At one time in my past, sleek contemporary lines and simple, uncluttered decorating attracted me.  A straight backed sofa with squared arms the same height as the back, a straight lined glass and brass sofa table and a similar coffee table, as well as a rectangular dining table with straight rectangular legs defined our main living area in the first house my husband and I bought.  Then I fell in love and bought an antique European china hutch with curved accents, including a marble top, floral carvings on two bottom doors and beveled leaded glass on the two top cabinet doors.  That started my blended furniture family and over the years it continued to grow as a mix of old and new furniture became our norm.

Mix It Up

A mix of old and contemporary pieces give a room a distinct, layered, and interesting look.  Although there are no hard and fast rules, the old and new pieces need to be paired thoughtfully in order to avoid a cluttered, uncomfortable or disjointed room.  It helps to decide if you want a room of antiques highlighted with contemporary accents or a modern room warmed with antique pieces.

Photo bhg.com.

Opposites attract in this bedroom!  An old, ornate, and traditional headboard is painted glossy black and paired with a sleek, contemporary, white  nightstand.  Both items are tied together with the black and white paisley wallpaper.

Photo southernliving.com.

Antique cane backed chairs work with contemporary, modified parson dining chairs to create an inviting dining space.

Photo shelterpop.com.

An antique console table topped with a traditional sculpture is paired with modern art and a surprising pop of hot pink (left) while old, reclaimed flooring in the hallway works with a contemporary light sculpture and contemporary framed art.

Photo bhg.com.

A traditional wing back chair provides an interesting counterpoint to the contemporary glass desk and sleek, modern shelving.

Photo myhomeideas.com.

An antique desk works in concert with a very modern mirror.

How Do You Put Them Together?

Do antiques and contemporary furnishings live together in your home?  How have you mixed an old chair with a modern floor lamp?  What about and antique coffee table with a sectional?  Have you hung a flat screen TV over an antique console?  How have you created a blended furnishing family in your home – or have you?  Perhaps you prefer showcasing a single style versus a mixed style.  Chime in with your input by clicking the Comment link below.  As always, I’d love to hear from you.

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