Decorating With Religious Antiques

Today, I’m sharing some ideas on decorating with religious antiques.

These are some of my favorite pieces to decorate with, as many of you may know if you’ve followed me for awhile.

I became a bit obsessed with antique religious pieces many years ago when I ran across a treasured miniature French statue of the Infant Jesus and little St. John the Baptist. There was something about this sweet little piece that tugged at my heartstrings, and I immediately felt like I was holding something very precious.

This darling petite French statue started me on my journey of adding some of these treasured French pieces to my home decor.

Adding antique religious pieces to your home decor can add unique and interesting touches to any room that they’re displayed in. These spiritual pieces bring such a sense of serenity to a space, and they will create instant history.

This beautiful French Madonna bust was a Christmas gift from hubby many years ago. It was shipped from France and it’s one of my most cherished pieces. 

 

Religious pieces with a French origin are those that I love the most. It’s quite common for the French to decorate with these old sacred pieces. And no one does it quite as well as they do.

France has a long history of Catholicism, and religious art and iconography have played an important role in French culture and art history.

Many French homes decorate with religious art pieces such as crosses, statues of saints, and religious paintings.

I bought this antique oil painting of Raphael’s Madonna of The Chair from a dear friend of mine when he was downsizing his collections. 

It is very timeworn and very imperfect, and so is the antique frame, which is exactly what I love about it. It tells a story and I love imagining all of the homes that it’s been in.

Antique religious pieces reflect my interests from a spiritual perspective, but they are also beautiful works of art in their own right. Many people appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of religious art and iconography, even if they don’t practice a particular religion themselves. 

Religious items can evoke a sense of peace and comfort. They often feature symbols and imagery that can be a reminder of your faith and provide a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.

Many French homes will have a small altar or devotional space where religious items such as candles, prayer books, and rosaries are displayed. This can create a peaceful and meditative space in your home. 

Angels are another way to evoke a sense of peace in home decor. I have three very special angel statues in our home that I adore. All of them have been found at various estate sales and antique markets.

Found at an antique market in Florida, this angel is made of solid Carrara marble. It was painted in old white paint that had become very chippy and flaky.

The vendor that was selling it believed it to be concrete, but I could tell that underneath that old paint was beautiful white marble. They sold it to me for $65, which was an unbelievable price.

She had the typical wear with one wing broken off and an old repair at her neck, but in my eyes, those imperfections make it more special because it tells a story.

These old marble angel statues were usually purchased as memorial pieces for loved ones that have passed away. Rarely, they will come into the secondary market when they have become damaged or broken and need to be replaced. That’s why you will usually see them damaged in some way.

They are very rare to find and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to have bought and sold a few in my online shop, but I almost never find them anymore. 

I have a second marble angel statue that is very special as well. It’s a little bit larger and I found it in an antique market in Missouri many years ago. 

Angels are often associated with protection, guidance, and comfort, and their presence can provide a sense of calm and serenity when used in home decor.

Angel statues can be made of various materials such as stone, metal, or resin, and can be displayed on shelves, mantels, or in gardens.

The third angel I have displayed in my home is a very large one that I found at my favorite monthly estate sale. She’s made of some sort of composite so she’s not very heavy.

I placed her on a large capital pedestal that I’ve had for years, and she stands sentry in my entryway. She’s very weathered, having spent years outdoors that has resulted in the most amazing look.

One of my most cherished pieces is this antique French Catholic orphanage church board. It was used by the French nuns to record the names of the children.

It was imported from France and dates to circa 1860. In faded letters at the top of the board is “Enfants de Marie” which translates to Mary’s Children. 

The little slips of paper with the children’s names written in old pen and ink are so sweet and precious. 

There are so many different ways to incorporate religious pieces into your home decor. Wether you want one simple piece placed in a special place, or like me, you’re a bit obsessed with them, there are many different ways to incorporate them into your decor. It’s all about which pieces speak to you.

There are many different forms of religious iconography such as altar sticks, sacred hearts, statues, art and banners.

If you’re interested in decorating with religious pieces, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Consider the significance of the item: Before you incorporate a religious piece into your decor, it’s important to understand its significance. Make sure you’re respectful of the item’s religious meaning and use it in a way that honors its purpose.
2. Choose a focal point: If you have multiple religious pieces, consider choosing one as a focal point. This could be a large statue, a painting, or a cross. Arrange other items around it to create a cohesive display.
3. Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix religious pieces with other decor items. For example, you could display a cross on a gallery wall with other art pieces, or incorporate a statue of a saint into a bookshelf display.
4. Create a devotional space: If you have a particular religious practice, consider creating a devotional space in your home. This could be a small shelf or table where you display religious items such as candles, prayer books, and statues.
5. Use lighting: Lighting can be a great way to highlight religious pieces in your decor. Consider using a spotlight or accent lighting to draw attention to a particular item.

Have you considered adding religious antiques to your decor? I know many of you have, so tell me what is your most cherished piece?

Cheers, Cindy