5 tips for buying timeless furniture which won't go out of style
When investing in furniture it’s really common to worry that what you like now might change in a few years. Interior design trends come and go quickly, and not only is it expensive to change our furniture regularly but it’s not sustainable.
I’ve put together 5 tips which will help you choose timeless furniture with confidence.
Use trends in small doses
Just like in fashion, trends come and go in the world of interiors. The best way to introduce a trend to your home is to use it in things that are easily changeable; like wall art, cushions and accessories.
Maximalism is a really popular trend right now, but you can introduce this to your home without committing to it for the long run. If you want to introduce some maximalism, instead of buying an armchair which is upholstered in a bold pattern, use that pattern with cushions or a throw which you can swap out when the trend inevitably moves on.
Pattern and trends have been introduced through soft furnishings.
Go for classic pieces of furniture
Classic furniture will never go out of style, I am a huge fan of mid century modern furniture which is timeless.
The simple and clean lines are unfussy - and for this reason mid century modern furniture also mixes well with other styles; Scandinavian, industrial, boho, and so on. So while you update other parts of your home, mid century modern furniture will always fit in well with evolving trends.
This industrial meets mid-century modern sideboard from my living room project mixes well with other design styles.
Use neutral colours and patterns
If you want a piece of furniture to stand the test of time, then go for neutral colours and patterns. Cream, white and grey are safe options for furniture and will always work because they’re neutral and can be easily mixed with other colours. Or if you want to introduce some colour, then navy and dark green will never go out of style.
If you do want to use patterns, look at subtle and timeless patterns like checks and stripes. Bold colours, animal and geometric patterns are best kept to accessories that can easily be changed.
White and grey furniture provide a neutral backdrop which can be mixed with other styles and colours.
Mix old and new
This is a great tip for keeping your home looking timeless, and I’m a huge fan of mixing old with new pieces. Having a combination of vintage and new in your home not only looks really stylish, but it doesn’t tie your style to one specific era.
Mixing old and new also creates a sense that your space and style has evolved over time, and you can achieve this by pairing vintage pieces or styles like rugs, curtains and wallpapers - with more modern furniture, art and colours.
Lisa Dawson’s home is a masterclass in mixing old with new. Check out the vintage rug, dining chairs and table against the fireplace decor and the lighting and art.
Focus on quality and buy antique
If you are looking for timeless furniture then an antique will always be a winner, because by definition it’s lasted the test of time. Antique replicas are often created with a modern spin which isn’t what we’re looking for (as the modern spin will go out of style) - we’re looking for real antique furniture which is as close to original as possible.
Of course this isn’t so easy to do on a budget, but remember that antiques are likely to be of excellent quality and should outlast a cheaper alternative. You can often find incredible deals at auctions, and online like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
On the left: a Chesterfield style sofa with a modern spin, which will likely go out of style. On the right: a timeless antique Chesterfield sofa.
I will finish this blog by saying, as always, that the most important thing is that you love what’s in your home. No one should be a slave to any interior design rules, and if you’ll always love it then it’s timeless to you. You do you boo.
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