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Finding the Right Decorative-objects for You
Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with antique and vintage decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style.
Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.
Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation: Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?
Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”
To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is a Chinese gong?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Chinese gong is a musical percussion instrument in the shape of a circular, flat metal disk. A gong is hit with a mallet to produce a range of sounds. In China, gongs are commonly made of bronze and have long been part of a variety of ceremonial functions. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Chinese gongs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What does a gong symbolize?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What a gong symbolizes is largely a matter of individual interpretation. In Asia, gongs are a status symbol and are often associated with wealth. People from the U.S. and Europe may believe that gongs represent Asian culture. On 1stDibs, find a range of gongs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023The gong originates from East Asia, but the exact place where it was first made is unknown. Texts from sixth-century China describe gongs as coming from both Tibet and Burma, which is now known as Myanmar. On 1stDibs, find a collection of gongs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A gong is a percussion instrument, an instrument that produces sound when you strike, shake or scrape it. In the case of a gong, you make sounds by hitting the center with a beater wrapped in felt or leather. Shop a collection of gongs on 1stDibs.
- Is a gong made out of brass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, gongs are made out of brass. The percussion instrument can also be made out of bronze and many other types of alloys. You can shop a collection of Chinese and antique gongs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Papa Bear chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951 for Danish company AP Stolen. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of authentic vintage and contemporary Hans Wegner Papa Bear chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One of the easiest ways to identify a vintage teddy bear is to look for a tag or label and research the maker. If you can't locate a tag, closely examine the eyes. In the early 20th century, toy makers used wood or leather-covered wood buttons for eyes. From World War I to the mid-1950s, teddy bears had glass eyes. Find a selection of vintage and antique teddy bears on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear is a teddy bear crafted out of monogrammed velour fabric, topped off with a cowhide necklace. It would go on to inspire Virgil Abloh to use playful puppets in his Spring 2021 show. You’ll find a variety of Louis Vuitton products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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