The world of second-hand furniture offers a trove of unique, sustainable finds and budget options. So whether you crave an eclectic vintage aesthetic or just want well-made pieces at a fraction of the cost of new, here’s your guide to navigating this stylish look.
‘Don’t stick to one period,’ says textile and interior designer Kathryn Ireland (kathrynireland.com). ‘A house full of Victorian furniture is dated and reminiscent of your grandparents. But if you mix the antique with modern items and add dashes of colour, you reinvent the piece and put your stamp on the room. Your house is the greatest expression of yourself. Be bold and daring.’
A large antique textile or rug hung on the wall is an ideal way to create a focal point and in this case has informed the colour inspiration of the living room. The coffee table and stools were flea-market finds, while antique seating has a new lease of life, reupholstered in complementary colours and sumptuous fabrics.
Ireland, a self-confessed antiques junkie, is best known for artfully blending a palette of rich colours, bold patterns and varied textures. Her crafted spaces have an understated bohemian quality that is enhanced by second-hand finds. Her creative A-list clients include Drew Barrymore, Sienna Miller, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Steve Martin.
‘One of my favourite places to buy preloved pieces is the Battersea Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair,’ she says. ‘It takes place three times a year and is where the best dealers from around the country can be found. Shepton Mallet and Kempton antique markets are also great for finding unique and fun items.’
Preloved wisdom
Start with charity shops
They have a surprising variety of furniture and accessories, and you’ll be supporting good causes. Being able to see and feel items can prevent costly mistakes, too. One blunder people make is buying pieces that don’t fit their space, so always take a tape measure with you.
Always mix old with new. A contemporary lamp from Julian Chichester works well with vintage woven baskets hung as artwork in Ireland’s home. ‘On the table are a Wedgwood box from the late Queen’s coronation, found at Shepton Mallet market; my mother’s glass-etched bowl and a modern coffee mug used as a vase,’ she says.
‘Not everything you find has to be re-covered. There’s something wonderful about a well-worn chair,’ says Ireland, whose own antique find in her bathroom retains its original 19th-century fabric.
Inspect with care
Look for any structural damage, loose joints, wobbly legs or worn upholstery. Most minor problems can be fixed with DIY skills and the right tools. If the bottom of a drawer is broken, it is a relatively easy fix but can be fiddly, so if you’re not DIY savvy, avoid. Check for woodworm and signs of pests in upholstered items. Minor scratches and nicks add character, while many items can be refreshed with a coat of paint, new hardware or upholstery.
Small pieces and offcuts of fabric can be made into cushions, pillows and more to add personality and colour, as here with the throw and the bolster on the bed.
Look online
See Instagram for inspiration, and try Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, Narchie or Vinterior to search for specific pieces or browse by location, but do factor in shipping costs when considering online options. If you’re looking for an item by a specific designer or manufacturer, misspell their names in your search, as items may be listed with spelling mistakes.
Read descriptions carefully – photos don’t tell the whole story. If the descriptions are brief and the photo isn’t well lit, be cautious. Don’t be shy to ask for more details.
Find a certified electrician
If you have bought vintage lamps and lights. These must be tested and rewired to meet modern standards.
Top DIY buys
Kathryn Ireland’s first online video design course Artfully Edited Interiors is available now from createacademy.com