Looking for antique furniture decor ideas that go beyond putting a vase on an old dresser? Ornate mirrors, little writing desks and cabinets full of favorite things give you plenty to work with.
These pictures mix decorated rooms with individual pieces worth taking a closer look at.
You can keep things simple or go all out with carved details.
Antique Furniture Ideas for Your Home
ornate mirror and matching lamps
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous mirrored sideboard. I love the scrolling detail above the huge oval mirror.
Even the little mirrors on the cabinet doors have decorative frames!
Try a lamp at each end to follow this arrangement. The silver-colored candleholders and clear decanters give you plenty of smaller details to borrow too.
writing desk by the window
If you are looking for something simple to put together, this one is for you. Books, an open notebook and a gold-colored desk lamp dress up this slim brown desk.
Keep a little space clear at the front if you plan to write here. I especially love the curved legs.
white scrollwork and floral pillows
How pretty is this bed frame? The white finish has dark worn-looking patches along the curves, with little floral details in the center.
Pair a similarly decorative frame with pale bedding and a floral pillow. You don’t need to cover up all that lovely scrollwork with a pile of cushions.
mirrored wardrobe and tufted bench
I am obsessed with this tall mirrored wardrobe. It’s so pretty beside the white bedding, especially with that carved decoration at the top.
The little button-tufted bench at the foot of the bed is another favorite. Try pale accessories around a large brown wardrobe if you like this mostly neutral room.
a trunk with a patterned inside
The inside of this trunk may just be my favorite part. Little green sprigs cover the yellow background, with a blue-bordered picture tucked into the lid.
The dark bands and brown exterior look completely different from that cheerful lining. If you’re choosing a trunk to display open, the inside is worth a look too.
curved vanity with a pink top
If you love decorative cabinet fronts, this vanity gives you plenty of inspo. The pale curved doors have dark detailing around their edges, plus big scroll-shaped decorations on either side.
Read also: 20+ Stunning Arched Shelving Ideas That Transform Any Room
I love the pink-toned top with the gold-colored faucet. For a bathroom built around a similar piece, I’d keep the wall behind it simple.
a cabinet full of little collections
Don’t want your display cabinet to feel too formal? No problem!
This one mixes books and a white lion figure with jars, tins and a little brown bag.
The candles grouped on a tray are a pretty touch. Borrow that idea to give a few small objects their own spot on a shelf.
rocking chairs and floral prints
How cute is this porch setup? A checked seat cushion faces a floral pillow across the little round table.
I love the pink flowers repeated in the table covering and the centerpiece.
For a similar covered-porch arrangement, choose furniture suited to your outdoor conditions and try mixing checks with flowers.
a pew-style bench with curved sides
Those tall curved sides are worth a closer look. This pew-style bench has a broad back, visible scuffs and a pointed-arch detail on the end.
It isn’t shown in a finished room here, but I’d picture a similar bench in an entryway with a small patterned cushion. Leave most of the back uncovered so you can still see its shape.
pale green and little turned feet
Don’t want to go overboard with carved details? This pale green sofa gives you a simpler idea to save.
I love the low curved arms and little brown feet.
You could add a single floral cushion, but I’d happily keep the seat as uncluttered as it is here.
a narrow desk with arched shelves
This little writing desk is just too pretty not to save. The arched details above the shelves and the turned legs are my favorite parts.
Try a few books and one small ornament in the upper cabinet. The writing surface here stays mostly clear, with paper and a little seal stamp.
wavy drawers and a tall rail
I love the wavy front on this little washstand-style cabinet. The drawer, doors and lower edge all follow those gentle curves.
Read also: Best 12+ Niche Shelving Ideas You Need to See
If you wanted to style a similar piece, try a small pitcher on top and a hand towel over the upper rail. Keep the rest simple so those unusual sides can show.
a sailboat behind the sofa
Is that a model sailboat on the table behind the sofa? Such a lovely detail!
Stacks of books surround it, with checked cushions on the stools tucked underneath.
The tall secretary in the corner is pretty too. I love how its lighter brown color sits beside the almost-black table.
little drawers and craft-room collections
If you are looking for lots of little storage details, then this one is for you. Rows of labeled drawers sit below jars, decorated embroidery hoops and a pot of brushes.
The baskets and folded pieces underneath are worth copying too. Try grouping your supplies by type before filling a similar cabinet.
a chunky block-style kitchen island
This thick-topped island looks so good against the white kitchen cabinets. I especially love the turned legs and the red patterned runners nearby.
Don’t want to crowd your own island with decorations? Follow the simple arrangement here with one candle inside a tall clear holder.
round mirror and curved drawers
The oversized round mirror is my favorite part of this dressing table. It sits above a lower center section with taller rounded drawer stacks on either side.
Read also: 17+ Genius Small Home Decor Ideas That Transform Tiny Spaces
I’d leave most of the top bare, just like this. A small tray on one side would be plenty if you wanted somewhere for everyday jewelry.
blue chaise and a framed leaf
I am obsessed with this pale blue chaise. The buttoned back and scrolling brown frame are so pretty beneath that huge framed fan-shaped leaf.
Try a patterned cushion and a gray throw over one end to follow this arrangement. The pale green wall is a lovely color to save alongside the furniture.
Read also: 16+ Modern Minimalist Decor Ideas That Transform Tiny Spaces
yellow plate rack and white pitchers
Last but definitely not least, we have this pretty kitchen cupboard pairing. I love the pale yellow plate rack above the brown cabinet!
The little white pitchers lined up across the top are adorable.
Read also: 20 Open Shelf Styling Ideas With Books, Baskets and Pretty Everyday Pieces
Try displaying your plates upright and hanging a few everyday utensils underneath. The blue checked curtain is another lovely detail to borrow.
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