Seven tips for stylishly combining old and new pieces of furniture

1. The power of repetition

Combining styles only has an effect if you approach it with discretion. Too many different design pieces will have the opposite effect. You can avoid this by establishing a uniform colour base. Alternatively, you can repeat the same pattern or always highlight similar materials. The interior will be particularly impressive if there is at least one common feature on all antique and modern pieces each time.

2. Add a tactile stimulus with textiles

Lend your rooms a timeless elegance and the warmth of home with vintage fabrics. A curtain runner with animal motifs, a floral rug or a hand-woven Persian rug will bring an unusual accent of colour or a play of contrasts to your interior. As a harmonising counterpoint from upholstered furniture in vibrant colours, we recommend calm natural tones.

3. Large antique furniture pieces in small rooms

Would you like to make your small room feel bigger? An antique oak secretary or a plush 50-year-old sofa often works wonders. Play with the proportions of antique furniture and its classic lines to bring the charm of grandeur to a small modern room. First, place an imposing piece that will attract attention, such as a dining table made of natural wood, then let the eye slide to modern elements with a distinctive accent.

4. A salute to the past

A good place to start for combining modern and vintage styles is by focusing on a space that is furnished in a very modern way. For example, an antique wall-hung cabinet will stand out in a straightforward minimalist kitchen. Such an eye-catching object does not degrade the modern look, on the contrary, it balances the character of the room harmoniously. Pay attention to our restoration tips, upgrade worn antiques and transform them into spectacular pieces of furniture for the home in no time.

5. The 80/20 decorating rule

When combining old and new pieces of furniture, the so-called 80/20 rule will help. Unless you're an avid antique hunter or hunter, your home should be mostly modern. The remaining twenty percent doesn't have to be swallowed up by large pieces of antique furniture; it can be small accessories or decorative items such as a colourful leather-bound diary, a framed old map or your grandfather's floor clock.

6. Play with light and stops

Lamps offer an easy way to combine antique and contemporary furniture. Still stumped about combining old and new furniture? Then start with vintage lamps. A really stylish piece can be an old-fashioned ceiling or pendant lamp with Art Nouveau ornaments like from Tiffany's workshop. Just as impressive are mirrors with gilded baroque frames. They add the right amount of character to a space and also reflect light.

7. Throw away the fear of unexpected colour combinations

When it comes to combining antique and modern furniture, contrasts are the alpha and omega. When choosing colours, stick to your chosen shades, notice subtle nuances and stick to the colour base you've decided on. Choose two vibrant shades that will attract attention. An attractive combination is, for example, a colour reminiscent of a forest with blue-grey. Another option might be to choose one dominant colour tone and play with subtle nuances that make it stand out.

The combination of old and new will only work magic if you stick to the basic rule - everything in moderation! The balance must be maintained. Choose furniture and accessories in a style that is your own and matches your personality. This will create a unique look that is timeless.