Any tips for antique buying for furniture

[Perfidy]

We need to buy some new furniture and it struck me that good quality wood furniture isn’t priced that differently to old furniture. Presumably if it’s lasted 100 years or so it’s built to last? And more sustainable. Do you buy at auction or on line?

Oh my goodness you'll probably find it's loads cheaper! We don't have any "new" furniture, I have bought all ours at various auctions over the years. Some of it is reproduction rather than antique but it's well made.

There are charities that sell furniture round here, not particularly antique, just people want new and gift this. In theory it is for people with little money to set up home but anyone can buy there.
Look online.
Auction houses don't sell much 'brown' furniture because even though it's cheap no one wants it. But there will be some bits there.

I've bought at a fair bit at auction as I used to work in one. And yes the quality can be much better. I got an art deco bedroom suite (sadly I had to sell on), a Victorian wind out dining table with three extra leaves for around £150, some dining chairs, a deco side table, an ant chair, all the spare room bedroom furniture etc, etc. I have eclectic taste so it was perfect for me. Even the modern things will be a lot less second hand.

Personally I'd check it out in person if possible and look out for wood worm holes, and watch out for bed bugs.

If you can't view the auction in person ask for a condition report which should tell you of any major issues.

I never did bid in person because I was always working in the office on sale days, I used to leave commission bids, where the auctioneer will go up to that amount on your behalf. Take into account you will pay more than just the hammer price as commission will be on top (and VAT on the commission). The % commission varies from place to place though.

Most real life auctions are continuing where possible just online at the moment.

Happy buying, I'm envious of you (no space here for any more!)

Look out for Stag furniture, although it's not strictly antique (1950s - 1980s-ish). Really nicely made with dovetail drawers. It's well proportioned and looks good painted if you're up for a project.

OP to inspire you (and I realise this won't be to everyone's taste!) but here's a sideboard I bought for £20 at auction (some time ago) I have only just got round to painting it. The glass vase is my pride & joy and I paid £30 for that. I was the only one to bid for it.

At my local auction house it's the 'general sale' that you'll want, where they have quite a of of old tat, stuff from house clearances, but a few gems mixed in.

I've bought most of our antiques on eBay and etsy, had some amazing bargains £40 for a silk sofa, £70 for a mahogany double wardrobe... I think antiques can work well in most interiors and can be mixed and matched with newer stuff without it looking odd.

@Daisydoesnt that is amazing! I love it, we clearly have similar taste

Work our what style/period you like, and do a bit of research into it. Start on eBay looking at the prices items sell for to get an idea of what’s realistic and in your budget, and if there are any popular makers/brands that come up frequently.

I love old furniture. DH hates it. Watch out for woodworm. Auctions are quite fun but the dealers don't like outsiders muscling in.