Antiques are more than just old objects; they are pieces of history that carry charm, craftsmanship, and character. Whether it is a worn leather trunk from the 1800s or vintage artwork with a story to tell, antiques bring a soulfulness to any space that new furnishings just cannot replicate. With years of experimenting under our belts, we’ve developed tried and true ways to integrate antique decor into your home without it feeling like a museum. Here are five of our favourite ways to do it right.

1. Create visual impact with antique focal points and gallery walls

Every room benefits from having a focal point. A large antique armoire, an ornate gilded mirror, or an oversized vintage vessel can instantly command attention. When used as the centrepiece, antiques ground the space and give it an identity.

For example, placing an antique farmhouse dining table in a modern kitchen can add warmth and contrast, blending the old with the new in a striking, unexpected way.

Gallery walls are a popular design trend, but antique artwork, photographs, and mismatched vintage frames give them a twist of timeless elegance. Mix oil paintings, vintage portraits, and old maps in ornate or distressed frames for a visually rich collection. Add in a few three-dimensional pieces to break up the monotony – we love including unexpected pieces like vintage tennis racquets, antique keys and framed flags. And of course don’t forget your lighting. Gallery walls are a perfect opportunity to use feature lighting such as our Dublin Picture Lights or Kent Spotlights.

Intriguing gallery walls work wonders in hallways, entryways, and even staircases – places that often lack personality but offer great wall real estate.

2. Blend Old and New for a Timeless, Layered Look

You do not have to go full Victorian to enjoy antiques. In fact, one of the best approaches is to blend old pieces with new ones. Think a mid-century modern chair paired with an antique Persian rug or a contemporary sofa adorned with an assortment of vintage cushions. This fusion creates depth and avoids the stiffness that sometimes comes from sticking to just one era. The key is balance: use antique brass lighting in modern silhouettes to highlight minimalist artwork, or pair a modern lamp and decor with an antique console table. The contrast allows each piece to shine without overwhelming the space.

3. Repurpose antiques with style and function

Antiques can be incredibly versatile, and styling with these pieces does not need to be limited to the purpose they once served. That weathered steamer trunk? It makes a perfect coffee table with hidden storage. An old wooden ladder becomes a rustic towel rack in the bathroom or a charming plant stand in the living room. And of course, who can forget our most favourite way to repurpose antiques? A curated collection of antique storage vessels (inkwells, pickling jars, condiment containers, the list goes on and on) are guaranteed to lift your styling game and give your shelves interest that new pieces never could. By giving antique pieces new purpose, you preserve their beauty while making them functional for everyday life – sustainable decor at its finest.

4. Add antique charm to unexpected spaces

Do not limit your antique pieces to living areas - weave them into the decor in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and mudrooms. Adding personality where it is least expected not only creates interest for the eye, it also lifts the overall cohesiveness of your home. We love incorporating a vintage hutch in the kitchen to display crockery and glassware. Another favourite is a converted antique vanity in the powder room. 

Of course, these touches can be on a much smaller scale and still offer a huge impact – a gilded mirror with antiqued glass, vintage canisters to store everyday items or simply a well-worn basket on display will suffice to add interest. These surprising touches elevate everyday spaces and give your home a curated, collected-over-time feel.

5. Soften modern spaces with antique warmth and texture

If only we had a dollar for every time we hear customers fret that their spaces are too modern or contemporary to weave in antiques (despite their admission that they love them!). We’re gonna go out on a limb here and say, there is no such thing as a design aesthetic that can’t accommodate antiques! Just because we have a Wovenwood way of weaving them into our vignettes does not mean this has to be your way of using them. 

So, where to start? Unless you’re actually going for the “no one actually lives here, we just like our living space to be stone cold with clean lines and nothing that humans actually want to interact with, let alone sit on” look, we've got you. Modern interiors often emphasise clean lines and minimalism, but they can oftentimes feel cold or impersonal. Antiques are the perfect remedy. A worn wooden bench can still offer clean lines and minimalsim but instantly adds warmth and texture. A 100+ year old Shanxi pot is a perfect antique for modern spaces - it’s high gloss black glaze is innately modern but the irregular shapes, sizes and patina bring a level of interest to the eye for any modern vignette. Most importantly, touches of antique decor make modern spaces feel more grounded and welcoming. Even just one or two vintage items can soften the sharpness of a contemporary space.

A final note

Antiques are not just about nostalgia; they are about storytelling. Each piece adds character and richness to your space, making it feel uniquely yours – telling your story. Whether you are an avid collector or a casual peruser, integrating antique decor into your home is a beautiful way to blend history with modern living. So next time you see that weathered piece at a flea market or consider an inherited vintage treasure you have in your garage, do not just admire it; make it part of your home's evolving story. And if you're on the hunt for something truly special, our Found collection is full of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, ready to bring warmth and soul to your space.