Have you ever considered adding vintage or historical design elements to your home but felt overwhelmed by the possibilities? Incorporating old-style furniture or art can result in a delightful home if done correctly.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to stumble into common issues that can ruin your plans. Many homeowners struggle with integrating vintage items into modern settings, often facing challenges like mismatched styles, poor proportions, or failing to consider the overall aesthetic of their space.
We want to help you navigate these challenges, so that’s why we hired Minuca Elena to reach out to 25 interior designers and ask them the following question:
What are the most common mistakes people make when trying to incorporate vintage or historical design elements, and how can they avoid them?
The insights we gathered are helpful for anyone interested in interior design and passionate about a classical style with a modern look. Whether you're an experienced decorator or if it’s your first time furnishing your home, the advice below will help you create a beautiful space that honors the past while embracing the present. Keep reading to discover the experts’ top tips!
Ashley Spencer, Casart Coverings
- One mistake is thinking that using vintage pieces in interior design requires the entire room to be a throwback in time. You can mix modern with period pieces, especially if styles are similar.
For example, for a sleek, comfortable look, pair Mid-Century furniture and accessories with a contemporary rug, or for casual elegance, pair antique barware in a modern cabinet, or flip this, like an antique armoire with mirrors or press-and-apply wallpaper and add glass shelves.
- Learn the value of vintage pieces. You can do this by studying period styles, popular designs, types of materials and finishes used, and the cost of the piece in today’s market. Buying vintage pieces is often like a treasure hunt. An unexpected item in a thrift store may be underpriced because its value is unknown. Knowing the materials of vintage items also allows you to care for them appropriately.
Buy pieces you like but if they are of high quality, they will have longevity that can even outlive some modern pieces because their construction tends to be superior. Plus, they can be passed down, particularly if they have high value. Knowing their provenance and background story can be priceless.
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A third common mistake is thinking that a vintage look can only be achieved with furniture or accessories from a previous century. Many modern-day wallpaper and décor can give a vintage look simply by the design used, for instance, a 1950s retro-inspired pattern or a classically painted mural design in a retro style.
To avoid looking like you’ve created a super-staged setting, right out of a big-box store, use vintage pieces to add character to a space. Using vintage in interior design adds charm, personality, and a sense of eccentric je ne quoi that can be fun and mixes up the expected.
Jennifer Fordham, Pembrook Interiors
Incorporating vintage items and historical design elements can be a great way to add interest and character to a space and make it your own. When adding historical or vintage items to a newer space, balance and not adding too much are key.Too many small or random items can be overwhelming, creating an interior that looks like storage.
Instead, opt for fewer, more meaningful pieces, linking the pieces to existing elements. A vintage green pitcher will feel right at home with a contemporary painting with green tones. Be selective and intentional. Bring together different elements through a common thread like color or shape.
Another common mistake we see is that the historical and vintage elements are scattered, instead of grouped for impact. Collections are more interesting and impactful when items are grouped. We also love to put vintage items to use in new ways.
We have used a collection of vintage English tea tins to store art supplies in the kitchen of family with young children. We’ve used vintage silverplated pitchers as utensil caddies in kitchens, vintage blue and white vessels for make-up brushes on a vanity, and vintage lead-free wine decanters for mouthwash in bathrooms.
Susan Serra Associates
Adding vintage or antique items to a home, whether furniture or decorative pieces can be tricky! Mixing historical eras can work beautifully or it can be a look that is confusing to the eye.
Think "less is more" when bringing vintage items into the design as fewer items will enable each piece to be more easily viewed and experienced. Fewer items will also feature each piece more clearly rather than be lost among too many items.
Look closely at the scale of vintage pieces. Too many pieces that are too small in size will create visual clutter. Fewer, larger-scale items are the way to go.
A common mistake when selecting vintage items is not to consider a piece's patina. Mixing pieces that are heavily rustic with others that have a clean and smoothly aged patina can look uncoordinated and out of place with one another.
They can be combined, but it's best to consult a design professional to work through the issues of theme, texture, color, and scale that are present when combining pieces that are significantly different from one another.
Amy Bloomer, Let Your Space Bloom
1. Designing without a vision
The ambiance of an antique store including the smell, sights, and nostalgic sensation can be very inviting and exciting. However, it’s important to resist the temptation to make impulse antique purchases. Before shopping, take the time to create a vision for the fully-designed space. This will help guide your shopping journey.
