Shelving within the home offers endless functionality; however, shelves don’t just have to be practical. In recent years, maximalist, Art Deco, and vintage styles have resurfaced, with dark wood finishes and bold colours making a comeback in interior design trends. Antique shelves can complement these styles and offer a one-of-a-kind piece. Unlike modern shelves, antiques bring history, craftsmanship, and personality to your home.
Measure your space
The first step in finding the right shelving solution for your home is to assess the space you’re working with and take accurate measurements. It might feel like a bit of a chore, but skipping this stage can lead to the frustration of falling in love with a design, only to discover it doesn’t fit. Once you have your measurements, you can move on to choosing a style that complements your space.
Identify the right style for your home
Matching your antique shelves to your home decor (or intentionally mismatching if that’s your style) can put your stamp on your home and elevate your space. To find the perfect antique shelves for your home, firstly, look into the type of shelf that best suits the purpose you require. Whether it’s a floating shelf to hold family photos, a vintage shelving cabinet to house books, or a hanging shelf to display plants, it is essential to balance the function of decorative antique shelving with its aesthetic appeal.
Once the functionality of the antique shelves has been considered, the finish of the shelf can significantly contribute to the character of your room. Invest in furniture that is consistent with the style of your home. For a dark academia-inspired study, rich wood tones, such as mahogany or dark painted finishes, will enhance the aesthetic. In contrast, a light and airy living room is better complemented by paler woods, like oak or birch, or even antique glass shelving.
Assess quality and craftsmanship
When choosing shelves, it can be easy to settle for the cheapest option or the first ones you find. However, mass-produced options are often of poor quality and can leave your home looking mismatched. Investing in handcrafted, antique wall shelves made from high-quality materials, such as solid wood, may seem like a bigger upfront expense, but it's an investment that pays off in the long run. With their lasting quality and timeless design, antique shelves can serve you for a lifetime while adding unique character and charm to your home for years to come.
Spotting genuine antique shelves
Spotting a genuine antique piece can be challenging. An authentic antique is considered to be a piece that is over 100 years old; therefore, such pieces have distinct features to look for. These include the use of high-quality materials - often solid wood - throughout the piece, even within the interior, which is uncommon in mass-produced furniture.
Natural wear and tear on common touchpoints is another telltale aspect of antique furniture; however, it is essential to note that replica pieces may imitate this characteristic.
Handcrafted joinery that is consistent with the time period of the piece is also a key indicator. For example, antiques crafted before the 20th century often feature hand-cut dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints, or pegged connections, rather than modern screws and nails. With their craftsmanship and durability, genuine antiques are designed to last a lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment.
Final-thoughts
With your accurate measurements to hand and an idea of your preferred style, you are well prepared to start your search for antique shelves that are both practical and timeless. As centrepieces, they are guaranteed to enhance your home and spark conversation among your guests.
