TIMELESS STYLE

INTERIORS AUTHORITY AND AUCTION CURATOR MELISSA PENFOLD SHARES HER BEST TIPS FOR COLLECTING AND DECORATING WITH ANTIQUES

- MELISSA PENFOLD

It's an exciting time to shop antiques. Whether you're a collector or a new devotee, there's a renewed energy in the industry and an explosion of interest as online auctions give all the convenience of mass-produced decor without the environmental impact. The benefits of decorating with antiques are almost endless. Antiques bring presence, even grandeur, while reflecting your personal style. They ground spaces, imbue a sense of timelessness and serve as a conversation starter. Plus, there’s an endless amount of availability with no wait times). Whether you're looking to throw in a hero piece for a vavoom effect, or to mix smaller items with contemporary furniture, we've outlined everything you need to know to find the right treasures for your home. Consider this your starting point to shopping for antiques, and mastering the deal-packed marketplace.

FIND THE MIDDLE GROUND

Auctions are often a middle ground between high-end antique retailers and more mass market stores. Thanks to sites such as Live Auctioneers and Invaluable, which partner with auction houses around the world, you can access hundreds of sales any hour of the day. These sales can be rich hunting grounds for vintage and antique furnishings, from majolica plates to well-made 19th century French farmhouse tables that sell for three times the price on designer retail sites like 1stDibs and Chairish. Online auctions, such as Lawsons, are the cheapest and easiest way to buy antiques with pictures and descriptions of items posted before each timed sale.

EASE INTO IT