Tips For Antique Decorating

Do you like to collect antiques? If so, it's likely that you probably also like to display them in your home. You could probably use some tips on placement and positioning of your collectibles for the most impact. Here we will give you some helpful hints on how to decorate with antique collectibles, in any room of your house.

First, decide which of your items you actually want to display, and which you could do without seeing everyday. If you're doing a Chinese antique themed room, for example, stick with Chinese or at least Asian themed items throughout the room. Never put Chinese antiques in a French Country style room. It just doesn't work. Choose a color theme that will enhance your antiques. Deep reds, golds, and turquoise often look very good in an antique-themed room.

Choose a few of your larger pieces, like an antique table, as the focal point of your room. Smaller tables and chairs should complement the largest focal point. Don't overcrowd the room. Try to group similar items together; they have more of an impact that way. For example, if you have a collection of semi-precious stone animal carvings, it is much more appealing to display them together rather than strewn randomly about.

It's a good idea to invest in a solid antique cabinet where you can safely display your most valuable pieces safely. An antique curio cabinet would work well for your most precious collectibles. Antique sculptures can be placed on stands that are out of the heaviest traffic flow areas. Use sticky putty or tape to hold these items in place.

Your antique collectibles will look best if proper lighting is used. Use picture lighting to showcase your antique artwork from above or below. Track lighting works well to highlight items in a curio cabinet. Enhance the look of your room further by painting an accent wall to match or highlight the colors in your antiques.

Make sure that your valuable antiques are placed out of reach of small children or pets, and that they are out of the main traffic areas in your house. You might want to consider encasing extremely valuable pieces in Lucite glass, like in museums. If you want your antique room to be livable, take precautions against damage so that you can enjoy your room for years to come. You will be glad you did in the end, and you will be able to pass your antiques on to the next generation.