You know what they say, old is gold. That’s why when it comes to choosing furniture for your uber modern home, sometimes matching a few classical furniture pieces with modern furniture pieces can up your decor game to a whole new level.
There are many reasons to love classical furniture pieces but the most important reason is, they’re timeless! Often inspired from history, classical furniture is sure to outlive the trendiest contemporary furniture. Although it could be slightly more expensive than modern furniture, if you choose your pieces correctly, you’ll be able to put together a small collection of heirloom furniture pieces you could even pass onto the next generation!
If this is your first time exploring mid-century modern furniture and you’re confused about how to match classical furniture with your modern home, this article is for you.
Read on to learn about the top 5 classical furniture pieces that have stood the test of time and will feel right at home in your modern home.
Wingback Chairs Or Mid-Century Accent Chairs
It’s funny how the mid-century chairs have evolved over time and have gone from being utility furniture to trendy accent pieces. The wingback chair was originally invented for snuggling cozily in front of a fireplace with the ‘wings’ of the chair enveloping you. Now used more as an accent piece than a chair to keep warm, this modern turned contemporary piece might just be the modern living room furniture item you need. A classical piece or a modern piece, whichever way you look at it, one thing you can’t deny is the class a wingback chair adds to any room.
Upholstered Headboards
Give the most comfortable place in your home a regal upgrade with an upholstered headboard. A remnant of Victorian times, an upholstered headboard elevates the look of modern beds and mattresses and can look right at home with modern furniture. What we love the most about upholstered headboards (after the royal look, of course) is the added cushioning it provides that makes reading or watching TV in bed an even better experience!
Leather Club Chairs
A tres chic pick for any living room, the club chair originates from France where it was known as ‘fauteuil comfortable’ or comfortable chair. These leather chairs were often found in clubs and lounges where they would be the perfect seating for one to relax, since it’s after all, the most comfortable chair. Bring this classical piece into your modern home to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. Modern variations of the club chair come in materials such as upholstery and fabric, so if you’re trying to avoid leather furniture, there are still many ways to include this comfortable chair in your home decor.
Chesterfield Sofas
Buttoning details, low back, high arm design, the Chesterfield Sofa is the ultimate symbol of class and sophistication. A classic piece that continues to look great in the modern home, this sofa also makes a fun talking point. Legend has it that the Chesterfield Sofa was invented for Lord Philippe Stanhope, the fourth earl of Chesterfield who wanted a sofa especially made so men could sit on it without creasing their suits! We don’t know if the Chesterfield Sofa lived up to that expectation but it looks so good in the modern home, we’re just glad it was invented!
Antique Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to create an illusion of space in small apartments and add interesting decor to larger homes. No wonder mirrors have been popular since the mid-century. If you’d like to hang a mirror in your home but are confused as to which mirror would go well with your mid-century modern furniture, antique mirrors are the way to go. Not only do they serve their purpose, they also look pretty cool and will really up your interior decor game.
There is a reason the classics are called the classics and if you’re looking to redecorate your modern home with a few traditional furniture pieces, mixing and matching is the way to go. Apart from incorporating one (or all five!) of these furniture pieces into your home, here are few other rules to follow to ace the decor game. Often classical pieces make a statement all on their own so don’t let your soft furnishings overpower them. We suggest using rugs, cushions, lamp shades and so on in earthy colors like red or olive or neutral hues to keep the classic vibe. Another tip is to not go overboard with accessorizing, pick a few choice plants or candlestick holders for a clutter-free and stylish living space.
If you’re not sure if classical furniture pieces will match your current interior decor, we suggest renting furniture from furniture-rental places such as CasaOne to try out the look before you invest in it.
Got Questions?
How to make old furniture look modern?
With the clever use of decor and D.I.Y, you can easily make old furniture look modern. Adding a fresh coat of paint (maybe even in a funky color) or strategically placing cushions and decor pieces on your furniture can make it look more modern.
What is mid century modern furniture?
It usually refers to furniture from the mid-20th century that’s broadly signified by skinny peg legs on dressers and tables but with a more modern take using newer materials and methods.
Where to buy mid-century modern furniture?
There are several places both online and offline. You can also scour antique shops or second-hand sales to get your hands on these pieces. If you'd like really premium pieces, CasaOne offers mid-century modern furniture for sale with 0% APR.
Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?
Mid-century modern furniture is popular because it brings a classic sensibility into the modern home. It’s the best of both worlds and can look ultra chic whatever your decor tastes are.
How to make mid century modern furniture DIY?
It’s a little tough to make DIY mid-century modern furniture because a lot of its beauty comes from the intricacies of the craftsmanship. If you’re on a budget and want mid-century modern furniture, you can try buying it at second-hand sales or even renting it from furniture rental places such as CasaOne.