What Makes an Antique Antique?
How old is an antique, really? While technically an antique is anything over 100 years old, the true magic lies in the story each piece tells. When styling interiors, the focus is less on strict definitions and more on the character and charm that older pieces bring to an interior. Antiques, whether heirlooms or carefully chosen market finds, add authenticity and depth when blended thoughtfully with contemporary pieces. The key to incorporating them successfully is balancing timeworn details with newer pieces to create a harmonious, stylish interior that feels both timeless and lived-in.
Birdie Fortescue on Styling Antiques
“I always recommend incorporating antiques where possible in a modern interior as it adds a sense of longevity and character to a space. To help you choose, you need to make sure the piece ‘speaks’ to you - whether for its looks or practicality or perhaps it is a family heirloom and holds a special meaning. The antiques most suited to a modern interior are the simpler pieces with clean lines without ornate or fussy detail. Choose both polished wood with characterful patinas and painted finishes - a combination of the two will add interest and character. Equally mix the periods - for example an 18th century commode with a Mid Century brass antique table will look very stylish and lift a room. Sticking to pieces from the same period can look boring by comparison”
Start with a Foundation
Every well-styled room begins with a strong foundation, often established through a rug. Whether opting for an antique Art Deco rug or a bold contemporary design such as our Rhombus Rug, a rug helps to anchor the room and define the colour palette. Rugs can set the mood of a scheme, whether the goal is a cosy, inviting feel or a striking statement. For full colour - anchor your scheme with our Villa Jute Rug, or for more of a neutral floor covering why not try our Cucito Stitched Jute Rug? Handcrafted from natural jute fibres, this hard wearing rug is as practical as it is stylish.
Once you have chosen your floor covering, layering in complementary soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and additional rugs introduces depth, texture, and warmth. Soft furnishings not only add comfort but also help bridge the gap between antique and contemporary pieces, ensuring the overall scheme feels cohesive and well thought out.
Mix Old and New
Successfully incorporating antiques relies on embracing contrast and mixing them with contemporary pieces. This creates an interior that feels dynamic and interesting rather than overly traditional or harshly modern. Antique lamps, family heirlooms, provincial furniture, and personal ornaments can be paired with sleek modern lighting, bold rugs, and vibrant cushions to achieve a layered, eclectic look.
When blending different styles, balance is key - an ornate antique mirror might pair beautifully with a clean-lined modern console table, while a contemporary lamp such as our Goes Anywhere Table Lamp can offset the look of a vintage armchair. Thoughtfully curating the mix of old and new results in a room that tells a story and reflects individuality.
Styling Art with Antiques
A well-planned gallery wall can dramatically transform a room, bringing a contemporary feel which provides a fun contrast to luxury antique furniture. One approach is to rotate artwork seasonally, refreshing the arrangement and maintaining an evolving aesthetic. Mixing different styles of art, and mixing them with your furniture and antique home accessories creates an intriguing contrast, but maintaining a cohesive colour palette ensures a unified scheme. You can explore our latest collection of art in The Gallery, our online collection of beautiful artworks, from Rosemary Worlsey’s sculptural forms to stunning abstract paintings by Claire Oxley.
Personalising Thoughtfully
A home should reflect its inhabitants’ personalities and experiences, making the display of treasured family heirlooms, collected objects, and meaningful art essential. These items help tell a story and add authenticity to an interior, offering a playful talking point for guests - where did you get that antique vase from? When paired with functional yet stylish accessories such as our Handwoven Rattan Tray, statement Plaited Woven Wastepaper Basket, and bold lighting, the result is an interior that feels curated rather than cluttered. Style with intention - carefully chosen accessories and smart placement keep things tasteful, not chaotic, creating a home that’s both chic and effortless.
Styling Antique upholstery
Layering soft furnishings onto antique upholstery creates a rich, inviting aesthetic that blends heritage with contemporary comfort. A French 1970s upholstered armchair can be elevated with a Shisho Velvet Embroidered Cushion, adding a touch of luxury. For a more structured look, a pair of French 1960s Upholstered Armchairs can be styled symmetrically with Tara Velvet Embroidered Cushions, bringing depth to the seating, and a Crochet Throw casually layered over one chair gives a relaxed feel. Side tables, such as our pair of French 1970s brass and marble side tables, introduce a refined contrast - perfect for your evening-in must-haves and a stylish lamp for reading.
Layer Lighting for Depth
Lighting is a fundamental element in any room, setting the tone and atmosphere. The right lighting highlights architectural features, defines zones within larger rooms, and creates a warm, inviting ambiance. Pairing antique lamp bases with contemporary lampshades brings an interesting contrast to the decoration. Alternatively, sculptural lamps can provide a bold, artistic statement that enhances both antique and contemporary furnishings.
Layering ambient, task, and feature lighting ensures both function and style. Ambient lighting sets a relaxed evening mood, while feature lighting highlights treasures like antiques or sculptures. Task lighting keeps practical areas well-lit, such as for cooking. Refresh your dining room by pairing our Remolino Lampshade with a Beehive Ceramic Lamp on an antique console. If space allows, a Rattan Pendant Shade overhead adds drama, perfect for dinner parties. Thoughtfully placed lighting enhances antique furniture while keeping the scheme fresh and contemporary.
Final Thoughts
For those new to antiques, starting with small, meaningful pieces is the perfect way to begin. Whether it's cherished heirloom, vintage decor, or an English antique - or treasures from around the world - bring warmth, character, and authenticity to your home.When paired thoughtfully with modern elements, they add depth and uniqueness to an interior. Mixing the old with the new creates a narrative that reflects your personal style and experiences. Whether it's a French Brass and Glass 1960s Coffee Table or a Pair of Italian 1970s Chairs, these pieces infuse the room with soul. Layer them with contemporary prints to create a striking contrast, where the antique’s patina anchors the area in timeless charm, while modern touches keep it vibrant and lived-in.
Antiques Sourced by Birdie Fortescue
Birdie Fortescue is the result of Birdie's personal journey that began in London in the late 1980s. Having worked through the UK and USA for Colefax & Fowler during her 20's, Birdie went on to gain a reputation as an antiques dealer specialising in continental furniture.
In 2014 Birdie took on a Victorian warehouse in Burnham Market as a Norfolk base for her burgeoning antiques business. As the building was so large Birdie decided to transform the space into an interiors destination where antique furniture could sit alongside homeware and art.
You can read more about Birdie Fortescue here, and you can shop our latest antiques here!
