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.
London City Antiques
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Pollard Oak Mirror Back Sideboard by James Schoolbred
£ 3,650
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Pollard Oak Mirror Back Sideboard by James Schoolbred
£ 3,650
London City Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Set of Six Vintage Mid Century Dining Chairs
£ 1,250
London City Antiques
Superb Quality Antique Edwardian Mahogany Inlaid Wardrobe
£ 1,285
Marylebone Antiques
Antique French Amboyna and Rosewood Escritoire Writing Desk
£ 1,250
The Sitting Room & Heydays Antiques
Mahogany Cheval Mirror - Height 182cms
£ 695
Marylebone Antiques
Danish Vintage Rosewood Desk by Nanna Ditzel for Soren Willadsen
£ 9,450
Danish Vintage Rosewood Desk by Nanna Ditzel for Soren Willadsen
£ 9,450
Marylebone Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Danish Vintage Rosewood Dining / Desk Chair
£ 365
Rawlings Antiques
Regency Mahogany Sideboard
£ 975
Knight Fine Antiques & Collectables
Victorian Mahogany Bow Front Chest of Drawers
£ 400
Debenham Antiques Ltd
Swedish Early 20th Century Carved Birch Pedestal Desk
£ 2,495
Harry Raine Antiques
Good Quality Oak Dresser Base - Titchmarsh Goodwin
£ 475
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Quality Set of 8 (6 Plus 2) Twist Mahogany Dining Chairs Jacobean Revival c.1920
£ 3,995
Antique Quality Set of 8 (6 Plus 2) Twist Mahogany Dining Chairs Jacobean Revival c.1920
£ 3,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Prior & Willis Antiques
Vintage Retro Fine Quality Nest of 3 Ormolu Brass & Glass Tables Coffee Side
£ 1,495
Vintage Retro Fine Quality Nest of 3 Ormolu Brass & Glass Tables Coffee Side
£ 1,495
Prior & Willis Antiques
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Revival Burr Walnut Folding Card or Tea Table
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Revival Burr Walnut Folding Card or Tea Table
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Harry Raine Antiques
Good Quality Oak Two Door Wardrobe
£ 750
The Club Chair Studio @ Matt Black Interiors
Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Attributed to Jacques Adnet c.1950
£ 3,800
Superb Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, Attributed to Jacques Adnet c.1950
£ 3,800
The Club Chair Studio @ Matt Black Interiors
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Settee
£ 1,150
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Geometric Parquetry Decorated Table - Quality Occasional Side Centre Window c.1910
£ 1,195
Antique Geometric Parquetry Decorated Table - Quality Occasional Side Centre Window c.1910
£ 1,195
Prior & Willis Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Swivel Desk Chair
£ 475
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Quality Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side Mahogany
£ 1,995
Antique Quality Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side Mahogany
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side Mahogany
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side Mahogany
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Side Desk Table 19th Century
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Side Desk Table 19th Century
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Side Desk
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Side Desk
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Pair of Antique Inlaid Mahogany Bedside Cabinets
£ 850
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Swedish Leather Armchair
£ 775
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Bow Front Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Bow Front Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
The Old Yard
Mid 19th Century Oak Tavern Table & Benches
£ 2,250
Hingstons Antiques
Victorian Mahogany Writing Table
£ 1,875
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Inlaid Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Inlaid Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Inlaid Mahogany Console Table
£ 1,250
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side X-frame
£ 2,495
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side X-frame
£ 2,495
Prior & Willis Antiques
Georgian Antiques
Mid Victorian Burr Walnut Occasional Table
£ 875
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
Prior & Willis Antiques
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
£ 1,995
Prior & Willis Antiques
£ 750
Prior & Willis Antiques
Quality Vintage Retro Butcher's Block Kitchen Unit Table Worksurface
£ 2,495
Quality Vintage Retro Butcher's Block Kitchen Unit Table Worksurface
£ 2,495
Prior & Willis Antiques
£ 795
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Edwardian Mahogany Revolving Bookcase
£ 750
FB Antiques
19th Century French Serpentine Vitrine
£ 895
£ 13,500
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.