Using Antique Furniture to Decorate an Older Home

Modern furnishings look new and lovely, but they aren't so fitting for some older homes. Most people cannot afford the luxury of clearing out all their current furnishings at once, and replacing them immediately. Mix the modern with antique pieces to make an older home more welcoming and cozy. Create an antique decorative look, by moving old items from one room into another, and don't overlook new furniture that is made to look like antiques, called reproductions. As illustrated in a photo at left, an antique bed step-up, found at a yard sale, makes a great living room chair-side lamp table. The lamp in the photograph is an inexpensive antique reproduction, bought at JCPenny Co.

Antique is not necessarily synonymous with expense or overly ornate. Simple antiques are affordable and available at thrift stores, like the Salvation Army, estate sales, yard sales and flea markets. Antique malls, like The Brass Armadillo, with locations in Des Moines, Denver, Phoenix, Omaha, and Kansas City, can glean great finds. It's not uncommon for an interested buyer to be approached by a booth dealer, and offered free delivery or extra discounts beyond the posted prices. It can be worthwhile to bid a lower price than the tag price. You never know if the dealer is ready to bargain, and The Brass Armadillo also offers seasonal sales to mail list members.

Keep in mind that antique furniture is not flawless. It is old and worn and used. The definition of antique is an item that is at least one hundred years old. Chances are that it will look that way. Flaws, nicks, stains, and wear are often the charm of antique furnishings.

Impulses to repair, refinish, or repaint, should be done with the knowledge that alterations and repairs may affect the resale value of the furniture. If this is not a concern, let creative juices flow and redecorate the antique furniture at will. If maintaining the resale value is important, seek advice from a professional before restoring antique furniture. However, don't rush to change an antique. Place it into the spot where it will decorate your home, and observe it for a few weeks. Very often, after such time elapses, it's realized that the antique furniture's original condition is a most charming addition to the home's antique decorative look, without alterations.

Just a few antiques mixed with the modern furnishing can make a big difference in the antique home decoration theme. As illustrated in a photo at left, instead of totally replacing your dining table set, move even pairs of chairs away from the table, replacing them with mismatched antique chairs. Keep the other chairs on-hand for occasional extra seating needs. Blending the old with the new is an easy way to create a cozy look with antique decoration in an older home, without breaking the bank.