Vintage ceramics are not to be overlooked as home decor. They add charm and personality that cannot be matched by modern pieces. If you’re a skilled second-hand shopper, you should also be able to save a few bucks by opting for vintage accouterments and leaving brand new pieces on retail store shelves. All of these benefits of vintage ceramic works make it a smart choice. However, there’s a secret to using these pieces as decoration that’ll help you get the most out of them. Pair vintage with newer ceramics that feature a more modern look.

Mixing and matching the old with the new will give your display a modern touch while still allowing the charm of those vintage artworks to shine through. Unfortunately, it’s easy for a collection of all vintage ceramics to make your overall interior design scheme look dated. As a result, adding a few modern pieces into the mix is the best way to decorate with pottery in your home. Consider playing with color and shape, too. Vintage ceramics often feature vibrant colors and unique shapes that are hard to find in modern pieces. Take full advantage of this for extra visual appeal. After you’ve nailed the right balance of old and new pottery, you’ll have the perfect ceramic art display in your home.

When using vintage ceramics as decor, it’s a good idea to opt for modern pieces when it comes to the basics, and turn to vintage pieces when you want to add something more whimsical. You’ll often find that thrifted ceramics feature more unique design elements compared to new pieces sold by popular home goods retailers. One way to incorporate this technique is by selecting a large modern vase as a centerpiece for a table, and using vintage ceramics with a bold pattern or color across the rest of the table.

Another way to mix and match the pieces is by opting for vintage ceramics in unusual shapes. Pair those with classic modern pieces for the perfect balance of playful and chic. You might be able to find the perfect oddly-shaped vintage jugs or vases at your local antique home decor store to pull this off. Finally, you could also add a pop of vintage charm to an otherwise modern living space by opting for a matching vintage ceramics set, such as a tea set or a set of decorative plates. For example, you could place a matching English or French-inspired blue and white vintage pottery set down in the center of a coffee table among modern elements.