The best-looking rooms rarely belong to a single era. A sleek linen sofa looks better flanked by a pair of reclaimed church candles than by matching side tables from the same catalogue. The trick is knowing how to balance the old with the new so neither dominates.
Start With One Statement Piece
If you're new to mixing styles, begin with a single vintage item in an otherwise modern room. A heavy oak sideboard beneath a minimalist print creates instant tension in the best possible way. The surrounding contemporary pieces give the antique room to breathe, and the antique gives the room a sense of roots.
Match Tones, Not Periods
Forget about matching eras. Instead, connect pieces through colour temperature. Warm woods (walnut, mahogany, oak) play well with brass, amber glass, and terracotta textiles. Cool pieces — painted furniture, chrome, glass — pair with blues, greys, and white ceramics. Keep your palette consistent and even wildly different styles will sit happily together.
Use Vintage Accessories as the Connective Tissue
You don't need to fill a room with antique furniture to achieve the look. Sometimes a single shelf of old books, a stack of vintage suitcases used as a side table, or a collection of mismatched brass frames is enough. These smaller touches layer personality into a room without requiring you to commit to a heavy piece of furniture.
Don't Be Afraid of Wear
A perfectly polished antique in a brand-new room can look out of place — like a museum exhibit. Embrace the patina. Chipped enamelware, faded upholstery, foxed mirrors: these imperfections signal authenticity. They also make a room feel lived-in rather than staged, which is ultimately what most of us want from our homes.
The 70/30 Rule
A rough guideline that works well: aim for about 70% of your room to lean one direction (modern or vintage) and 30% the other. This creates a clear visual anchor while the minority pieces provide contrast and interest. Rooms that split 50/50 often feel confused. Pick a dominant mood and let the other era play a supporting role.
Where to Start Shopping
Local auction houses remain the best value for quality furniture. Online marketplaces can work for smaller items, but there's no substitute for seeing wood grain and testing a drawer in person. Car boot sales and charity shops are brilliant for accessories, ceramics, and artwork. And of course, our own collection is updated weekly with hand-picked finds from across Devon and the South West.
The most important rule? Buy what you love. Trends come and go, but a piece that genuinely appeals to you will always look right in your home.