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Antique Furniture in Modern Living Rooms: A Guide to Balance and Style

Antique furniture with modern lighting and sofas- Styylish

Why Antique Furniture, Modern Sofas, and Contemporary Lighting Work Beautifully Together Blending antique furniture with modern sofas and lighting is one of the most effective ways to create a home that feels both timeless and fresh. While antiques bring craftsmanship, history, and character, contemporary pieces add comfort, clean lines, and functionality. When carefully combined, they […]

The Evolution of the Bombe Chest | Antique Furniture Guide

Rococo Bombe chest in an interior- Styylish

The bombe chest is one of the most admired forms in antique furniture. Its distinctive convex curves and bulging sides make it instantly recognizable. The shape adds movement and luxury to any interior. Collectors and interior designers have prized it for centuries. From its Baroque origins to Rococo elegance, the bombe chest reflects the skill […]

From Stiff to Soft: How Seat Heights Changed Through the Centuries

Seat Height of Chairs and Sofas- View of a salon- Styylish

When you sit down on an antique chair or sofa, you might notice something surprising: the seat feels higher, firmer, and more upright than the plush lounge furniture of today. This isn’t just coincidence. Seat height has always reflected how people lived, ate, entertained, and even dressed. Fashion—especially women’s gowns and skirts in the 18th […]

From Function to Art: Exploring the Design of Antique Tables

Antique Table. View of a 19th century table combined with modern chair- Styylish

Antique tables go beyond mere functionality—they embody craftsmanship, design, and history. From the intricate marquetry of Baroque commodes to the refined simplicity of Biedermeier side tables, each piece tells a story about its era, the artisans who made it, and the interiors it once graced. Today, antique tables captivate collectors, interior designers, and homeowners alike, […]

Antiques in Small Spaces: Style Without Clutter

Antiques in Small Spaces- Styylish

Antiques often conjure images of grand salons, sweeping staircases, and vast dining rooms. But today, many of us live in city apartments, compact houses, or modern spaces where square footage is precious. The good news? Antiques can bring character, history, and craftsmanship even into the smallest interiors—without overwhelming them. The key is choosing the right […]

Antique Game Table: Origins and Development

Interior with antique game table

The antique game table is a fascinating and versatile piece of furniture, with a rich and varied history. Television and PlayStations weren’t always the entertainment products of choice. As far back as thousands of years ago, people played board games like backgammon on gaming tables.  Antique game tables and card tables are some of the […]

From Chaise Longue to Duchesse Brisée: The Evolution of Elegant Reclining Furniture

Chaise Longue- Styylish

When it comes to antique seating, few pieces capture the imagination like the chaise longue. Long associated with aristocratic leisure and refined interiors, this extended chair has taken many forms over the centuries. From the French chaise longue of the 18th century to the elegant duchesse brisée, and from the sculptural récamier to the romantic […]

The Art of the Armrest: A History of Armchairs and Status

The Art of the armrest- Styylish

The Art of the Armrest: A History of Seating Comfort and Status What does an armrest say about a chair—and the person sitting in it? More than you might think. As we trace the history of armchairs, the evolution of the armrest offers a surprisingly rich narrative. From ancient thrones to mid-century masterpieces, the presence—or […]

Secrets Inside: Antique Furniture with Hidden Compartments

Interior of a Biedermeier Secretary Desk- Styylish

Introduction: A Hidden World Beneath the Surface Antique furniture tells stories—of craftsmanship, history, and often, mystery. Some of the most fascinating pieces in any collection are those that hold secret compartments, cleverly integrated into their design. These hidden spaces weren’t just curiosities; they served practical—and sometimes political—purposes. From Biedermeier secretaries with concealed drawers to Louis […]

The Language of Flowers: Symbolism in Antique Furniture and Art

Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers- marquetry detail front flowers- Styylish

Before emojis or love letters, people turned to flowers to express feelings that words often couldn’t—especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as floriography, the symbolic language of flowers influenced not just literature and fashion, but also interior design and the decorative arts. Nowhere is this more poetically expressed than in flower symbolism in […]