Timeless Treasures: Eight Antique Finds Always Sought After by Designers

Timeless Treasures: Eight Antique Finds Always Sought After by Designers

Bold Antique Finds Every Interior Designer Loves

Passionate southern interior designers are always on the hunt for unique antique treasures to weave into their designs, never sticking to a single furniture style. Here's what they're usually eyeing at antique stores and why these items are worth adding to your collection.

Eye-Catching Statement Seating

Why settle for generic seating when you can score captivating chairs at the local antique store?

"Antique chairs and settees, with their intriguing silhouettes or eye-catching upholstery, can instantly elevate a living room," says Maria Loveless, the founder of The L&L Design Team in Manassas, Virginia. "Whether it's a Victorian chaise lounge or a slick mid-century modern armchair, they add a dash of personality and a touch of drama."

Of course, Loveless encourages mixing antique seating with more contemporary pieces for a true collected look:

"Imagine a pair of elegantly carved antique chairs flanking a contemporary sofa, creating a lively and visually appealing space," she says.

Julie Mishler, the founder of Bon Air Studio in Richmond, Virginia, recently recovered a 200-year-old chair that she placed in her own home’s walk-in closet.

"Adding something with age to a space not only brings more dimension but also visual appeal," she says.

Gorgeous Antique Mirrors

Mirrors are easy to find a spot for in any room, whether above the mantelpiece, over a sofa, dresser, or bed, or in the stairwell. Loveless is drawn to antique mirrors for various reasons:

"Antique mirrors are not just functional; they're works of art," she says. "The aged glass, ornate frames, and rich histories they reflect literally and figuratively make them truly special."

Her preferred mirrors often boast beveled edges or signs of age, adding to their enchantment: "These imperfections enhance their charm," the designer explains.

Meanwhile, Cortney McClure, the founder of Cortney McClure Design in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, prefers antique gilt mirrors:

"They instantly infuse character, reflect light beautifully, and serve as a timeless statement piece in any room," McClure emphasizes. "A well-seasoned mirror carries a story, and I love incorporating that depth into my designs."

Useful Two-Legged Consoles

Colleen Waguespack, the founder of Colleen Waguespack Interiors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, appreciates two-legged consoles because, without back legs, they can sit flush against the wall, saving space:

"This makes them especially practical in tight spaces like foyers or dining rooms, preventing the need to accommodate baseboard depth," explains Waguespack.

She also emphasizes the minimalistic profile of these consoles: "They help reduce the overall 'legginess' of a room, such as dining tables and chairs."

Swedish Gustavian Settees

Waguespack also has a soft spot for Swedish Gustavian settees:

"I'm always drawn to the soft patina of original paint," she says, adding that she typically reupholsters these pieces in durable vinyl fabric.

"It's an elegant and functional piece perfect for a foyer or the foot of a bed," Waguespack says. "A timeless piece that blends elegance with everyday use."

Impressive Antique Lighting

Callie Windle, who runs an eponymous firm in Dallas, Texas, advises not to overlook great pieces of antique lighting:

"A good electrician can ensure your wiring is safe, so there's no reason not to consider antique chandeliers, pendants, or sconces," she says. "The patina these fixtures offer is unparalleled."

Warm Wooden Pieces

Windle also enjoys shopping for warm, wooden case goods and end tables, often reimagining their original use. "I love using old inlaid end tables or small chests as nightstands, or repurposing worn, rustic cabinets as bars in the kitchen," she says.

Dara Beitler, the founder of Dara Beitler Interiors in Potomac, Maryland, agrees, adding, "I adore a stunning antique chest of drawers reimagined as a vanity or an entryway statement piece."

Antique Commodes

Speaking of wooden furniture, commodes have been experiencing a renaissance in recent years.

"An antique commode is a graceful form of storage," says Peyton Riley, the founder of Peyton Riley Design in Dallas, Texas. "I love sourcing them for clients’ homes because I can't think of a room an antique commode wouldn't fit in."

Remember to think a bit outside the box when incorporating antique commodes: Riley enjoys converting them into vanities wherever possible.

Charming Antique Crocks

Lastly, keep an eye out for smaller decorative goods, such as antique crocks, which are a favorite of McClure’s:

"Antique crocks are incredibly versatile, serving as planters, utensil holders, or sculptural elements that add texture and charm to any space," McClure explains. "They help create that lived-in, collected feel we crave."

7 Ways to Incorporate Antiques into Your Decor, According to Designers

Interior designers often seek specific types of antique items to add unique character and timeless elegance to home decor. Here are some popular items they often look for and why they are valuable additions:

1. Lamps and Lighting Fixtures:
2. Value: Antique lamps provide a touch of sophistication and introduce an Old-World charm, creating a visually interesting space[1][2].
3. Coffee Tables and Side Tables:
4. Value: These pieces serve as the heart of a room, offering a focal point for gatherings. Antique coffee tables add a sense of history, character, and timeless appeal[1][2].
5. Sculptures and Ornaments:
6. Value: Antique statues, vases, and figurines add a touch of history, character, and timeless elegance to any room[1].
7. Quality Craftsmanship Pieces:
8. Value: Antique furniture, crafted with solid materials like wood, brass, or marble, exudes an air of exclusivity and quality[2][3].
9. Textiles:
10. Value: Antique rugs, curtains, and throw pillows provide color, texture, and warmth to a room, adding to its character[2][3].
11. Paintings and Other Artwork:
12. Value: Signed artwork by well-known artists contributes to a room's artistic and historical value while increasing its character and charm[2][3].

Why Antique Items Are Valuable Additions

1. Timeless Elegance and Character:
2. Antique items bring a sense of history, exclusivity, and individuality to a room, making it stand out from modern pieces[2][3].
3. Sustainability:
4. Buying antiques is an eco-friendly choice, as it reduces the demand for new, mass-produced goods and helps preserve historical items[1][2].
5. Investment Potential:
6. Experienced collectors might discover pieces that appreciate in value over time, making them an excellent investment[1][2].
7. Versatility in Decorating:
8. Antique items can be mixed and matched with modern pieces to create an eclectic and interesting decor[1][2].

[1] Source: "Pick up These 6 Antique Décor Pieces to Infuse Character into Your Home", HGTV[2] Source: "10 Antique Items to Collect for Decorating Your Home", Architectural Digest[3] Source: "Sustainability Through Antique Buying", Green Matters

1. Southern Living interior designers often seek out antique chairs and settees for their unique silhouettes and eye-catching upholstery, which can instantly elevate a living space (Homes, Furniture, Antiques, Home Decor Ideas).
2. Antique mirrors, with their aged glass, ornate frames, and rich histories, are not just functional but also works of art, adds visual appeal, and serve as timeless statement pieces in any room (Southernliving, Antiques, Home Decor Ideas).
3. Two-legged consoles, due to their minimalistic profile, can save space in tight areas like foyers or dining rooms and help reduce the overall 'legginess' of a room (Waguespack, Antiques, Home Decor Ideas).
4. Antique commodes are graceful forms of storage that can fit in any room and offer a versatile way to add timeless elegance and character (Riley, Antiques, Home Decor Ideas).

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