Home style should be a reflection of who you are — and sometimes that includes beloved hand-me-downs, cool flea market finds, or vintage keepsakes you can’t bear to part with. That’s part of what allows a space to showcase your individuality. The issue: You don’t want anything to stand out for the wrong reasons.
A vintage piece thrown in the middle of a mid-century modern living room will feel completely out of place. In order to thoughtfully juxtapose old and new, striking the right balance is important. If you’re not sure how to seamlessly blend sentimental or vintage pieces with more modern trends, you aren’t alone. It is possible, and it can make a home feel creative and lived-in. Follow our design tips below to learn how to incorporate the perfect mix of old and new.
Choose a color palette.
Everything in your space shouldn't be matchy-matchy — after all, the point of mixing up your pieces is to create visual interest and character, not make everything look like a stock catalog. That said, a color palette is what will keep your room from feeling chaotic and thrift shop-esque. Don’t be afraid to be bold, especially when it comes to things like throw pillows or mirror frames. (After all, those items aren’t quite the commitment of a new interior paint color or new sofa.)
Balance the use of “warm” and “cool” metals.
In your combination of old and new, consider the tone of your metals. Using multiple metal finishes — like silver, copper, gold, stainless steel and more — can add depth to your décor, without overpowering it. Warm metals are generally considered to be anything with yellow undertones, like gold, copper and brass. Cool metals are more in line with aluminum, stainless steel or any other silver metal. You can mix these, but do so intentionally, with thoughtful balance. For example, while a gilded, aged bronze may pop next to a sleek brown frame, it may totally clash with a modern gold frame.
Read More: 5 Tips for Decorating With Mixed Metals
Don’t forget to factor in the sheen of the finish in your equation, too. From matte to glossy to aged — your possibilities are endless. To avoid going overboard and creating a disjointed feeling, choose two or three metals maximum. And sometimes, you simply have to try it out in your space to see what works.
[PRO TIP: Don’t forget you can order samples of our Add A Frame selections so that you can find the perfect fit!]
Think geometrically.
Sometimes, a successful layout is less about the actual color of a mirror frame and more about the lines of the piece itself. Striking a balance between sharp angles and softer ones is often the key to mixing old and new pieces.
Believe it or not, an ornate, white plaster mirror frame can look absolutely perfect between two smaller, straight-lined walnut frames. This idea applies broadly; you simply need to think a little outside the box. The key is complementing each “shape” with a balancing act elsewhere.
Go for a gallery wall.
This is one easy way to ensure your eclectic style is showcased. Use a mix of frame styles in the same color scheme and in all different sizes. Since no one piece is the focal point, the eye easily roams from piece to piece, appreciating each in its unique beauty without singling out one mismatched piece. A gallery wall is also the perfect opportunity to tie in whatever era you need too. Did Great Aunt Barb pass down a Victorian armoire that lives in your industrial-chic space? A gallery wall is your chance to mix in a mirror frame or two that give a nod to that time period.
Whether you’re looking for a classical outline or clean, modern look, we have all your mirror needs covered. Shop our Framed Mirrors here!
A vintage piece thrown in the middle of a mid-century modern living room will feel completely out of place. In order to thoughtfully juxtapose old and new, striking the right balance is important. If you’re not sure how to seamlessly blend sentimental or vintage pieces with more modern trends, you aren’t alone. It is possible, and it can make a home feel creative and lived-in. Follow our design tips below to learn how to incorporate the perfect mix of old and new.
Choose a color palette.
Everything in your space shouldn't be matchy-matchy — after all, the point of mixing up your pieces is to create visual interest and character, not make everything look like a stock catalog. That said, a color palette is what will keep your room from feeling chaotic and thrift shop-esque. Don’t be afraid to be bold, especially when it comes to things like throw pillows or mirror frames. (After all, those items aren’t quite the commitment of a new interior paint color or new sofa.)
Balance the use of “warm” and “cool” metals.
In your combination of old and new, consider the tone of your metals. Using multiple metal finishes — like silver, copper, gold, stainless steel and more — can add depth to your décor, without overpowering it. Warm metals are generally considered to be anything with yellow undertones, like gold, copper and brass. Cool metals are more in line with aluminum, stainless steel or any other silver metal. You can mix these, but do so intentionally, with thoughtful balance. For example, while a gilded, aged bronze may pop next to a sleek brown frame, it may totally clash with a modern gold frame.
Read More: 5 Tips for Decorating With Mixed Metals
Don’t forget to factor in the sheen of the finish in your equation, too. From matte to glossy to aged — your possibilities are endless. To avoid going overboard and creating a disjointed feeling, choose two or three metals maximum. And sometimes, you simply have to try it out in your space to see what works.
[PRO TIP: Don’t forget you can order samples of our Add A Frame selections so that you can find the perfect fit!]
Think geometrically.
Sometimes, a successful layout is less about the actual color of a mirror frame and more about the lines of the piece itself. Striking a balance between sharp angles and softer ones is often the key to mixing old and new pieces.
Believe it or not, an ornate, white plaster mirror frame can look absolutely perfect between two smaller, straight-lined walnut frames. This idea applies broadly; you simply need to think a little outside the box. The key is complementing each “shape” with a balancing act elsewhere.
Go for a gallery wall.
This is one easy way to ensure your eclectic style is showcased. Use a mix of frame styles in the same color scheme and in all different sizes. Since no one piece is the focal point, the eye easily roams from piece to piece, appreciating each in its unique beauty without singling out one mismatched piece. A gallery wall is also the perfect opportunity to tie in whatever era you need too. Did Great Aunt Barb pass down a Victorian armoire that lives in your industrial-chic space? A gallery wall is your chance to mix in a mirror frame or two that give a nod to that time period.
Whether you’re looking for a classical outline or clean, modern look, we have all your mirror needs covered. Shop our Framed Mirrors here!