Are you a great admirer of antique or vintage furniture but didn’t know how to incorporate these pieces along with the modern furniture in your home? You’re not alone.
What if you could include your favourite vintage, antique or even pre-loved pieces without compromising the convenience or the aesthetics of your home? Well, you’re in luck. The design gurus at IKEA have some tips to help you do just that.
Love, not money
This is the first rule when buying antiques: go with a reputed dealer and trust your gut instinct. A good dealer will ensure that you get value for money, but the crucial factor is that you should really love the piece you buy.
This is important because that piece can be part of your home for years. Of course, before you buy anything, make sure it’s in good condition, without any structural flaws.
If it’s a vintage chair you want to add to your dining set or just an odd desk, you could perhaps make some minor repairs, but major flaws are there to stay.
At the same time, remember that small scratches or chip-offs proclaim the piece as an antique; let them be.
Mix, don’t match
You can’t match everything in your living room with the one antique centrepiece you love. For example, a solid vintage oakwood cabinet is a great statement piece for the living room, but you don’t need to have only oakwood sofas – that would ruin the effect.
Instead, mix antique and contemporary furniture in a way that speaks to you and exudes a comfy ambience. IKEA has many furniture collections that take inspiration from vintage art and décor, so you can choose pieces from there.
Think out of the box
You don’t have to use an antique piece for the same function it was created for. Think out of the box, say IKEA experts.
Consider one of the most popular items, a Secretaire or Secretary – as it’s known in the US and UK. It can make a great showcase in your living room.
Meanwhile, a vintage vitrine can be as a bookshelf or to show off objets d’art.
Antiques are to be seen
Make sure you place your antique pieces, be they furniture or dinner sets, where they can be seen and appreciated. Not only would they fill up your home beautifully, but they’d also make for great conversation.
What are your favourite antique pieces and how did you use them in your home? Let us know in the comments!
