Why you should be using Antiques in your Home

Keep it in the Family

Part of the appeal of antiques is that they have ‘witnessed’ so many changes down the decades. As such, items that have been passed through generations of the same family have particular resonance. Antique family heirlooms are great for connecting us to our ancestors, triggering memories and helping to keep family histories alive. From larger pieces of furniture to small decorative ornaments, they can all share a unique and special place in your family and its home.

Mix and Match

As interior tastes become ever more eclectic, mixing furniture and pieces from different eras is a way to instantly add real interest to any space. So while visitors to country cottages might once have expected to find examples of oak and country furniture, now they’re just as likely to see a Harry Bertoia chair sitting alongside a Welsh stick chair.

Group Collections

Once bitten by the antique bug, be prepared for a lifetime’s obsession and a growing collection! A great way to show off your new finds is to group them together. Everything from Holmegaard gul vases, to African tribal art or a collection of miniature portraits like these coming up for auction at Fellows soon, when displayed as a collective will instantly convey a sense of harmony while creating a truly stunning visual effect.

Style and Substance

Most examples of antiques were made by true craftsman, artists and skilled artisans who took enormous pride in their work. It’s testimony to their skills that their pieces have endured and stood the test of time. Along the way, they’ve gained a beautiful patina and a few scrapes that only add to their character and individual story. It’s this unique blend of style and real substance that mass-produced modern pieces simply can’t replicate.

Homes under the Hammer

Head to your local auction house or get set to bid online and grab some great bargains. Prices for some antiques, such as Georgian and Victorian brown furniture, are currently at prices not seen since the 1970s so now could be the time to get an unbeatable deal before the tide turns. Consider buying solidly made furniture in woods such as mahogany, walnut and rosewood, which also has the advantage of being the sustainable option for interiors. For example, this mahogany Regency centre pedestal breakfast table went under the hammer for just £350 at Sworders.