Buying a piece of antique furniture has the potential to transform a home. An antique is not only an interesting and stylish design feature, but every piece has a story to tell. While trends change, antique furniture remains timeless, making it the perfect addition to the contemporary home.
For many people, finding and identifying antique furniture is a rewarding hobby in itself. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned collector, browsing flea markets and antique fairs for the perfect piece is often half the fun.
An antique is not only an interesting and stylish design feature, but every piece has a story to tell.
The world of online antiques can seem daunting - but with a bit of research and some practice, anyone can start collecting and buying beautiful antique pieces. We’ve gathered together some of our most helpful resources to help you find, identify and buy the perfect antique furniture for your home.
×
Shopping for antiques online: Our top tips
There’s nothing like the feeling of finding that special one-off piece after trawling through antique shops and vintage fairs - but shopping for antiques online can be just as rewarding.
There are some amazing antique deals to be had online, but finding them takes a bit of know-how. Doing some background research, choosing a trusted seller and haggling on price are all wise moves if you want to bag a bargain.
Find out how to look in all the right places, ask all the right questions and become an expert at online antique shopping with our top tips.
The world of online antiques can seem daunting - but with a bit of research and some practice, anyone can start collecting and buying beautiful antique pieces.
How to pick antique furniture for your living room
A well-chosen piece of antique furniture can become an instant focal point in your living room. The perfect antique can refresh tired decor, turning a generic room into something remarkable.
There are several things to consider when picking out antique furniture for your living room. What sort of look do you want to present - grand, playful, elegant? What will work with your current space? If you’ve found something you love, is it in good condition?
If you take the time to choose carefully, an antique could both enhance your current decor and be a stunning centrepiece in your living room.
Learn how to pick out the perfect antique furniture for your living room in our blog.
×
Combining antiques with modern decor - our guide
We believe that even in the most up-to-the-minute homes there’s a place for antique furniture. Combining antiques with modern decor can create a bold and surprising space with its own unique identity.
Whether you’ve discovered an amazing antique find or want to show off a beloved heirloom, there are things you can do to create a sense of balance between old and new. Considering size and perspective, coordinating colours and introducing textiles and lighting that complement your look can all create a sense of harmony.
For some in-depth tips, check out our guide to combining antique furniture with modern decor.
There are some amazing antique deals to be had online, but finding them takes a bit of know-how.
Finding hidden storage in antique furniture
Much of the appeal of antique furniture is in its ability to make a statement - but vintage pieces often have practical uses too.
With many antique pieces there’s more than meets the eye. Hidden storage was popularised by Italian cabinetmakers in the late 16th and 17th Centuries, with the technique imported to Britain and America by the 18th Century.
The prospect of finding a secret compartment can be part of the thrill of owning antique furniture. It can be great fun hunting for concealed storage spaces in a new antique piece - in this article we show you how.
The world’s favourite antiques: An infographic
One of the most fascinating things about antiques is the way they reflect the traditions, trends and craft techniques of the people who made them.
An antique speaks volumes not just about when it was made, but about where it was made as well. Every country has its own unique heritage - so it’s not surprising that the types of antiques that are most popular vary a great deal from place to place.
Find out what the world’s favourite antiques are with our infographic.
×
A beginner’s guide to buying antiques
So you’ve decided you want to start buying antiques. Great! But what next…?
It can be difficult to know where to begin when you first take the plunge into the wonderful world of antiques. Where do you find them? How do you know you’re getting a good deal? How do you spot a fake? And what actually counts as an antique anyway?
With many antique pieces there’s more than meets the eye.
Our no-nonsense beginner’s guide explains everything you need to know to get going. Start learning about antiques now.
How to integrate antiques into your home
There’s no doubt that a stunning piece of antique furniture can give your home the wow-factor - but it’s important to choose carefully to make sure your antique fits in with your decor.
An antique that you fall in love with in the shop may not have the same effect in your home. Think carefully about how it will complement the rest of your space. Consider colour and style, remember that less is more and don’t be afraid to give antique pieces a revamp if they don’t quite fit in.
Get more top tips on integrating antiques into your home in this blog.
How to use architectural antiques in your garden
Antiques are often thought of as a way to make a bold statement inside the house. We’re not arguing with that, but there’s an amazing array of stunning pieces for the garden too.
Architectural antiques can make a garden sing. From antique drinking fountains to Victorian wrought iron garden chairs, antiques can give any outdoor space that little something special.
Check out this blog for some expert tips on how to use architectural antiques in your garden.
×
Everything to look out for when buying antique furniture
Whether you shop for antiques online, at fairs and markets or in antique shops, you need to know what you’re looking for if you want to spot a gem.
It’s important to know how to check for signs of quality craftsmanship, look for damage or replaced parts and identify reproductions. The last thing you want is to fall in love with an antique piece only to find out it isn’t really what you thought it was!
Find out what you should be looking out for when buying antique furniture.
No matter what your home looks like or what your budget is, the perfect antique for you is out there somewhere
Hunting for, buying and owning antique furniture is a real joy. No matter what your home looks like or what your budget is, the perfect antique for you is out there somewhere - you just need to find it!
We hope our tips and articles help you along the way in your antique journey. If you want to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us - we’re always happy to talk antiques!