i find there is something so special about vintage and antique pieces. Their history, charm, and craftsmanship bring warmth and personality to any space. But how do you incorporate them into a modern home without it feeling cluttered or outdated? The key is balance. Here’s how to style your antique plates, vintage art, cranberry glass, linens, and decorative vases, in a fresh, effortless way. Use this as inspiration for what you already have, or to help guide you when next shopping for vintage!

Mixing Old & New for a Collected Look

The best interiors feel like they’ve evolved over time. A mix of old and new makes a home feel personal rather than overly designed. Pair your antique plates with sleek, contemporary dinnerware for an eclectic tablescape, or hang a vintage painting alongside modern prints or family photos to create a gallery wall that tells a story of you and your home.

Displaying Antique Plates with a Modern Twist

Antique plates aren’t just for the table. They make stunning wall decor. Instead of the traditional plate rack, try arranging a mix of blue-and-white china, floral patterns, or transferware in an asymmetrical layout on a plain wall. If you prefer to use them at the table, mix them with simple, modern pieces to keep the look fresh and inviting. You could layer a basic white plate with some Spode Blue & white to create a modern look that isn’t too heavy on pattern if a full dinnerset of blue & white feels a bit over whelming. If you’re not familiar with Spode, check out the classic Blue Italian range here.

Hand painted antique plates are one of my favourite items we stock in the shop, we have a wide range, mainly because I can’t resist buying them! They can also be used as trinket trays or soap dishes, instead of using something generic. Have a look at our range of antique plates here

Vintage Art: A Timeless Statement

A well-placed vintage painting or print can bring instant charm to a space. Lean a gilded-framed oil painting on a mantel for a relaxed, layered look, or pair a delicate botanical print with contemporary abstract art for a unique contrast. The key is not to overthink it. Mix frames, styles, and eras to create a look that feels effortless and reflects your taste. Botanical prints are always popular in the shop, an accessible price point for art and easy to mix with modern pieces.

A Vintage Collection from our Carlisle Shop

Adding Warmth with Vintage Cranberry Glass

There’s something about vintage cranberry glass that catches the light so beautifully. Whether it’s a small bud vase, a set of goblets, or a statement bowl, these rich pinkish-red pieces add a touch of elegance to a modern space. Style them on open shelving, a coffee table, or even as part of your dining setup for a hint of old-world glamour. I like to use my cranberry glass baskets in the shop as a sweetie tray by the till - help yourself if you are ever shopping with us!

Elevating Everyday Moments with Vintage Linens

A vintage tablecloth or set of embroidered napkins instantly makes any meal feel more special. Layer a soft, timeworn linen over a modern dining table or drape a delicate lace runner over a console for texture and depth. Don’t be afraid of small imperfections. Those signs of age are part of what makes vintage linens so beautiful.

Vintage Vases & Jugs: The Perfect Finishing Touch

Vintage ceramic jugs and glass vases are some of the easiest ways to incorporate antiques into a modern home. Fill them with fresh flowers, dried stems, or simply let them stand alone as sculptural elements. A chunky farmhouse jug can soften a minimalist space, while an Art Glass vase like the one pictured below adds elegance to a contemporary shelf.

Final thoughts…

Bringing vintage and antique pieces into your home doesn’t have to mean recreating a museum. It’s all about balance, mixing textures, eras, and styles to create a home that feels layered, inviting, and most importantly - yours. Whether it’s delicate cranberry glass, beautifully aged linens, or an antique plate collection, these pieces bring warmth and personality that can’t be replicated.

The best part? Each one has a story, and now, it’s part of yours.

Happy Styling!

How to Style Vintage & Antique Finds in a Modern Home