Mixing vintage and modern pieces in interior design may seem daunting. The last thing you want is for your space to feel cluttered and claustrophobic! When it’s done well, though, bringing
vintage and modern elements together is a great way to show off your personal style and use your room to tell a story. This guide will show you how to mix vintage and modern pieces together with ease.
Select a Statement Piece
Choosing a statement piece to organize your interior design can help make sense out of chaos, acting as a focal point to give the eye a place to land immediately as people walk into the room.
This is also a great way to highlight a treasured piece, like an heirloom rug or an ornate vintage mirror. Give bold pieces like these the spotlight, and accessorize them with neutral modern
pairings.
Choose a Color Scheme
Color is a great way to unify a design scheme with a lot of moving parts. If you’re looking to combine vintage and modern pieces in your space, come up with a color scheme for your
interior design that can easily bring them together. Designer Emily Henderson points out that a color palette is also a great way to make vintage art pieces work together in the same wall
space.
Looking for inspiration? Think about the way you want your room to feel when you walk in. Try neutrals and earth tones for flexibility and a calming appearance, or a bold mix of colors and
patterns to bring your space to life.
Incorporate Accent Pieces
The right accent pieces can really tie a design scheme together, and they’re an easy way to start your vintage furniture collection without breaking the bank. These pieces are also easy to
move around to change the flow of the room, and can have a big impact – especially in a smaller space. When choosing a nightstand, consider a modern set to complement an antique
bed frame, or a Tiffany-style lamp to add some vintage inspiration.
Find Balance
Balance is a great strategy to make contrasting pieces fit together in interior design, whether you’re trying to build off of the unique colors of a specific piece or just looking to find the perfect
midcentury touch. There are three main types of balance in interior design: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
The Portuguese design studio HOMMÉS recommends finding balance by distributing vintage pieces throughout your design scheme, rather than grouping them together. You can also
consider upcycling a vintage piece to lend it a modern touch, or invest in a few accent pieces from a similar timeframe to tie everything together.
Try the 80-20 Rule
The 80-20 rule is a guideline that some designers use to easily achieve balance in an interior design. To follow the 80-20 rule, style 80% of your room with one style and 20% with another.
When mixing vintage and modern pieces, you can apply the 80-20 rule by incorporating 80% modern pieces and 20% vintage pieces in a design layout. This is an easy way to make your
vintage pieces pop!
Final Thoughts
Mixing vintage and modern pieces can be intimidating, but with the right strategies in your back pocket, this design strategy can bring a room to life. Using these tips and tricks, you can mix the
old and the new in your interior design for a space that’s uniquely you.
Annie Parnell is a writer, radio host, and audio producer based in Richmond, Virginia. She loves music, pop culture, reading, and all things outdoors.