Furniture

Every piece of furniture has a practical purpose regardless of how simple or grand it is, even if some pieces were built more for display than function. Today, furniture remains one of the largest areas of the antiques market and items are categorised by type and period.

The term brown furniture refers to traditional pieces made from dark woods such as mahogany, while pieces made from native woods like oak and walnut are sometimes referred to as vernacular furniture.

Famous historical makers include Chippendale, Gillows, William Vile and John Cobb. More recent market trends have seen modern vintage pieces appearing in specialist design and ‘Interior’ auctions.

Tahitian Studies

Rediscovered Gauguin drawing is among six lots to watch

23 September 2025

With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

FAB Paris opening day

FAB Paris opens for the first time with an earlier autumn date 

23 September 2025

More than 100 exhibitors at FAB Paris welcomed visitors to the Grand Palais for the fourth edition of the fair.

George III commode

End of an era as Hyde Park Antiques closes New York gallery

22 September 2025

After 60 years on Broadway, Hyde Park Antiques is closing its gallery and holding a stock clearance sale at Sotheby’s.

Manor Farm House

‘National treasure’ Alan Titchmarsh to sell his own treasures with Sussex antiques dealer

18 September 2025

TV presenter, gardener and author Alan Titchmarsh is selling his large collection of antiques ahead of downsizing.

Olga Polizzi

Battersea's Decorative Fair celebrates 40 years in business

15 September 2025

The Decorative Fair in Battersea Park is celebrating 40 years in business and the autumn edition on September 30 to October 5, is expected to attract a star-studded crowd as usual.

Sundial

Police appeal after sundial stolen from New Forest country estate

15 September 2025

Hampshire police are appealing for information on an antique sundial stolen from The Somerley Estate in the New Forest.

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Collection of prominent Perth couple provides a piece of Australian history

15 September 2025

Portrait of first governor of Western Australia stands out in a 745-lot auction offering colonial-era items

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Decorative Fair memories four decades later

15 September 2025

Who best to ask about how the fair has evolved than Wakelin & Linfield, stalwarts since the very first?

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Dieter Rams: Designer whose influence was not left on the shelf

15 September 2025

From electronics to furniture, Dieter Rams laid the foundations for modern industrial design

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Georgian bed canopy is among five lots to watch

08 September 2025

With estimates from £100, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

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Hang on, that fountain looks familiar

08 September 2025

An old Instagram posting from a dealer in Virginia helped Joe Holahan confirm the backstory of a French fin de siècle bronze and marble fountain consigned at the eleventh hour to a garden statuary sale at Kamelot (25% buyer’s premium) in Philadelphia.

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Ed Butcher in King’s Road move

08 September 2025

Mid-century specialist Ed Butcher has opened a new shop at 281 King’s Road, Chelsea.

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FAB Paris hopes to take advantage of new date in a ‘wonderful month for the arts’

08 September 2025

For its fourth edition, 'FAB Paris', the premier French art fair that unites 'Biennale des Antiquaires' and 'Fine Arts Paris', brings a wealth of top exhibitors, special exhibitions and a new date.

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The £1.2m Baird Casket finds a UK home in private collection and stars in new book

01 September 2025

A 14th century French gothic ivory casket or coffret that was completely unknown to the public until shortly before its sale at auction in 2021 has emerged in a UK private collection and is now also the subject of a new book.

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Antiques grace elegant room sets in dealers' tie-up

01 September 2025

Brownrigg, a furniture and decorative dealer in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, is partnering with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler of Pimlico Road.

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Furniture showcases Rohlfs’ talent once again

01 September 2025

Three Arts & Crafts oak furnishings that Charles Rohlfs (1853-1936) created for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, turned in strong performances at Toomey & Co (27% buyer’s premium) in Chicago, Illinois.

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George III mirrors still together after more than 200 years

01 September 2025

A pair of c.1780 George III giltwood mirrors, each measuring 4ft 7in x 2ft 6in (1.39m x 76cm), hammered for $32,500 (£24,035) against a guide of $15,000-20,000 at Roland NY (25% buyer’s premium).

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Rietveld pieces boast provenance back to very beginning

25 August 2025

Two early furnishings by the Dutch designer and architect Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964) beat their guides at Wright (27% buyer’s premium) in Chicago, Illinois. Both came with primary provenances.

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George II mirror measures up nicely to take £20,000 at auction

25 August 2025

This George II giltwood mirror in the Chippendale rococo taste c.1755 sold well over hopes for £20,000 at Moore Allen & Innocent (21% buyer’s premium).

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French 17th century cabinet stands out as a favourite for a US specialist

25 August 2025

Auction house expert eulogises about a French 17th century piece of furniture ‘jewel for the eyes’

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