Old is gold
There’s a wealth of reasons to opt for a well-worn and loved antique over a new piece. For one, buying vintage, antique and second hand promotes sustainability and salvages pieces that might otherwise end up in landfill, for two, it supports the many antiques sellers who are helping to promote this more eco-friendly way of buying, preserving pieces with history and personality which can be owned and loved for many years to come. What are you waiting for? Get stuck into our round up of the best places to buy antique furniture, and start building your very own collection of one-off treasures.
The Best Places to Buy Antiques Online
The Tolstoy Edit
Curated by the glamorous Alexandra Tolstoy (a distant descendant of the famous Russian author, Leo Tolstoy), her finds are brushed with Russian Romanisticsm and folkloric wonder. Head here for maximalist furniture pieces. thetolstoyedit.com
Tat London
A self-titled ‘online junk shop’, Tat London is a treasure trove of original oil pantings, handmade early 20th century ceramics, rugs and textiles all curated by the expert eye of Charlie Porter. Perfect for the rookie antiques hunter – if you find hunting through second-hand shops and fairs a bit intimidating, there are plenty of pieces in the neatly–selected collection that are ideally suited to the modern home. Tat London framed oil portrait by Magnus Creutz, £528. tat-london.co.uk
Vintage on the Vine
With its covetable collection of exquisite, unusual and statement one-off pieces, Vintage on the Vine’s curation of antiques hits the nail on the head. Even better – and making a case for buying second hand – you can be safe in that knowledge that your beloved new find is a truly a one-off piece to love for life, and won’t be flooding Instagram feeds in three weeks’ time. From 19th century scullery tables to 1880 French life drawing sketches – there’s something on its online store to suit every taste. French toleware candle sconce pair, £225. vintageonthevine.co.uk
Joliette
With a great eye for art and unusual pieces like 1930s theatre seat rows, it’s no wonder Toronto-based Joliette’s beautifully-styled Instagram is a hit with interiors lovers. Founders Jenna Parkes and Holly Rockbrune demonstrate how to style their eclectic catalogue of antique French and Belgian kitchenware, furniture, art and textiles in situ on the Joliette feed – providing ample inspiration to achieve a multi-textured and layered look that’s still effortlessly fresh and modern. Plus, it offers a shared shipping service, encouraging buyers to share shipping container space and thereby reducing the number of trips needed and greenhouse gas emissions made in transit. 1930s theatre row seats, $325. Follow on Instagram @jolie.tt. Find out more at tresjoliette.com.
Eesome
If abstract, contemporary pieces with a sculptural feel are more your pace – Eesome is the seller for you. Operating both on Instagram and its dedicated website, Eesome’s speciality is statement pottery and ceramics for the fashion forward and eco-conscious (think 70s Nietzsche lamp bases and asymmetrical 19th century urns). Among its fans is Rêve en Vert (the ‘sustainable version of Net-a-Porter’) which has just launched a new monthly curation of vintage picks from the seller to showcase alongside its organic linen sheets and made-to-order vases. Launching on Rêve en Vert from 23 Feb 2021. Follow on Instagram @eesomeshop. Find out more at eesomeshop.com; reve-en-vert.com
The Peanut Vendor
20th century furniture, accessories and art-led objects are the bread and butter of east London-based The Peanut Vendor. Ordinarily you can visit its fascinating collection at the main showroom in Bow, Victoria Park – a design-lover’s ideal day trip in normal times – but in the meantime, browsing its catalogue of one-off paintings, sculptures and characterful furniture from the comfort of your sofa is sure to provide hours of entertainment. Marcel Saint-Jean (1914-1994) oil on canvas, £894. thepeanutvendor.co.uk
Ratty Saint James
Gone are the days when you had to schlep across two fields or hunt in the backstreets of London for the perfect second hand piece for your home. Now – a new wave of sellers are doing the job just as well on Instagram. One of them is London-based Ratty Saint James, whose keen eye for iridescent Tiffany glass pieces, retro dinner services and unusual candlesticks is earning the account a fast-growing following. Follow on Instagram @rattysaintjames
The Butler’s Daughter
Making another good case for buying directly from your feed is The Butler’s Daughter. Curated by a prop stylist, on its Instagram shop you’ll find an ever-growing collection of unique tableware and crockery, plus the odd retro 50s kettle or quirky butter dish – all at the swipe of a thumb. Follow on Instagram @thebutlersdaughter.
Coloured glassware addicts you’re in luck – you’re sure to find the next starring piece for your table among The Happy Attic’s collection of Murano blue candlesticks, pink cabbage rose 1930s teacups pretty pottery, like this German 1950s jug. Follow on Instagram @thehappyattic.
Vinterior
Mid-century furniture is making a huge comeback – and one of the best places to hunt for a beautiful Danish dressing table, one-of-a-kind pair of leather armchairs or statement Art Deco mirror is online seller, Vinterior. With something to suit every budget – you’re certain to find the perfect new vintage addition to your home in its vast inventory. Vintage G Plan dressing table with mirror, £390. vinterior.co
With a brilliant knack for curating and styling hard-to-find pieces, Kept London’s Instagram shop full of fascinating and unusual pieces which will fit right into a modern home. Its page is also brimming with styling ideas to make the most of your new purchase. Follow on Instagram @keptlondon.
1st Dibs
A vast marketplace of old treasures – 1st Dibs lists everything from jewellery to fashion, art and furniture. Its furniture and homewares is the perfect place to find a signature piece to elevate your home, whether you’re hankering after a £14,ooo Hans J. Wegner chair, or a vintage lacquered telephone. Telephone, £270. 1stdibs.co.uk
Rose Uniacke
Looking to take your antiques hunt up a gear? In addition to designing furniture and lighting, London-based Rose Uniacke is a specialist antiques dealer, trained in furniture restoration, gilding, paint and lacquer. Whether you’re looking for a Regency penwork games table, 18th century German oak chest or Art Nouveau cache pot, the antiques arm of the brand is the perfect place to find it. Large 18th century kitchen cabinet, £65,000. roseuniacke.com
AU Bespoke
Founded by UK-based interior stylist Anna Unwin, AU Bespoke’s USP is bespoke pieces which complement simple and refined spaces. Selecting each piece on the merits of its design and idiosyncrasy, most of the pieces chosen by Unwin are handcrafted, exemplifying the best of artisanship and craft. Lovers of raw materials will also appreciate the selection of unique vintage pieces crafted from materials like onyx, marble and brass. Pair of cream and black veined vintage French marble bookends. aubespoke.com
Image: The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair
READ MORE
How to Buy an Antique Rug / The Guide to Sustainable Interior Design / Why We All Need to Be Buying Second Hand
Photos: Unsplash / Alyssa Strohmann
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