In my opinion, the most common mistakes people make when trying to incorporate vintage or historical design elements are the following:
2. Not creating a balance between the old and the new
Part of the beauty of incorporating vintage pieces is to let their unique style and aesthetic shine. You can do this by creating a balance between modern design elements and vintage aesthetics by following the 80/20 rule of interior design. For example, combine 80% modern and 20% vintage looks into the space.
3. Only focusing on high-end pieces
When it comes to vintage/antique decor, there are no rules as to which ones are the best. As long as the pieces are quality, they will always work. You may choose to splurge on certain vintage items – including vintage chairs and a vintage rug - and save on vintage artwork and other vintage-inspired decorative items.
Antique stores can be expensive and intimidating. While they may be a great source for some things, try searching for vintage art, dishes, and decor at flea markets, estate sales, and even yard sales. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the treasures you will find.
Tristan Gary Designs
A common mistake people make when incorporating vintage or historical design elements is focusing too much on individual pieces rather than the overall vibe of the space.
They might select a stunning Louie XVI sofa or an Art Deco lamp without considering how these items interact with the room’s scale, use, color palette, and existing decor.
This piecemeal approach can lead to a disjointed look that feels more like a collection of random items from an estate sale than a cohesive design plan.
To avoid the disjointed look, start with a clear vision of your desired outcome, a design plan of your will, and how each vintage element contributes to it. Consider the room’s layout, balance, and the relationship between different pieces. Ask yourself, who’s the star of the show?
Integrate new items to complement that star, ensuring they add to the overall ambiance rather than compete with each other. This holistic approach creates a more unified and visually pleasing space, whether it’s a piece of furniture or the ionic columns you desire.
Trish Khoury - Grace Interior Designs
The most common mistake people make when trying to incorporate vintage or historical design elements into a space is not being clear on what aesthetic they’re trying to achieve for the space.
Establishing an interior style goal will help you select which historical design elements to incorporate into your space.
For example, if your goal is for a Luxe style, then you could include Art Deco design elements in the space.
Similarly, if your style goal is Scandinavian, then you would consider Mid-Century Modern design elements.
The key to achieving a cohesive space with vintage or historical design elements or pieces is knowing your style, establishing a colour scheme, and ensuring that the design principle of repetition is incorporated into the space.
Having only one historical design element in your space isn’t enough to achieve cohesion. It needs to fuse with other design elements such as colour, pattern, or texture to be balanced and ensure a successful outcome.
Adding vintage or historical design elements to a space is a great way to differentiate your space and communicate your unique design story.
Ben Soreff - House to Home Organizing
Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when leaning into a vintage or historical look is to sacrifice common design sense because they are 100% loyal to a historical point of view.
Focus on the goal of creating a vintage look in your space, you still need to live with it as it is not a museum. Don't select a piece of art or furniture just because it is vintage. If the art for instance is not appropriate for a home or you simply don't love it, don't use it. Don't substitute your judgment just to be historical.
In addition to items like artwork, another area people tend to go big on is furniture. A lot of dark or big furniture may be vintage but again you need to use it in the living room and bedroom and you shouldn't let those heavy, dark items take over because they will.
Another issue has not only to do with dark wood but a certain rough look that may feel historical but isn't necessarily comfortable. You can go delicate with vintage as well as long as you think about the whole point of designing with a historical reference point.
Lastly, I would suggest that most people get so excited by vintage decor they tend to go overboard and place way too many items in their space. More isn't better. Better is better.
Adam Watson - Hollywood Mirrors
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to incorporate vintage or historical elements into their decor is overdoing it. It's easy to feel like you have to transform a space into a time capsule, but the trick is in the balance.
Mixing too many eras or loading a room with vintage pieces can make your space feel more like a museum than a home.
To avoid this, I recommend using vintage pieces as accents rather than the main focus.
Start with a neutral base for your walls and large furniture pieces and introduce vintage accents through smaller items like mirrors, artwork, or decorative pieces.
This approach not only highlights the uniqueness of each vintage item but also keeps the room feeling fresh and modern.
Additionally, always consider the condition of vintage items. It’s important to restore them where necessary to maintain functionality without compromising their historical integrity.
Remember, the goal is to complement your space with historical charm, not overwhelm it.
Andrei Vasilief - Animo Regis
The most common issue we see with incorporating vintage or historical elements is that, unless the entire design is made with them in mind, they end up feeling out of place and strange.
Historical design elements require a specific approach. Either the entire design is made to complement them, which usually means an overall historical or vintage design. Or, they can be incorporated into a contemporary design, but as centerpieces.
