Rita Lamb loves the sense of character antiques can add to a space.

"I think it just makes for a pleasing mix. You don't want everything matchy-matchy," said Ms. Lamb, owner of Antiques by the Fountain and Corner Antiques. "The old pieces just have so much character. They're much more interesting than your new pieces today."

To be classified as antique, an item must be at least 100 years old. Vintage is less specific, but Ms. Lamb said about 30 years old would be considered minimum age for vintage.

Incorporating family heirlooms into a home is a great way to add both decorative appeal and personal history.

Ms. Lamb and her husband have both of their grandmothers' antique butter churns in their homes. Their vintage walnut bedroom set was made by her father in the 1950s.

"It has a lot of sentimental value to me."

Victorian dress

Betty Bratton has been collecting antique and vintage clothing for more than 20 years.

"Some of the pieces are very wearable," she said. Limited space has led her to sell off some of the items she has in her possession.

Ms. Bratton once displayed this white Victorian dress in a bedroom.

Pink and green Depression glasses

During the Great Depression, clear or colored translucent glassware often was made quickly and sold for cheap.

The green glasses are a favorite of Nancy Tatum.

"A lot of it I've had for 30 years," she said. "I just decided to collect the green. It looks so pretty on the table."

Hoosier cabinet

In the 1920s and '30s, Hoosier was the largest manufacturer of baking cabinets in the United States. They are a favorite of Gloria Rogers.

"They remind me of my childhood," she said, recalling her grandmother's own Hoosier cabinet.

This Hoosier, with a cookbook holder and food timer on the inner cabinet doors, was refinished by Mrs. Rogers' husband.

Vintage pedal car

Carolyn Foreman bought this 1950s pedal car along her antiquing travels. She said if she were to display it in her home, she might place it in a family room with a large doll or plant in the seat. And Ms. Foreman said, they're an ideal addition to a holiday display.

"They're precious to put out at Christmas with a Santa and toys."

But she wouldn't necessarily give this toy to a little one. "Old toys aren't necessarily good for children," she said. "Children like what they see on TV."

Eastlake Victorian fainting couch

Betty Bratton has always had a fondness for fainting couches, and this Eastlake Victorian model caught her eye.

"I thought it was a beautiful piece," she said. Before remodeling her home, Ms. Bratton had the couch in a guest bedroom.

This unique chaise folds out into a double bed.