Expert Tips On How To Incorporate Antiques Into Your Decor
Wondering how to incorporate antiques into your decor? Not sure where to find the best antiques? We asked an expert for his top tips
By Chere Di Boscio
Antiques are officially back — and not just because they’re beautiful.
Today’s renewed love of antiques is driven by sustainability, craftsmanship, and longevity, all qualities that modern, mass-produced furniture often lacks. But while many people love the idea of antiques, they’re often unsure where to find them or how to incorporate antiques into our home decor without their home feeling old-fashioned or cluttered.
To answer these issues, we spoke with leading antiques expert Mark Hill, who shared insight into why antiques remain timeless — and how to style them effortlessly in modern homes.
Images: frenchcountrycottage.net
Why Antiques Still Captivate Us
There’s a reason antiques continue to hold cultural and aesthetic power. According to research cited by Hill, 72% of people believe antique furniture will always be in fashion, while 62% say antiques look good in their homes regardless of how long they’ve been there.
Art Deco, in particular, has emerged as Britain’s favourite antique interior style — prized for its glamour, geometry, and ability to sit comfortably alongside modern interiors. Meanwhile, original antiques and artworks are still widely perceived as quiet status symbols, reflecting discernment rather than trend-chasing.
But beyond prestige, antiques appeal because they endure.
“Solid wood antique furniture can be restored again and again,” Hill explains. “Some pieces last hundreds of years. That kind of sustainability is rare today.”
What Actually Qualifies as an Antique?
Technically speaking, an antique is any object that is at least 100 years old. This might be a grand armoire, a Windsor chair, or a small decorative object crafted generations ago.
That said, many reputable antique fairs and auctions also feature mid-century and late-20th-century design — particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s. While these pieces may not meet the strict definition, they are highly collectible and often appreciate in value.
The Antiques Designers Are Coveting Right Now
According to Mark, some of the most sought-after antique and collectible pieces today include:
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1930s Art Deco cocktail cabinets
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1970s chaise lounges by designers such as Oscar Niemeyer
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Antique sculptures and statuary
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Original artwork
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Traditional chests of drawers and Windsor chairs
These objects transcend trends — and many come with strong resale value, making them both aesthetic and financial investments.
How to Incorporate Antiques Into Decor Like a Designer
Here below, Mark Hill shares his top 8 tips for incorporating antiques into your home interiors like a design pro. And some places to find them, too!
1. Choose Pieces That Complement Your Palette
When shopping, bring paint swatches or fabric samples. Antiques don’t need to “match,” but they should converse harmoniously with your colour story.
2. Mix Eras for a Collected Look
Pairing antiques with contemporary furniture prevents your home from feeling staged or museum-like. Contrast creates energy — and authenticity. You don’t need to clutter your home up with loads of contrasting pieces; just a few will make a statement.
3. Avoid Decorating by Decade
Too many pieces from a single era can feel overly curated, or even museum-like. Mixing periods allows each object to breathe and shine.
4. Respect Scale and Proportion
Measure carefully before purchasing. Surprisingly, a bold antique piece can make a small room feel grander when placed thoughtfully.
5. Rotate, Restyle, Reimagine
Antiques thrive on reinvention. Moving pieces between rooms keeps interiors dynamic and prevents visual fatigue.
6. Start With Smaller Statements
If you’re just learning how to incorporate antiques into decor, begin with:
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Paintings or prints
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Mirrors
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Chandeliers
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Sculptural objects
These small decor additions add instant character with minimal commitment.
7. Buy From Trusted Sources
Auctions and antique fairs are ideal for beginners. Pieces are typically vetted by experts, and authenticity is more reliable than in casual retail environments. There are some trustworthy places to shop online, too, like 1stdibs.com.
8. Appreciate the Beauty of Inherited Antiques
If you’ve inherited antiques from family members, you’re holding something truly special. These pieces carry not just historical value, but emotional resonance — something no new purchase can replicate.
Even if an item doesn’t immediately suit your space, and even if it has some imperfections, thoughtful restoration or re-styling can allow it to live beautifully in a modern context.
Final Thoughts: Timeless Style Over Trends
To incorporate antiques into decor is to choose depth over disposability.
Antiques bring permanence to a space, grounding modern homes with stories, textures, and materials that age gracefully. When styled with intention, they don’t feel old. They feel inevitable.
FAQs: Incorporating Antiques Into Decor
How can I incorporate antiques into decor without it looking dated?
Mix antiques with modern pieces, keep colour palettes cohesive, and avoid decorating entirely within one historical era. Contrast is key.
Can antiques work in modern or minimalist homes?
Absolutely. A single antique — such as a mirror, artwork, or chair — can become a striking focal point in a minimalist space.
Are antiques sustainable?
Yes. Antiques are inherently sustainable because they’re reused, repairable, and made from high-quality materials like solid wood.
What are the easiest antiques to start with?
Smaller items such as artwork, mirrors, chandeliers, and decorative objects are the simplest way to introduce antiques into your home.
Where is the best place to buy authentic antiques?
Antique fairs, certain websites and auctions are ideal for beginners, as items are typically vetted for quality and authenticity.
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