Usually, when people use vintage pieces, it's within a modern design, where they end up looking out of place, making everything seem a bit off. Steps need to be taken to integrate them carefully. There are a few steps that you can take, outside of having a fully vintage design, to avoid this.
It's much easier to integrate smaller pieces than larger ones. A wall art, or small decorative items, will fit in much better than a large commode. Secondly, it's much easier to integrate vintage wall art or rugs, than it is to integrate furniture. For wall art, choose a contemporary frame. If you have multiple wall art pieces, then it's ideal if they are of the same size and have the same frame. Rugs are much easier to fit in because they are located on the floor.
Sarah Macklin - Dream of Home
When you're incorporating vintage or historical design elements, such as antique furniture, into a space, always account for its size. Generally, old furniture is very large and bulky which, when used in the wrong way, can make it stand out for the wrong reasons.
The key is to put it in an equally large space that can take such a statement piece of furniture. This will help it to blend in a little more. You can also style it with minimal decor, such as a lamp or a couple of candlesticks, to avoid detracting from its beauty.
I'd also advise that you don't style it with decor items from the same period - mix it up with some modern accents to help the item blend in further.
Mateusz Klus - Artmarkt
In my experience, the most pervasive mistake is oversaturation. Many homeowners fill every corner with antiques, creating an almost museum-like atmosphere rather than a livable space. I, personally, back a curated approach, selecting few but impactful vintage pieces that truly mean something to you.
Scale and proportion often trip up even seasoned decorators. I've seen rooms dominated by outsized Victorian furniture, throwing off the entire balance. The key lies in the thoughtful mixing of sizes, allowing vintage items to complement rather than overpower the space.
Lighting is one "detail" I can't stand being overlooked in a space. I've witnessed priceless textiles fade and wood finishes warp due to improper illumination. Implementing appropriate, non-damaging (!!!) lighting is invaluable for preserving and showcasing historical treasures.
Lastly, I know many fear mixing eras, believing they must adhere to a single time period. However, I find the most captivating interiors artfully blend different historical styles with modern elements. This kind of juxtaposition creates depth, interest, and a truly personalized aesthetic that tells a unique story.
Katie Riddell
One of the mistakes that can be made when incorporating historical or vintage items is using too many similar pieces.
These pieces tend to have a lot of character. If you use just one style it can look a bit heavy or a bit ‘themey’. I suggest you mix these pieces with other styles.
Look for elements that unite them such as through colour or shape. That way, the vintage pieces will be more of a feature.
Zara O'Hare - Land of Rugs
One of the most common mistakes that I see is people forgetting about their lighting.
A lot of times, people forget to change their lighting fixtures and they’re left with harsh LED lighting from a modern fixture that can be unflattering and clashes with the décor.
The best way to avoid this problem is to research period-appropriate lighting. These include chandeliers, sconces, pendant lights, and lamps.
Try to find a light that fits an incandescent or filament bulb, as the soft light from these will complement the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Denise Supplee - Spark Rental
One flaw that comes to mind when mixing ultra-modern along with historical designs is it can create a more chaotic space. This can be very challenging when it comes time to sell the home.
Another is using cheaply made products. These can be very obvious and actually make things look shoddy and inferior.
It is a good idea to hire designers and contractors who are familiar with historical design. Trying to save money on contractors can end up costing more in the end.
Before you change any historical design, make sure it is not registered as a historical building. For instance, in the state of Pennsylvania, where I am a Realtor, there are rules and regulations that must be followed when making any changes to a building that is registered.
Allyson Waddell - Realty Hop
When adding vintage and historical design elements, homeowners need to pay attention to the following things:
- Create a climate that preserves the piece. This is important when it comes to artwork and other materials that are susceptible to different conditions. If you’re buying a piece from someone directly, ask about the best conditions for storing item. Storing a piece of art in sub-optimal conditions will wear the piece down over time.
- Some homeowners may want to restore a home to its original condition, which means removing years of other upgrades. These renovations may provide treasures underneath, but homeowners should know their own limitations. If they come across a daunting task, or suddenly unveil an unexpected problem, put down the hammer, and call in a professional.
- Older homes may have a narrow staircase in the back of the property that was dedicated for service use. This staircase is usually narrower than modern stairs, more steep, and potentially difficult to use. Consult with a professional to learn more about how you can either expand the stairs or remove them to add more space to your home.
