Since a house is far more than a home, it requires furniture that is far more than just functional. It requires furniture with soul. Nothing does this better than antique and vintage furniture which combine quality with a warmth and personality only time can bring. These were pieces that were good enough for our ancestors to buy and use and love. And if it was good enough for them, then they probably deserve to join our family too. Furthermore an antique cabinet or antique table will add character to even the most uninspiring room.
So how should you really shop for antique furniture? Well, the simple answer is to have fun with it. Free from the conformity of current fashions you can acquire pieces just because you like them and because they inspire you. Buy an elegant Art Deco chest of drawers because it adds unashamed glamour to the room, buy a deep buttoned Victorian armchair because secretly inside you pretend you are Sherlock Holmes every time you sink down into it. Or simply place a 17th Century coffer at the end of the bed so that every time you wake up you can admire the warmth and wear those 300 years of loving handling brings.
At LoveAntiques we have an amazing and ever-changing selection of vintage and antique furniture for sale online from hundreds of Antique Dealers, catering for all your needs.
Debenham Antiques Ltd
Early 19th Century Pyrenean Folk Art Oak & Chestnut Carved Cupboard
£ 3,750
Early 19th Century Pyrenean Folk Art Oak & Chestnut Carved Cupboard
£ 3,750
Debenham Antiques Ltd
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Mirror Back Sideboard in Oak
£ 385
London City Antiques
Quality Antique Victorian Rosewood Freestanding Davenport
£ 1,885
Alain Michel Antiques
Large 19th Century Cherry Wood Table
€ 4,300
Trade Antiques
Recliner Chair Attributed to Robert Daws 1830s
£ 3,645
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Fine Quality Armchair in Mahogany
£ 495
Vintage World
Vintage French Chest of Drawers
£ 299
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Table
£ 750
Millers Antiques
Indian Elephant Side Table
£ 575
London City Antiques
Superb Quality Antique Victorian Oval Rosewood Centre Table
£ 2,385
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Pedestal Desk of Fine Quality in Mahogany
£ 1,250
Vintage World
Vintage Chest of Drawers
£ 329
Marylebone Antiques
Queen Anne Style Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
£ 750
Millers Antiques
19th Century Ladies Armchair Copes Castors
£ 950
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Danish Style Vintage Swivel Chair, Upholstered in Dark Brown Faux Leather 1970s
£ 345
Danish Style Vintage Swivel Chair, Upholstered in Dark Brown Faux Leather 1970s
£ 345
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Vintage World
Amazing Vintage French Sideboard / Cabinet
£ 349
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Free Standing Kneehole Desk
£ 2,650
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 20th Century Good Quality Wardrobe in Oak
£ 325
Worboys Antiques
Small Walnut Chest of Drawers
£ 195
Bridport Antiques at The Alleyways Centre
Edwardian Upholstered Mahogany Lounge Chair
£ 225
ActFurniture LTD
Contemporary 20th Century Mango Wood Sideboard
£ 365
Marylebone Antiques
Pair of Military Campaign Style Bedside Chests
£ 950
London City Antiques
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Inlaid Credenza Sideboard
£ 5,950
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Inlaid Credenza Sideboard
£ 5,950
London City Antiques
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Bookcase on Cupboard in Mahogany
£ 650
Worboys Antiques
Oak Bureau Bookcase
£ 495
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Small Serpentine Burr Walnut Veneered Chest of Drawers
£ 225
Small Serpentine Burr Walnut Veneered Chest of Drawers
£ 225
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Worboys Antiques
Edwardian Mahogany Open Bookcase
£ 425
FB Antiques
Queen Anne Style 1930s Walnut Bureau
£ 475
Planet Antiques
Art Deco Bureau Cabinet
£ 299
Worboys Antiques
Walnut Chest of Drawers
£ 495
Marylebone Antiques
Vintage Danish Cabinet-maker Leather Sofa
£ 3,950
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Solid Oak Rustic Tallboy or High Chest, 7 Large Drawers - Mid Century
£ 895
Solid Oak Rustic Tallboy or High Chest, 7 Large Drawers - Mid Century
£ 895
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Planet Antiques
Art Deco Sideboard
£ 349
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
Mid Century Harris Lebus Style Chest of Drawers Art Deco Style Handles
£ 295
Mid Century Harris Lebus Style Chest of Drawers Art Deco Style Handles
£ 295
CS & T Ornate Objects & Furniture
£ 259.99
Marylebone Antiques
Vintage Leather Reclining Armchair & Stool by De Sede
£ 1,850
Adam Wylie Antiques
Small Early 20th Century Three Tier Oak Bookshelf
£ 130
Marylebone Antiques
Pair of Antique Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Armchairs
£ 2,575
Penderyn Antiques
Antique 17th Century Carved Oak Chest
£ 895
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Mahogany Wardrobe / Hall Cupboard
£ 945
How do I identify antique furniture?
