In the world of interior design, one enduring trend has emerged as a staple across styles, geographies, and scales: the thoughtful inclusion of antiques. From rare coffee table books to Depression-era glassware, professional designers are embracing vintage objects not just for their aesthetic value, but for their ability to infuse spaces with personal meaning and history.
Design editors, immersed in home interiors daily, have consistently observed that cherished antique collections often serve as focal points in well-designed rooms. These carefully curated pieces—sourced through flea markets, inherited from family members, or discovered during travels—bring character and depth that mass-produced items seldom replicate. To better understand which antique pieces are enjoying a revival, several top interior designers shared the vintage items they’re currently collecting and styling in their own homes.
Lachenal Pottery: A Sculptural Statement
Bridget Tiek, founder of TIEK BYDAY, discovered the vibrant work of 19th-century French potter Edmond Lachenal at the Paris flea market. Known for his saturated glazes and flowing Art Nouveau forms, Lachenal’s ceramics—such as a striking blue vase—serve as standalone statement pieces or group beautifully in clusters. Their sculptural elegance also makes them ideal vessels for floral arrangements.
Nantucket Baskets: A Personal Heritage
Interior designer Ariel Okin incorporates Nantucket baskets into her living room decor—a tradition rooted in her childhood memories. Originally displayed by her mother alongside blue-and-white china, the baskets now share shelf space with Okin’s collection of interior design books. For Okin, these vintage items offer not just visual interest, but a tangible link to family and creative inspiration.
Antique Benches: Quiet Witnesses to History
For Becky Shea, founder of Becky Shea Design, antique benches hold a special allure. A favorite piece from 18th-century New England serves both a functional and emotional role in her home. “A bench often sits in a place that sees a lot of life,” Shea explains. Whether handcrafted by an unknown artisan or shaped by centuries of use, such furniture adds authenticity and a sense of continuity to modern spaces.
Colorful Glassware: A Collector’s Joy
Charlotte Barnes of Charlotte Barnes Interior Design finds joy in collecting glassware that evokes personal memories. Her assortment spans generations—from her father’s school mug to vintage crystal goblets found overseas. Whether used daily or displayed as decor, each piece reflects her philosophy: meaningful items never go out of style.
Family Heirlooms: Sentimental Treasures
Regina Reaves, cofounder of R&R Interior Design, advocates for incorporating sentimental heirlooms into contemporary interiors. In her dining room, a pair of decorative plaques passed down from her mother and grandmother holds emotional significance. These vintage accessories, while modest in material value, offer irreplaceable connections to family stories and heritage.
Figurines for Every Occasion
Designer Summer Thornton uses antique figurines, china, and glassware to create themed environments for entertaining. Her eclectic collection includes hand-painted eggs and porcelain animals, which she styles to match seasonal celebrations. For Thornton, collecting enables dynamic storytelling, transforming dining tables and living spaces into ever-changing experiences.
Japanese Meiji Porcelain: A Family Legacy
Sasha Bikoff, principal of Sasha Bikoff Interior Design, inherited a collection of porcelain from Japan’s Meiji period (1868–1912) originally acquired by her grandfather. These intricate vessels, with their vibrant illustrations and craftsmanship, offer both artistic beauty and familial resonance. “They really don’t make things like this anymore,” Bikoff notes, highlighting their irreplaceable nature.
Antique Frames: Old Meets New
Autumn Oser, founder of Haldon House, specializes in pairing ornate vintage frames from the early 1900s with contemporary artwork. The contrast between aged woodwork and modern imagery creates a layered visual effect that adds sophistication and story to any space. “Frames were once part of the composition,” Oser emphasizes, noting their often-overlooked artistic value.
A Timeless Approach
Across the board, designers agree on one principle: collect what resonates personally. Whether it’s an heirloom plate, a market-found vase, or a storied bench, antiques offer more than aesthetic charm—they carry history, emotion, and soul. In an era of fast furniture and fleeting trends, these old treasures are proving themselves to be enduring anchors of timeless design.
