5 Tips | Decorating with Family Heirlooms

We all have that one quilt, bedspread, or blanket that has been in the family for years.  Passed down from one generation to the next, our treasured heirlooms connect us with our forbearers in special ways.  Old-fashioned bedding is often as beautiful as it is durable, but sometimes it can be hard to know how to mix these beloved inheritances with the rest of our home decor.  However, with a little extra consideration, traditional bedding styles can add elegance, allure and character to your home decorating projects. 

1 | Color Schemes

Vintage bedding can bring an entirely new, inspirational palette of colors to a room. Play around with the balance of these colors, and their relationships to one another-- done well, the effect can be quite impressive! 

2 | Accent Pieces

If you like simplicity, a single throw, such as our Queen Elizabeth (pictured below) or quilt can go a long way.  Accent pieces can especially add a little interest to rooms with muted tones.

3) Mix and Match Patterns

Especially when in comes to quilts, old-fashioned bedding is chock full of elaborate patterns and visual texture.  Sometimes, this can feel overwhelming, but if you like getting extravagant, don't be afraid to mix and match.  Tasteful blends of patterns liven up spaces and appeal to the eye.  It's like looking at a colorfully arranged shelf in a candy store!

A pattern mash-up can be subtle, too, as currently demonstrated on our Bates Mill Store display bed. 

4 | Strike a Visual Balance

Balance is always key!  If you have an elaborate piece, such as our John Adams Bedspread, consider pairing it with clean, simple lines.

5) Embrace It's History

Share the love of where your heirloom came from!  Sometimes, this can provide the biggest inspiration and the best direction as to how it deserves to be showcased.  

If you have any home decor projects that feature some of your treasured heirlooms, please tell us about it in the comments below, or share a photo on our Facebook page.