THE ROLE OF ANTIQUES IN INTERIOR DESIGN. VINTAGE AND COLLECTIBLES ARE NOT ANTIQUES.

Antiques happen to be a much debated topic in contemporary interior design. Antique is considered any article at least 100 years old and in original condition, while true collectors dig deeper than that. Vintage and collectible objects are not antiques. Some frown upon the idea of importing the past, while others successfully incorporate historic accent pieces in their eclectic design approach. Again, the answer lies within the design concept or the client who always has the final word. However, keep in mind that there are many fake antique furniture or accessory pieces on the market, that only the trained eye can detect. It’s best to stay away from fake items, be it a plastic mirror frame imitating wood or a china cabinet stained to look aged. Honesty of expression is of the essence.

When choosing an all antique scheme, stay within a certain historic period; this is the safest route. Thus, try to understand a historic era before embarking on a shopping spree; don’t assume that the antique dealer is always informed or will easily educate you in rudimentary issues; do your homework first. By the way,  we ought to purchase items only from reputable and licensed antique dealers or registered members of antique associations.

When choosing various pieces of furniture, do consider the whole context: the space itself (volume, colour scheme, etc.), lighting, rugs, paintings, art pieces and accessories or bibelot. The idea is to marry function (practicality) with style (aesthetics).  

The logical or advisable approaches in incorporating antiques in interior design are essentially four:

1. An all antique scheme within a historic building.
2. An eclectic scheme within a historic building.
3. A contemporary scheme within a historic building.
4. An eclectic scheme within a contemporary building.

Regardless the route selected, we should strive to be consistent, aesthetically pleasing,  interesting, and of course functional. So the space will have a vibrancy and appeal that makes it enjoyable and memorable. And worth the investment as antiques can be very expensive, depending on the individual piece or the historic period.

Old furniture making tended to emphasize craftsmanship and detail, while today, mass production emphasizes simplicity of line and ease of assembly for the D.I.Y. aficionados (See IKEA and others). In the last, laminate and wood veneer prevails, bringing costs down.

Victorian, Georgian, Regency or Arts and Crafts? Alternatively, do we wish to mix an old lithograph map, an early phonograph, a candlestick or wood crank phone and an old wood camera with bellows, along with newer furniture pieces? Antique pieces can be of value and rare, when very old yet in fine and original condition, associated with limited production, a certain famed craftsman, and historic persons or events. Sources of antiques can be estate sales, auctions, online auctions, antique shops or even garage sales. One may also spot a treasure in a flea market. Last but not least, attend some of the largest annual antique fairs, if you’re serious about antiques.

Considering the role of antiques in interior design, we may surmise that indeed, antiques can still be relevant today. As there are creative ways to incorporate antiques into our contemporary lifestyle.

Wikimedia Commons (2016).

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