Transforming antique furniture for a more modern, contemporary look

The most liveable interiors are those that can’t be pinned to a specific era but can easily integrate elements of history in their home design. The desire to mix old and new can spark a modern architectural interior inside your home.

However, when decorating with antiques, you need to be careful of the balance, as the wrong approach can leave your home feeling dated and dreary. There are plenty of ways to modernise antique furniture so each piece feels characterful, timeless, and far from outdated.

Here are a few ways to modernise antique furniture

Repaint antique furniture

When you want to refresh the rooms in your home, colour is an instant gateway to making your home characterful. The same applies to your antique furniture. If you want to breathe new life into a dresser, cabinet, or old side table. Painting is a way of updating antique furniture. Alternatively, wallpapering the piece of furniture can help create depth and interest in the furniture. You don’t have to repaint the antique with bold colours. A simple wood paint can also revitalise the furniture.

Find the right balance

When it comes to mixing antiques with modern pieces, almost anything goes. But with that being said, there needs to be the right balance. Your home should be a collection of things you love and find meaningful, not a catalogue of coordinated furniture. Balance helps spread the furniture throughout the space so that the juxtaposition between old and new feels fresh without being too shabby.

Accessorise the antique contemporary pieces

The simplest way to give your antique furniture a more modern feel is to pair it with contemporary decor. When incorporating antique furniture into a space, it is essential to balance it with modern accessories and decor. This could include clean lines, such as a minimalist lamp or contemporary chairs. Contemporary modern lighting is always a great way to add balance to a room with vintage pieces. Accessorising the antiques gives the room a unique feel that feels collected, modern and evolved.

Choose a statement piece

If you are looking to create a more robust impact in your room using antique pieces. Going bold with a large-scale statement piece can be the way to go. Think antique armoire, or a vintage farm or coffee table. This is all dependent on the room. This strategy works well in a neutral space that needs a focal point or a sense of drama introduced through contrast and juxtaposition.