Lindsey Jamison - Rumor Designs
Incorporating vintage elements into your home is a great way to add a little history to your home! For example, adding a vintage work table in your kitchen not only serves a purpose but it also has a story. You’ve heard the saying, “Boy if this table could talk”. Maybe, maybe not.Find out the history of your vintage piece because it’s always a great conversation starter when your guests compliment it.
Often, it’s all about the hunt! When looking for the perfect vintage piece, it’s important to keep in mind the size. Make sure it fills your space appropriately.
The best places to shop are farmhouse auctions, liquidation sales, estate sales, and antique stores. Vintage pieces can be very affordable. Pricing can change depending on where you are shopping. Online shopping is more expensive than going to antique stores and seeing first hand.
I recommend seeing the piece or element in person so you can see how you can incorporate it into your home and the overall quality of the piece. You might find another gem you can’t live without at an antique store!
Bob McCranie - Texas Pride Realty Group
I think the most important thing is to study before you ever cut, remove, or destroy anything. Learn about the era of the home, the styles that were in place at the time, and the functions these items or styles could have served.
We don't use telephone nooks or radiators much anymore but they had a historical purpose. Coal shoots and shutters may seem quaint and may need to be removed or updated, but understand their purpose, that it added to the homes and, if you can, incorporate some part of that history into the redesign.
Historic homes are priceless and once you start the demo, it's too late to understand the meanings of things. Talk to the oldest neighbors you can find. Talk to the historical society. Do research. Get blueprints and scans made.
If you're going to make changes that remove features, document them on a website or register your documents with the local library so future generations can look back and see what the property truly looked like and how it was used.
Mike Powell - Red Flag Home Inspection
Everyone loves authenticity, but when it comes to vintage or more outdated (historical) design elements, it comes with a potential for danger. As we see how our buildings and components fare over time, we learn what works and what doesn't work.
Authentic wood frame windows look amazing, but they never quite perform as well as the more modern vinyl equivalents. Vintage foundations have stood the test of time, but prior less stringent codes may not have forced the builder to use proper reinforcement or compaction of the soils prior to placement.
Now when vintage decor or components are used cosmetically to dress up a more modern structure, the best of both worlds can be achieved. It is important to be aware that many vintage building elements contain lead paint.
Lead paint was prevalent in the 1970's and once chipped or deteriorated, the paint can be ingested to cause "lead poisoning" (which affects the nervous system and has proven particularly dangerous in young children.
Asbestos is another material that may be found by those searching for vintage flair. Older textiles and flooring had asbestos due to its fire-resistant properties. Once disturbed, these particles can become airborne and lead to serious health effects.
Vintage woods and upholstery may contain formaldehyde. Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems. Mercury has been known to be found in vintage mirrors, thermometers, and lighting fixtures. If all of that is scary enough, the materials may contain pesticides or mold growth.
Kyle Shirley - Sol Vista Roofing
Some of the common mistakes we see with people incorporating vintage or historical elements are:
1. Using modern materials instead of matching original materials.It’s tempting to want to use more modern materials, often composite fibers and plastics, in place of matching original materials from the time period desired. However, the finished product can suffer, as some modern materials do not “behave” the same as the original in terms of rigidity, paintability, or flexibility.
2. Assembling with power tools or automated assemblies.
Many historical and vintage design elements were hand-cut and assembled due to necessity. It’s common in modern design to use automated assembly and power tools, but fine details and custom design elements common in past generations may not be able to be replicated that way.
3. Misunderstanding reasons behind historical and vintage design elements.
Without proper knowledge of why certain design elements were common in past generations, it can be difficult to replicate them successfully. For example, ornate crown moulding was meant to signify wealth and status, but modern crown moulding is more square and contemporary. Using modern certain crown moulding styles in an attempt to incorporate vintage design will not have the desired effect.
Bob Berriz Design
As an experienced interior designer, I see many clients make the mistake of choosing vintage pieces that don’t match the style or era of their home.
For example, art deco furniture will look out of place in a craftsman bungalow. Do research on your home’s architecture to understand what furnishings will pair well.
Proportion and scale matter. An oversized hutch will overwhelm a small kitchen, while tiny end tables will get lost in a grand living room. Seek balance.
Avoid over-restoring antique pieces. Light distressing and imperfections add character. When restoration is needed, choose high-quality materials suiting the era.
Take time finding special antique pieces that speak to you. Curate each space carefully by choosing furnishings with purpose that share a cohesive style. Your home will evolve into a place filled with memories and timeless charm.
