This week I helped a client assemble and install a dining table. Their style goal is Mid-Century Modern and they purchased vintage Danish dining chairs from 20th Century Scandinavian. But the dining table was a new piece. A marble top with walnut legs. Both pieces work well together. Here’s how to add vintage pieces to your space.
Vintage versus antique
I’m not an antique expert. But if my clients are interested in antiques, I can signpost them to reputable dealers. I also help them select the right piece for their interior design style.
Antiques come in a range of styles or periods from Queen Anne to Art Deco. So, it’s best to work with a specialist to ensure your piece is authentic and has provenance. Provenance is a recorded history of the piece which gives you peace of mind that the item is significant and has value.
Whereas something that is vintage is usually more recent. The word retro is also used to describe these pieces. From my experience vintage pieces are no older than the 1950s. Anything older than this I would consider an antique.
So think of pieces from the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) period as well as post Modern, so from the 1980s onwards.
Knowing your interior style goal
Knowing your interior style goal is important in selecting the right antique or vintage pieces. For example, for my own apartment there were some Industrial elements to the interior style goal so I chose a vintage red industrial pendant for my dining zone.
If for example your interior style goal is Luxe then you could incorporate Art Deco pieces into your selection for a unique look.
Similarly if your interior style goal is Scandinavian or Mid-Century Modern you could add authentic Mid-Century Modern pieces.
Budget for vintage or antique pieces
Of course budget is a consideration when thinking about how to add vintage or antique pieces to your space for a unique look.
So, first step is to do your research. Doing the research will give you a good idea of what certain items cost and then you can set your budget.
For example my vintage industrial lamp was $160 but I had to spend another $200 getting it wired and installed. Admittedly I felt this was expensive and I could have bought a replica piece for less but I wanted an original for that historical authentic aesthetic.
You can only spend what your budget allows but there will be something you can buy from a sculptural piece to tableware that will give you space a unique look. It doesn’t have to be a piece of furniture.what
Other vintage pieces I own include a 1940s hat box, with an old P&O cruise name label on it with the original lining. I also bought a 200 old cutlery tray that I use in my kitchen to store olive oil, salt and pepper grinders etc.
I love these touches, they add warmth, soul and interest to my apartment and help in telling my own story through interior design. To add vintage or antique pieces to your space for a unique look may not be as easy as shopping in Kmart but it’s definitely more interesting.
