By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director of Hansons Auctioneers, Staffordshire
Brown antique furniture has been in the doldrums for many years now. The good news is things are changing. The 1990s trend in interiors for pale Skandi-style woods is making way for a return to the rich dark hues of brown, woods such as mahogany, walnut and oak to name a few.
The dark patina of antique furniture not only adds warmth and depth to any interior but also adds depth and character. Antique furniture with its old-school nostalgia and quality of construction is not only a joy to own but will outlast most modern pieces with the added benefit of being a good investment. These qualities tie in with being exceptional value for money. The great thing is that if one gets tired, a piece can be sold – sometimes for a profit.
You do not need to live in an old or listed property, antique furniture can look just as good in a modern home reinforcing the bang-on-trend for mixing old with new. This adds unique personality and makes ownership very satisfying. You can be sure none of your friends will have the same piece.
This shift in trend is illustrated with current auction prices being realised. Quality will never go out of fashion. Edwardian pieces with their simple forms are a great starting point. Large elaborate Victorian cabinetry with all the scrolls and ornamentation is less easy to accommodate but the earlier Regency period with the elegant proportions and simplicity can fit well and make useful additions to any interior. A good Regency sofa table can be brought for around the £500 mark at auction.
For those looking for a country look18th Century oak and mahogany furniture holds a particular charm. This was illustrated recently at an auction held in December by Hansons Auctioneers at their Bishton Hall country house auction centre in Staffordshire.
The oak standing dresser (pictured) dates from the 1770s and is made of solid oak. Discovered in a Midlands property, the vendor was in the process of downsizing and as such was unable to accommodate it. Dressers of this period are not uncommon but this example with its handsome proportions, unusual arrangement of legs and, more importantly, a beautiful rich patina were key factors in its success in the saleroom. Valued previously by another auctioneer at £1,500, Hansons believed it was worth much more. Estimated at £3,000, it eventually sold to a private buyer for a very respectable £3,500 – firmly cementing the up-and-coming trend for ‘brown’.
Hansons Auctioneers are now inviting entries of quality furniture for their next Country House Auction in March. Every wondered what your antique furniture may be worth? Simply email a few images and some dimensions to us at [email protected] and a valuer will report back with some up-to-date estimates. If you decide to sell, haulage can also be arranged to the saleroom
