Apartment in an old building: furnishing tips on how to best preserve and integrate the character of an old building

You are lucky enough to own or rent an apartment in an old building - a place with history, charm and character. But how can you best preserve the unique character of an old building and integrate it into your interior design? In this article, I'll give you practical furnishing tips to help you get the best out of your old apartment.

Understanding the character of old buildings

To preserve the character of an apartment in an old building, it is important to first understand the special features of this type of apartment.

The special features of apartments in old buildings

Apartments in old buildings are generally characterized by high ceilings, stucco decorations, large windows and robust materials. These architectural features give the rooms a unique charm.

Why preserve the character of old buildings?

Preserving the character of an old building is important in order to retain the special charm and atmosphere of the building. In addition, an authentic interior is also an investment in the future, as apartments in old buildings often increase in value.

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Another characteristic feature of old apartments are the floorboards that are often present. These floors consist of wide wooden planks that give the room warmth and coziness. They are often lovingly restored and oiled to emphasize their natural beauty.

The importance of windows in old apartments

The large windows in old apartments are not only an architectural feature, but also extremely important from a functional point of view. They create a bright and airy atmosphere in the rooms and offer a wonderful view outside. The old wooden frames and elaborate decorations also add to the charm of the apartment.

Practical furnishing tips for apartments in old buildings

Now that you understand the character of old buildings, I'd like to give you some practical tips for furnishing your apartment in an old building.

Apartments in old buildings are characterized by high ceilings, stucco decorations, floorboards and often large windows. These architectural features can be taken into account when choosing furniture to emphasize the charm of the apartment.

Choosing the right furniture

When choosing furniture for your old apartment, it is important to consider the character of the rooms. Choose pieces of furniture that match the architectural features. Antique or vintage-inspired furniture can harmonize well with the character of the old building.

Particular attention should be paid to the proportions of the furniture to make the most of the generous space. Large, heavy pieces of furniture can go well with the high ceiling, while delicate designs make the room appear more airy.

The following are also suitable modular sofas excellent for apartments in older buildings, as they allow you to size of the rooms and can also be used to create different variants.

Here is an example with the modular sofa Louis: 

Colors and materials that emphasize the character of the old building

To emphasize the old building character of your home, you can use colors and materials that match this style. Warm shades such as cream, beige or earth tones create a cozy atmosphere. Wooden furniture and natural materials can emphasize the rustic charm.

Another tip is to use textiles such as velvet, Velvet, Cord or linen, which emphasize the character of the old building and at the same time bring cosiness and charm into the room. Carpets with oriental patterns or vintage rugs can also provide an interesting contrast to the historical elements of the home.

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Integration of modern elements without losing the character of the old building

Of course, it is also possible to integrate modern elements into your old apartment without losing the character of the building.

When designing an apartment in an old building, it is important to find a balance between old and new. An interesting approach is to combine historical elements such as stucco ceilings or old wooden beams with modern materials such as glass or steel. These contrasts can create an exciting visual effect and at the same time emphasize the uniqueness of the old building.

Modern technology in old apartments

You can use modern technology to improve your living comfort, e.g. with smart home systems or energy-efficient appliances. However, make sure that these elements are harmoniously integrated into the character of the old building.

An interesting approach to integrating modern technology into an old apartment is to use hidden installations. For example, smart home sensors can be discreetly embedded in historic wall coverings to improve the comfort and functionality of the room without detracting from the aesthetic charm of the old building.

Combining old and new: creating a harmonious overall picture

Successful furnishings in an old apartment are often characterized by a combination of old and new. For example, you can display modern works of art on the historic walls or use minimalist furniture, such as the Harvey sofasofa, with antique pieces.

Another aspect to consider is the lighting. In a period apartment, modern lighting systems such as LED spotlights or indirect lighting elements can be used to emphasize the historical features of the room while creating a pleasant atmosphere. The targeted placement of light sources can emphasize certain architectural details and harmoniously round off the overall appearance of the apartment.

Renovation tips for old apartments

If you want to renovate an apartment in an old building, it is particularly important to preserve the character of the building.

Apartments in old buildings are not just living spaces, but also witnesses to bygone eras. Their high ceilings, stucco decorations and wooden floors tell stories from times long past and give the rooms a special atmosphere.

Dealing with typical problems in old buildings

Apartments in old buildings often have their own specific problems, such as sloping floors or leaking windows. It is important to rectify these problems professionally without compromising the character of the building.

Damp walls due to a lack of insulation are also a common problem in old buildings. Here, it is advisable to use breathable materials that can regulate moisture without compromising the historic charm of the building.

Preserving the character of old buildings during renovations

When renovating, choose materials and colors that match the aesthetics of the old building. For example, parquet floors, exposed brickwork or historic tiles can emphasize the character of the house.

When choosing colors for the walls, it is advisable to opt for muted tones that emphasize the historical substance of the building and create a harmonious atmosphere.

Final thoughts: Preserve and enjoy the charm of the old building

Owning or living in an apartment in an old building is something special. With these furnishing tips, you can best preserve the unique character of an old building and integrate it into your living space. The goal is to enjoy the charm and atmosphere while incorporating modern comfort and style. Take inspiration from the history and character of your old apartment and create a space that will stand the test of time.

The charm of an old building often lies in the high ceilings, stucco decorations and spacious floor plans. These architectural features lend the room a unique elegance and spaciousness. It is worth emphasizing these elements with the right furniture and decoration to preserve the historical flair.

Another advantage of old apartments are often the large windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer a wonderful view. These windows can also pose a design challenge as they are often old and uneven. However, with custom-made curtains or blinds, functionality can be improved while preserving the charm of the windows.