Where have you bought great furniture?

[Hubblebubbletripletrouble]

We have recently moved into a new place and are in need of: a coffee table, a side table for a lamp and ideally a few drawers underneath, a big bookcase and something else to fill some space in the bedroom (maybe a long but low table with some drawers?)

I've looked online - Wayfair, Ikea, Made, John Lewis and lots of other well-known furniture shops/websites, and I've found a lot of it so expensive and quite same-y. What I'd love is to find some great antiques but I haven't got a clue where to look to get a good deal/good quality.

We are based in London. Does anyone know any good antique shops or websites I could try? Or not necessary even antique but shops that make more interesting bits of furniture rather than Ikea style. I'd be very happy to buy something second hand if it would cut costs.

Thank you!

EBay or FB marketplace

I have a few pieces from Cotswolds Co. They are traditional rather than antique. They are lovely.

Madison du monde

I’ve got a lot of stuff from Graham and Green, not exactly cheap but quirky and good quality and I’ve usually bought in the sale and/or when they have a code (good tip, join, log in and leave something in your basket and they will often send you a ‘can we help!’ email with a discount code).
I’ve also bought a few things, including the most beautiful sofa, from The Old Cinema (www.theoldcinema.co.uk) again not always cheap, but some bargains to be had, and the most beautiful stuff. Incidentally, both have excellent customer service.

Judashascomeintosomemoney

Thank you for the Graham and Green recommendations, I've found lots I like on their website

Try "junk" shops rather than antiques shops, the sort of places that do house clearances and tend to be piled high which, on first look, you'd probably discount.

Also ebay, facebook selling and even freecycle.

Thanks - I have tried ebay but I guess you have to have a lot of patience to look through everything!

Find your local auction house. Many deal with everything from Georgian to contemporary at amazing princes

Prices not princes !

Vinterior

The British Heart Foundation near us sometimes gets really nice stuff in but you have to keep checking. We're not in London, though.

Any chance you’re near Greenwich? There’s an amazing auction house there and old furniture can be very cheap at auction. Either way, look up your nearest auction house.

SinkGirl Thanks for the Vinterior tip, there's so much on there!

And I can get to Greenwich! I've never been to an auction house before... Can you usually look at the catalogues online beforehand or do you just have to go and see it all on the day?

Auction houses vary - they all publish a catalogue in advance, often online, sometimes with pics and sometimes not. Most have viewing days a day or two before the sale.

Cotswolds mostly, but we have imported India furniture which is great quality

Cotswold Company can be good. We've also had some furniture made by a specialist company and it's not as expensive as you might think. If you can afford it upfront, the furniture will last forever.

Another vote for Cotswold Co here. I have some really nice stuff from there, including a coffee table. Their delivery service is amazing. Really nice chaps, tracking so you know exactly when they arr arriving and Saturday delivery including full assembly.

My fave is Lombok, really different pieces. Ahhh eve just bought this dining table:

www.lombok.co.uk/dining-room-furniture/dining-tables/kenta-bespoke-oak-dining-table/

My favourite at the minute is rockett st George, I just love it www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

Also good are
Houseology
Amara
Oka direct

Thank you! Looking at some lovely furniture on those websites

Barker & Stonehouse is great. Based in Battersea

Get yourself down to Pro Auction on Druid street in SE1 if you're in London. Amazing bargains.

Lassco has fantastic stuff but you'll pay through the nose for it. Lots Road on Sundays often turns up some great bits.

I like Swoon