s not to love about that?
Is it vintage or is it antique?
To be considered a genuine antique, an object must be 100 years old or older. Vintage—which just means “of age”—is typically considered to pertain to items 20 years old or older. Vintage and antique furniture have been trending for a while and show no signs of slowing down in 2023, which is good news to those of us with heirloom furniture pieces.
Why is antique furniture trending?
Traditional design styles have been trending over the past several years as people search for comfort in the familiar and strive for sustainability. Instead of generic, mass-produced furniture seen in every home or apartment, antique and vintage pieces infuse Old World charm and give your space a unique look. We saw this renewed interest in antique furniture in the coastal grandmother decor trend, which incorporates select pieces into a breezy, upscale East Coast aesthetic.
If you have vintage pieces or antiques, dig them out of the attic or basement and take a look at them with a fresh eye. If you’re not lucky enough to have hand-me-down furniture from your grandparents or great-grandparents, it’s simple to recreate the look with antique-style furniture and decor.
5 Tips for Mixing Antiques with Modern Furniture
While mixing antiques into more modern spaces can be intimidating, it’s actually easy if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are a few easy, stylish ideas and tips for mixing antiques and modern furniture to create a look that’s all your own.
1. Pair a Traditional Sofa with Contemporary Accent Furniture
Chesterfield sofas are icons of traditional design. You know the classic Chesterfield look, large, rolled arms that are the same height as the back, plenty of button tufting, and they are usually upholstered in dark leather (though fabric options are available too). A certified antique style, Chesterfield sofas were first designed by the fourth Earl of Chesterfield in the mid-1700s!
Create an interesting contrast in time periods by pairing a Chesterfield sofa with more contemporary pieces like this block coffee table and boucle accent chairs. It will instantly boost your style stock.
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2. Ground Your Space with an Antique-Style Rug
Vintage and antique rug designs are another foundational 2023 decor trend. The traditional design elements found in vintage and antique (or antique-looking) rugs wonderfully ground any room. Pair your rug with more contemporary furniture, like a sleek sofa or mid-century accent chairs, for chic contrast.
3. Hang Some Antique (or Antique Style) Art
This is an easy way to dabble in the trend of mixing antique aesthetics into modern spaces. Art is easy to layer into a room and just as simple to swap out later if you decide it’s not for you. Authentic antique art can be quite pricey, but it’s easy to find replicas or antique-style wall art that brings the same vibe. Look for landscapes, still lifes, or even portrait paintings that have an antique feel. Large, ornate gold frames are the perfect finishing touch.
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4. Balance Out the Dark Wood
Antique furniture is often made of heavy wood in dark finishes, which—while lovely—can overwhelm smaller rooms. This is one reason many people shy away from antiques. It’s easy to balance out the darkness of weighty wood furniture by pairing your antiques with bright elements. For example, the dark, heavy wood antique-style dining table and chairs here are off-set by the crisp white, contemporary kitchen.
Consider putting antique style furniture in a white room or pairing with lighter furniture, like a slipcovered sofa or upholstered bed frame, to balance out the look. If your antique piece skews more red in color, pops of blue will balance it out nicely.
5. Play with Contrast Between Old and New Furniture
Push the boundaries of the trend by mixing antiques with ultra-modern furniture. For example, this tulip table is a mid-century modern design with a fantastic futuristic look. By mixing it with an antique style credenza, you get an unexpected juxtaposition. While both pieces may feel a little extreme in their aesthetic, pairing them together creates balance—much like peanut butter and jelly, oil and vinegar, or salt and pepper!
What’s Next?
Antiques are a great way to infuse your space with historic charm and make your home feel unique and full of character. If you’re ready to create your own antique room aesthetic, dig out some of those heirloom pieces—or find look-a-likes—and mix antiques and modern furniture for an aesthetic that’s all yours and thoroughly on-trend for 2023.
The 2023 decor trend of mixing antiques and modern furniture has us unearthing heirloom pieces. Discover easy ways to mix antique or antique-style furniture into more modern homes.
