Decorating with Antiques

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Decorating with Antiques adds warmth & coziness to any space in your home. Antiques also give it that added unique charm that tells a story.

If you have been following me for a while now, you know that I love Decorating with Antiques and have a love for them. I have always been intrigued by the charm & history of antiques. Maybe it’s the stories behind them, I don’t know, but I do know that adding them into my home creates a sense of nostalgia.

Sometimes I browse an antique store and find something that just speaks to me, and I have to have it. Most times, I am very intentional when I am antiquing. But, still, I have found myself upon something so unique and beautiful that I know it would be perfect in my home. But then there are times I will see something that I think is neat or interesting and stand there looking at the antique, thinking, where can I display this, where can it go. 

Know your Antiques

It is important to know what you have. Whether you keep a list of each item or have a memory, you may want to have it insured. There are also some antiques that you may want to get appraised for insurance purposes. Contact your insurance agent if you are unsure if the antique you have on hand is worth getting insured.

Mix the old with the new

When adding antiques to your home decor, it adds interest. Adding a piece or two adds a story to your decor. Whether it be a family heirloom or an antique you found during your travels. I have inherited many family heirlooms that have been passed around my family. I find placing them throughout my house makes it stand out more than being displayed in one room. 

A Statement Piece

Do you have an antique that you just love and want to display? Then, make a statement by showcasing your home decor. However, you do not need to showcase every antique piece of furniture. Having it placed subtly is enough to add visual interest.

How to Decorate with Antiques

You want to focus on the piece itself and not the value. Will the antique work into your decor? Is it a piece that you find joy in or love? 

I find that adding antiques for visual interest can work no matter what your decor style is. Mixing textures such as linens, wood, metal, lamps, and furniture pieces will add personality to any space in your home.

While adding furniture pieces to maximize storage, it also adds warmth and charm. For example, using an antique icebox in the living room serves as an end table and also a liquor cabinet. Still, an antique & for intentional use.

Don’t limit the spaces in your home where you can add antiques. There is at least one antique in every room of my home, whether it is a family heirloom or antiques I have purchased over the years. Decorating with Antiques is a beautiful way to give your home character and unique style.

How to combine different styles with Antiques?

Decorating with antiques is an easy way to mix with other Decorating styles. For instance, when adding an antique, a magnifying glass is not only a visual statement but an excellent conversation piece. 

How do you know if an item is an antique?

Antiques are items that must be at least 100 years old to be considered an antique. Anything less than that is deemed to be vintage.

Where can I get Antiques?

Always check out your local thrift stores first. I have luck a few times and scored some great items. If you fail, you can always go to your local antique shops, but more than likely, they are retail price unless you know what you are looking for and what the value is. You may also have luck at estate sales and even online such as on eBay. I have scored a few items from eBay for reasonable prices. The bottom line is always to be on the hunt. You never know what you are going to find. Another tip I will share is if you have some antiques you want, create a list so that when you are out & about, you know exactly what to look for.

When looking for antiques, I want them to have character and a story to tell.

Here is a bonus, I am sharing 8 design tips for decorating with antiques to help you get started!

8 Design Tips for Decorating with Antiques

1. Bring in antiques to lift a room. 
2. Do not be afraid to mix decor styles with antiques.
3. Be careful about painting an antique; once painted, it is no longer an antique.
4. When it comes to restoration, leave as much of the original piece intact as possible.
5. Re-upholstering antiques if needed. 
6. Focus on the piece itself and not the value.
7. Use antiques as accent pieces for visual interest.
8. Carefully curated, so you don’t make the room dated.

Do you decorate with antiques? Let me know what’s your favorite in the comments!

If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

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