There’s a revival underway - antique brown furniture is once again taking up residence in our livingrooms, diningrooms, bedrooms and kitchens. In this latest iteration singular antiques are mixing it up with contemporary furniture creating warm and sophisticated spaces.
While scrolling through the images below you’ll see the key to making antiques work seamlessly in today’s more relaxed surroundings is to balance the room with a backdrop of white or creamy walls. Also, paired with contemporary furniture’s straight architectural lines creates a pleasing dynamic with the antique piece, which adds richness and texture of age.
The other good news is that brown wood antiques have been out of vogue for so long there are bargains to be had in flea markets and auction houses alike. As we all do our bit to preserve the environment, this furniture gains another lease on life and their value will probably start to increase too.
Georgian sideboard is juxtaposed with a contemporary dining table and leather covered dining chairs. The 2 similar leg silhouettes pull the whole look together. Design by David Kleinberg
The Chippendale-style chair sits perfectly with the Parsons desk. Design by David Kleinberg
This is a look that never gets old - antique driftwood bench, here set off against a Hunt Slonem contemporary artwork. Design by Waldo’s Designs and Clements Design in collaboration. Architectural Digest
So many of us own antique mahogany blanket chests and it looks great in this tailored navy and white bedroom. Design by Rela Gleason
A single chair is the easiest piece to place in an otherwise contemporary room - Design by Rela Gleason
Contemporary white painted twin-beds with grey flannel upholstered headboards nestle a Georgian mahogany chest of drawers between them. House & Garden Magazine - photo by Elsa Young
A soft palette of cream, burgundy and blue in the checks and stripes are all picked up in the fun pattern chair fabric - the marble topped mahogany chest stands out giving the room a relaxed ‘been here forever’ warm & cozy look. Room design by Brooklyn Decker - Architectural Digest
Antique cabinet brings a rustic note to this polished master bathroom. Room design by Brooklyn Decker - Architectural Digest
Juxtapose your early Victorian marble-topped side table with contemporary art, giving a fresh eclectic vibe. Design by Sophie Ashby - House & Garden
The booth of Bernard S. Dean Levy at the Winter Show in the Armory showcasing their antiques. Most of us wouldn’t want a room of it, but one or two choice pieces in an otherwise contemporary setting can nicely complement each other. As brown antique furniture has been out of vogue in recent years there are bargains to be had and likely as not you already own an item or two.