Although most antique furniture is found without labels or dates, genuine antique pieces can usually be identified from a combination of the materials used, the style of the piece as well as the natural wear on the finish or Patina. Patina is something that can only occur naturally over time and is very hard to fake via man-made effects such as staining, sanding and painting. The skill is looking at lots of tiny details which convince you the item is a genuine antique. Much of this skill and knowledge can be built up over time just by observing real pieces and learning from those around you. It is also a good reason to buy from reputable antique dealers such as those on LoveAntiques who can give you the piece of mind that the item is what you say it is as well as offer valuable advice.
How to value antique furniture?
Like any collectable field antique furniture can range in value between nearly worthless to virtually priceless. In the past price guide reference books were a good starting point for valuing different items, but today such books have become nearly obsolete with the power of the internet at our fingertips. In most cases the internet will be the first place to research your item but don’t forget that the values you find can vary dramatically depending on the condition, who is selling them, where the item is located and more. While there are certain furniture items which are less or more fashionable today than in the past, desirability and value really comes down to individual taste and the room it is going into. You can ask your local auction house or antique dealer for a valuation but in both cases the value they give should be considered an estimate only. There are specialist online valuation services which will provide valuations for a fee but again check their location as values can vary dramatically between countries and continents.
Is Mahogany furniture valuable?
The simple answer is Mahogany furniture can be very valuable. It has always been a scarce and prized timber so is usually a sign that the antique item was expensive and well made at the time, sometimes by the very best makers and designers. Mahogany was first imported from the West Indies at the start of the 18th Century and continued to be popular up to the beginning of the 20th Century. It not only has an appealing red tone and grain but is strong and crisp to carve. However, Mahogany has also always been scarce, so almost from the start was also being used as a veneer as well as solid timber. Today antique mahogany is slightly less fashionable overall compared to other timbers (such as Oak) so can be purchased for less than in the past making them great value. In truth if you like the item or it suits the room, then that item is valuable to you either way.
What date is Georgian and Victorian Furniture?
The Georgian era in England (1714-1837) began with King George I in 1714 and ended with the death of George IV in 1830. However, for simplicity most people also include the subsequent reign of William IV from 1830-37 into the Georgian period. The Victorian era (1837-1901) began when Queen Victoria took to the throne in 1837 and until her death in 1901. When describing antique furniture people sometimes use the terms Georgian and Victorian somewhat loosely to also describe items created in the styles popular during those times.
What is vintage Furniture?
The phrase ‘Vintage Furniture’ is commonly used to describe a whole group of furniture that is not yet old enough to be antique. Many people and sales platforms deem that vintage items must be a minimum of 20 years old to be called Vintage and that they finally become Antique when they are at least 100 years old. In principle this is a pretty clear definition, but it is important to recognise that these are only guide-lines and some will use ‘Vintage’ to refer to even newer items in an older style.