Avoid These Inauthentic Wall Pieces That Are Aging Your Space

When trying to give your home an eclectic, cozy, or timeless aesthetic, it can be tempting to simply buy up a load of decor and furniture that looks old and call it a day. However, anyone with a sharp eye for interior design will tell you that while real antique decorations give homes a sense of depth and uniqueness, inauthentic wall pieces can make a room feel artificial and basic. To avoid aging your space with generic art, don't invest in mass-produced posters, phony antiques, or faux maps.

This doesn't mean you aren't allowed to decorate your home with anything made after the 14th century, but you should steer clear of any pieces that are posing as ancient artwork. This can include framed posters of artwork or classic pieces of design, which are usually found at museum gift shops or created en masse by online printmakers. These posters can give you a lot of inspiration for the type of art you're interested in acquiring, but because these are oftentimes popular images, they don't make a space look intentionally decorated.

Instead of posters, hit up local thrift stores and flea markets for one-of-a-kind, authentic pieces of art. If you like the clean look of posters, you can also replace them with curated lithographs or even proper vintage posters that will set your home apart from others. Don't worry, there are plenty of ways to decorate your walls without framed art.

Another category of inauthentic wall art to avoid are fake antiques like signs, shelves, clocks, and other pieces. Basically, if you can tell that fake damage has been drawn on with paint or that nicks have been purposefully cut out by a machine, put the piece back on the store shelf. Being able to assess the veracity of an antique is a skill that takes years of practice, but looking out for solid hardwood, handmade hardware, and uneven, imperfect wear and tear should point you in the right direction. Taking the time to look for true antique decorations is a great way to find pieces that match your exact tastes and discover items that no one else will have. That's why you should never underestimate the power of adding antiques to a room.

A major player in the world of fake antiques are fake maps, especially those that are designed to look vintage. Fortunately, there are plenty of websites and locations where you can buy authentic antique maps for that well-traveled look, though they may be pricey. Along with specialized sites, with the right research you can also find genuine antiques from places like Etsy, Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace. At the end of the day, it's fine to have faux old wall art if you really enjoy it. But if you want to avoid outdated wall art trends, keep your decor authentic.