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.
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 20th Century Fine Quality Sideboard In Oak
£ 550
Wick Antiques Ltd
A Very Fine Pair of 19th-century Giltwood Tub Armchairs or Bergères, Attributed to Howard & Sons
£ 8,800
A Very Fine Pair of 19th-century Giltwood Tub Armchairs or Bergères, Attributed to Howard & Sons
£ 8,800
Wick Antiques Ltd
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Great Quality Hall Stand In Mahogany
£ 495
Marylebone Antiques
Pair of Vintage Swedish Samsas Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
£ 3,950
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 18th Century Small Oak Side Table
£ 440
Marylebone Antiques
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
£ 3,450
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 20th Century Cupboard In Cherrywood
£ 425
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Writing Table In Mahogany
£ 495
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 17th Century Fine Quality Coffer / Blanket Box In Oak
£ 585
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Georgian Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers
£ 785
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 18th Century Lowboy In Walnut
£ 440
London City Antiques
Fine Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Marquetry Inlaid Ormolu Mounted Display Cabinet
£ 2,450
Fine Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Marquetry Inlaid Ormolu Mounted Display Cabinet
£ 2,450
London City Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Tub Chair
£ 525
London City Antiques
Set of 4 Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Dining Chairs
£ 1,485
London City Antiques
Outstanding Quality Large Antique Early Victorian Rosewood Centre/dining Table by Gillows
£ 5,500
Outstanding Quality Large Antique Early Victorian Rosewood Centre/dining Table by Gillows
£ 5,500
London City Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Inlaid Mahogany Bench / Stool / Coffee Table
£ 885
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Fine Quality Oak Housekeepers Cupboard
£ 1,250
London City Antiques
Antique Victorian Quality Inlaid Mahogany Settee
£ 1,395
London City Antiques
Antique 17th Century Large Welsh Quality Oak Deuddarn Cupboard
£ 4,250
London City Antiques
Antique Edwardian Quality Mahogany Inlaid Games Table
£ 1,285
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Good Quality Open Bookcase In Oak
£ 685
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Burr Walnut Cabinet on Chest
£ 1,250
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Regency Style Tea Table In Mahogany
£ 585
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Fine Quality Pedestal Desk In Walnu
£ 1,195
Victoria Antiques
Early Rustic Pine 2 Plank Kitchen Table
£ 450
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Great Quality Armchair In Mahogany
£ 585
ActFurniture LTD
Antique 19th Century Irish Chest Of Drawers In Mahogany
£ 1,250
Victoria Antiques
V.large Oak Circular 1.84 cm Table
£ 1,250
Gaylord Antiques
Mahogany Four Door Chiffonier
£ 2,350
Gaylord Antiques
Mahogany Dining Table
£ 2,200
Gaylord Antiques
Burr Walnut Coffee Table
£ 475
Gaylord Antiques
Oak Globe Wernicke Bookcases
£ 1,150
Gaylord Antiques
Lamp / Wine Table
£ 225
Knight Fine Antiques & Collectables
Antique Chinese Export Gilt Decorated & Black Lacquered Nester Tables
£ 650
Antique Chinese Export Gilt Decorated & Black Lacquered Nester Tables
£ 650
Knight Fine Antiques & Collectables
Gaylord Antiques
Display Cabinet
£ 2,950
Gaylord Antiques
Pair of Ladies & Gents Chairs
£ 1,850
Gaylord Antiques
Desk / Office Chair
£ 695
Gaylord Antiques
Burr Walnut Credenza
£ 3,850
Gaylord Antiques
Kitchen Carver Chair
£ 295
Gaylord Antiques
Burr Walnut Credenza
£ 3,850
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.