
When it comes to decorating a space, you don’t have to be a slave to trends or be tied to a specific era or decade. Combining modern and vintage decor creates a unique space that transcends time.
Think of a dainty pendant lighting hanging over a marble kitchen island. An Art Deco and mid-century artwork on a rather stark wall. How about pairing a weathered or vintage sofa with a sleek coffee table?
When it comes to combining vintage and modern decor, you can do almost anything. Keyword: almost.
Because everything still needs to be tied together. You don’t want your decor to be too shabby looking. In this post, we’re spilling the beans on how to effortlessly blend the best of both worlds.
Tips for Mixing Modern and Vintage Decor
Determine the Overall Feel of the Home
In every interior design project, setting your goal is highly crucial—it forms the foundation. Without a clear objective in mind, translating ideas into visual elements becomes a challenge.
How do you want the space to feel? Do you want a relaxed, elegant, classic, or a bit offbeat?
If you can figure out the overall feel of your home, the ideas can flow through naturally. From deciding on the color palette down to the finishing touches.
Find the Balance Between Vintage and Modern Decor

The goal is to strike a balance that celebrates both eras. This will help you introduce a harmonious and tasteful mix of both decor styles in the space. Instead of looking outdated and boring, the space feels fresh with unexpected elements.
Make sure that the decor you use is evenly spread out so they don’t feel stuck. A vintage furniture, for example, could use a sleek coffee table. It’s important to distribute the patina throughout your space so as not to feel the obvious juxtaposition between modern and vintage.
Add Raw Elements

This could be in the form of exposed brickwork and weathered walls, which also create the perfect backdrop for your design. Adding raw materials can help you achieve your desired look. It also adds to the organic feel that is expressive of modern aesthetics.
Don’t overdo it, though, or you may end up with a rather cluttered home. You want your space to feel stylish and effortless. Not chaotic.
Add Vintage Textiles

Always. If you are a beginner, this is the safest way to incorporate vintage elements into your modern design. Vintage textiles are cozy and inviting. You may go for tropical rugs, printed carpet runners, and hand-knotted carpets. Earth-toned fabrics will also balance out everything that’s going on with the carpets and rugs.
Add Vintage Accent Pieces

It doesn’t always have to be an extravagant, statement piece that will have your guests gazing like they are inside a museum (although that’s the goal!). Remember, you still want to keep the space balanced out. Don’t let the antiques dominate the design. And vice versa with modern pieces.
Pendant light fixtures over a marble kitchen island, for example, are a match made in heaven. Placing sconces on both sides of a contemporary bathroom mirror also adds to the character.
How about old quilts for your modern wall? Antique curtains and blankets?
All these accent pieces also serve a function. They are unobtrusive but will set the tone almost immediately.
Layer Textures

Texture excites the visual interest, regardless of the design of the space. To create a more comfortable atmosphere, choose organic textures. Go for leather for the sofa, linen for your throw pillowcases, wool, and faux leather. The lively patterns on rugs and plush cushions also help create an interactive and inviting space.
Use the 80/20 Rule

Here’s the ultimate tip to help you achieve the beautiful blend of modern and vintage: the 80/20 rule. Meaning, 20% vintage and 80% modern decor. But if you love antiques so much, then add more contemporary decor.
Even though it’s a rule, you have the final say on how your space will look like. So, decorate it any way you like!
Mix Styles

Now, don’t shy away from beautiful possibilities. Combine styles by adding a subtle nod to the past.
Add some vintage items inspired by Art Deco and mid-century. In terms of furniture, you can place an antique cabinet in a sleek, minimalist kitchen. The latter idea doesn’t detract from the modern aspects of interior design but creates a perfect balance.
Mix and Match Furniture Pieces

It’s all about making the most of antique pieces in a modern space. Make a lasting statement with oversized antiques, especially, in small spaces. Go for a Baroque or Art-Deco-style headboard or a plush mid-century saucer-shaped sofa. These pieces are functional and fitting for modern living.
However, there would be a lot of contrasts and juxtapositions here. But if you pick the right furniture pieces, it works beautifully. Particularly in neutral spaces that crave a focal point or unexpected drama.
Combine Form and Function
You can’t be all about form and forgo the utility of the space. Vintage pieces become heirlooms because of excellent craftsmanship. Such items are hard to find and even harder to let go. Why? Because intricate engravings and frills on wooden furniture, for example, are not seen in most modern pieces.
That said, too much vintage in a modern room will result in a confusing design. Remember that the goal is to create the right balance to achieve a cohesive look.
Repurpose

Consider repurposing vintage items. Give them a new character, a new life. If you have weathered furniture, for example, sand it down and gloss it up to highlight the details. Upcycling vintage pieces and accessories also allows you to get creative.
You can also go to a local flea market or thrift store and see what you can find. There are lots of lost and beautiful items in those places that need a new home!
FAQs
How Do You Blend Modern and Traditional Decor?
Combine clean lines, and contemporary furniture with classic pieces. You can also create an interesting contrast with neutral tones with pops of color. Try to incorporate elements like vintage rugs, eclectic artwork, or modern lighting into the space to create harmony.
If you can find vintage and modern pieces and elements that go together, you can create a unique, multi-layered space that is tailored to your taste.
How Do You Make Something Look Vintage Modern?
There are so many things you can do to achieve the perfect mix of modern and vintage in your space. You can add modern furniture pieces and elevate the scene with clean lines. Then, try mixing antiques such as vintage dishes and utensils housed on a marble shelf.
If you have solid wood surfaces, embrace the imperfections by turning them into accent features. Apply glazing to highlight the weathered textures.
These are just a few ways you can transform your space into a modern vintage. It’s a very unique design concept that is easy to achieve with the right pieces.
Can You Mix Modern and Rustic Decor?
Mixing modern and antique furniture pieces such as distressed wood dining room chairs creates a unique look. Combine contemporary, sleek furniture with natural elements such as wood and stone. For a visual feast and eclectic style, mix clean lines with warm, earthy tones.
Conclusion
Mixing vintage and modern home decor opens a lot of room for creativity. Remember to first consider how you want your space to feel when you’re in it. Nobody knows your home better than you, so design it the way you see fit. Incorporate vintage pieces and modern items you love. Let your personality shine through.
In the meantime, we hope you’ve found our tips helpful in creating a space you can’t wait to home to. If you need more tips or want to add more to our list, we would love to hear from you. Good luck!