Many antique collectors have struggled at some point in their collecting career with placing an item perfectly in their home.
Whether you happened across an excellent item at a show or expo or stumbled upon it at your regular antique dealer, we sometimes encounter happy little surprises we simply must have.
That’s why it’s almost devastating when we make our purchase, bring the piece home, and suddenly realize there’s no perfect place to put it. We want it to stand out in a good way; not because it looks out of place and awkward.
Judy’s Jewelry, the premier antique and estate jewelry of Fort Myers, provides tips to blend in antiques seamlessly with existing decor, so you will get the best results from your space.
The Power of Repetition
Sometimes we gravitate towards items with a lot of personality, but that doesn’t mean they work cohesively in the room we plan to place it in, or any room for that matter.
Eclectic items can be incorporated in certain circumstances, but we don’t recommend combining too many disparate style elements in one room. The effect, even if not readily apparent to the viewer, will create a sense of unease and overall detract from the effect you’re likely going for.
Instead, try to combine items that have at least one attribute in common. For example, if you have hardwood floors or dark-colored furniture pieces in the room, a 19th century English oak sideboard could work. This same sideboard will stick out like a sore thumb amidst bright colors and modern furnishings.
Achieve Balance
Most people don’t have enough antiques to decorate every room of their apartment or house, and that’s okay! Following our tips ensures the antiques you do have work well with the other more modern or contemporary items you have too.
When mixing pieces from different eras, however, it’s important to get the balance right. Too many contemporary items and the antique gets lost and looks out of place. Too many antiques and now we’ve upset the balance in the other direction.
Generally speaking, an 80/20 split works well to ensure the elements you do have truly shine without becoming the focal point in a negative way.
Learn Your Lines
Another subtle tip that most people won’t notice outright are the use of lines in a room.
One of the reasons we love our antiques is the unparalleled craftsmanship, intricate filigree, flourishes, and marquetry. Modern pieces tend to lack this sort of attention to detail, which is part of what makes antiques so valuable.
Mixing straight lines of modern decor with the elegant curves of classic items lets the design breathe, and creates an effect that will be pleasing to the viewer, whether they’re consciously or subconsciously.
Judy’s Jewelry
Are you looking for a great selection of antique items and estate jewelry?
Judy’s Jewelry in Fort Myers is your one-stop shop for all things antique. From vintage glassware to jewelry, from historical artifacts to antique furniture, they have it all.
Stop by the showroom today and see what catches your eye!