Antique and contemporary furniture each bring unique design elements into your home. Rather than tossing out antique pieces or only purchasing matching pieces when you invest in new furniture, you can blend old and new. Use the following guide to combine the two styles into an interior design you’ll love.

How to Use Old & New Furniture Together

1. Establish a Focal Piece

A strong focal point lets you organize other pieces around it. For example, pair a large antique coffee table with sleek, modern chairs or accent an ornamental sofa with a glass-top coffee table. You can also use a large, modern art piece or chandelier to draw attention from more minimalistic, varying furniture. 

2. Scale Seating 

If you purchase a small ladderback chair and place it next to a heavy, mid-century loveseat, the unbalance will create a stylistic clash. It’s best to purchase furniture of the same height and relative width for a cohesive design.

3. Choose a Theme

Themes make it easier to blend furniture styles since they all relate to a reference point. A large, modern, leather section wrapped around a marble coffee table and paired with a dark, antique wing-back chair works well within a minimalist theme. Combining woods, natural stones, and various metals on furniture and fixtures can achieve an industrial or steampunk aesthetic. Apply a theme according to the mood you want to establish in the room.

4. Focus On Accents

If pairing primary furniture colors is too tricky, focus on the accents instead. Choose furniture with wood legs and armrests or those with the same border colors. As with scale, these matching features will help the furniture feel put together despite the larger differences between pieces.

If you’re in the market for new furniture, Paradise Living Furniture & Upholstery of Lahaina, HI, has a stunning selection to explore. They’ve provided their community with sofas, living room and bedroom furniture, and home decor for over 15 years. Check out their inventory on their website, or call (808) 661-9818 to inquire about specific products.