Lee Calisti - Real Estate Bees
Determine the original architectural style and period of the home. If the home has a distinct architectural style or character, most people will wish to ensure that incorporated vintage elements align with the original era. Think cohesive and harmonious.
Intentionally introduce contrasting elements that are visually distinct and from a different era.
Justify why a contrasting or unique piece is worthy as a focal point or element to draw attention to or away from other features.
Evaluate the potential market value of an item, especially if it's a permanent part of the home or a significant piece of furniture. Consider whether it adds to the overall value of the property. This will require work on the owner’s part to get beyond just liking it.
Assess the item's historical importance. It can enhance its value if it's a significant artifact or piece of the home's original construction. Avoid fakes in a house of authenticity.
Jennifer Stephan Interiors
The biggest mistake when designing with vintage and antique pieces is maintaining a balance of old and new.
You want to make sure to keep clean lines and add in antique pieces that add dimension and texture.
This way the vintage pieces are more likely to pop or create a statement moment.
Laura Cerrano - Feng Shui Manhattan
Many Feng Shui Consultants and Dowsers believe buildings have their own spirit that gives off a persona, even when no one is occupying the space. When living in a historic home it's commonly recommended that clients retain the historic structure and craft details as much as possible as a way to show respect to the building’s spirit. Let that be with the exterior of the home, interior flooring, molding, ornamental elements, etc.
Another important component is making sure you hire experienced designers, contractors, and craftspeople who can balance modern elements and historical features. Ideally, it's encouraged to work with those who demonstrate the utmost respect and reverence for the historic home they are working on.
In Feng Shui and Dowsing, those working on a project can intentionally and unintentionally transfer their energy into the walls of a home. Their thoughts, behaviors, actions, and words can all be impactful.
An example of this was with a client of mine who was renovating their historic 100-year-old home. My client shared some of the contractors who came to work were often cursing and demonstrated rough behaviors in how they handled equipment and when addressing the areas of the home being remodeled. At one point the contractors had to create an unplanned hole through an original plaster wall. Rather than just create the hole, the energy they projected into the act of cutting a hole was one of pleasure in destroying that section of the wall.
My client was home during this situation and told me she could feel discomfort within her stomach as if she was connected to the pain of the home while it was being cut into. This was unfortunate and to help release that unwanted energy we conducted a Space Clearing and Blessing once all the remodeling work was completed.
Taking a lesson from this, by enlisting the help of contractors who are not only experts in their field but are also emotionally aware and respectful you can ensure that the renovation process goes smoothly and the home's historical integrity is maintained.
If you’re adopting vintage furniture, trinkets, artwork, or other objects into your home, pay close attention to the history of those items and the overall feeling it gives you. In the practice of Feng Shui and Geopathic Stress Dowsing, it’s believed vintage and antique items, especially antique mirrors, can carry predecessor energy. This simply means, that sometimes the historic energy of objects is good and sometimes not so much.
If you have certain items that have a questionable history, say pieces from war or other challenged eras, you may want to rethink displaying them within your house. Or, if you do display them, blend them with uplifting energetic references, such as with live plants.
You’ll also want to make sure if you bring antique or vintage furniture into your home that it’s in good condition. Or, if you plan to refurbish it, stay true to your self-promise of fixing it. In Feng Shui having many broken items strewed about can drain the positive energy of your home.
Kristina Phillips
Incorporating vintage or historical design elements is a wonderful way to add character, personality, and interest to a space. As a designer, I think that often it is these pieces that make a room sing. However, there are a few ‘rules’ that when followed, can elevate a space even more.
First, balance is key—mixing vintage with modern elements keeps the space feeling fresh and avoids it looking like a time capsule.
Second, consider scale and proportion, making sure the historical pieces don’t overpower the room.
Lastly, don’t shy away from mixing eras; the contrast can create a dynamic, layered look that tells a story. Thoughtful integration of these pieces brings depth and soul to any room.
KD Reid
A common mistake is overcrowding a space with too many vintage items. While it may be tempting to showcase numerous pieces, this can lead to visual clutter and detract from the overall aesthetic.
How to avoid: select a few key vintage pieces that resonate with you and complement each other. Aim for balance by mixing vintage items with modern furnishings to create a cohesive look. A good rule of thumb is to use one or two statement pieces in each room.
Thank you so much to all the inferior designers and home decorators that have contributed to this article! We hope that now you know what vintage designs mistakes you should avoid and what to do instead.
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