Antiques Articles

The Englishman was first to produce clear lead crystal glassware on an industrial scale, vastly improving the process of adding lead oxide to glass in 1674. A glass revolution was started and the first goblet to sit on the shelves of antique drinks cabinets across the country was developed - the baluster.

Antique silver is one of the most versatile and glamorous of all precious metals. From teapots to trinkets, antique silver candlesticks to antique silver cutlery, these gleaming pieces combine strength and intricate design to create objects of real beauty. Yet despite their opulence, many silver antiques can be bought for bargain prices.

With changing tastes and new interior trends, investing in forever-pieces is on the up. But exactly what is antique? How old is antique? And what is the difference between vintage and antique? Read on...

From drums to Davenports, antique desks are as widely varied as the writers who’ve sat at them. While their original purpose was to provide a stable surface for old-fashioned artistry and literacy, they’re now well-coveted pieces for modern homes and offices.

You don’t have to be a sewing expert to learn how to reupholster an antique chair. Whether you’re jazzing up a family heirloom or giving an auction find a little TLC to sell on, upholstery can be rewarding in many ways.

Recessions will come and go, tastes will change and buying habits will fluctuate. Among it all, antiques will continue to thrive. From the rise of the online antique store to shifts in interiors, dealers and collectors are stepping into the future to adapt to a more digital world. But can new-age portals ever replicate the euphoria of an in-store trawl?

Generations of owners have left their mark on antique chairs. It all adds depth and character - that heavily prized patina - which simply cannot be replicated by even the priciest modern counterparts.

Our ancestors storage and display needs were always met with grandeur. Despite being some of the most expensive furniture ever made, many antique cabinets can be found at affordable prices. Wonderfully varied, you could land upon chunky antique shop display cabinets at an auction one day followed by a slinky pair of antique bedside cabinets the next.

From portable pieces to hefty dining tables, antique tables are wildly varied in style, quality, colour and size. Which also means they come with a range of price tags. Whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find antique tables for sale at fair values at Hemswell - the largest antiques centre in Europe. But first, you’ll want a good idea of what you’re looking for. Get to know your antique tables with our handy guide.

There’s a timeless quality to antique furniture that makes it truly covetable in modern spaces. From the extravagant to the elegant, pieces throughout the centuries continue to delight designers and breathe unique life into interiors.