Keys auctioneers explains the appeal of antique furniture

Henry Hammond of Keys Fine Art Auctioneers (Image: Newman Associates PR)

Thankfully, the last few years have seen a considerable renewal in interest in antique furniture, but it is fair to say that the type of furniture that does well in the saleroom nowadays is very different from the pieces that were achieving good hammer prices two or three decades ago.  

Whether it’s fine 18th century elm country furniture, or iconic modernist designs from the post-war era, the furniture that will sell well in today’s auctions is that which will fit in well with our modern lifestyle (ironic, given that we are talking about antiques). 

The beginning of the decline in ‘brown furniture’ sales came about because the large Victorian pieces that dominated the market in the 1970s simply don’t fit, literally and culturally, in our modern homes. Victorian houses were, by and large, a lot bigger than the ones we live in today, and so the enormous sideboards, chests and wardrobes that are typical of the 19th century have a more limited demand today.

That simple question of size is one of the reasons that earlier pieces, and especially furniture from the 18th century, remains popular. Homes of that period were similar in dimension to the ones we are building today (the average new-build house in the UK has shrunk to just 820 sq ft – less than a third the size of a tennis court), and the furniture was appropriately dimensioned.

Modern lifestyles and how we use furniture are bound to have an influence on demand for all furniture, including antiques. 

A pair of 19th century red boulle and ebonised side cabinets, which sold for £1,400 at Keys (Image: Keys Auctioneers)

For example, far fewer family meals are taken at a dining table today – indeed, most new homes are built without a dining room at all, so inevitably demand for dining sets is muted.

Although, during lockdown many families rediscovered the joy of sitting down to eat together, and this area too has seen something of a revival.

Smaller occasional pieces and especially those that incorporate storage (remember those tiny home dimensions), have grown in popularity and are achieving good prices. Coffers and chests that can double as coffee tables sell well, combining an efficient use of space with the fact that among modern families the table in the living room is as likely to be used for eating off as the traditional dining table.

Likewise, the type and colour of the wood is important. A dark-wood piece of furniture can dominate a small room, which is why lighter colours are more favoured today – light oaks, limewashed wood and yew are on trend, whereas darker oaks and ash really only work in a room that has plenty of space.

This small oak wardrobe by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson sold for £5,900 at Keys (Image: Keys Auctioneers)

One big trend has been the explosion in popularity of post-war furniture design. Even furniture by quality makers such as G-Plan and Heals was difficult to give away not so long ago; now these pieces are much in demand and fetching a premium in the saleroom. 1970s Danish designer furniture is a particular growth area.

As with so many areas of the antiques world, the price a piece will fetch depends on two main things: quality and current trends. If you buy a quality piece, you won’t go far wrong – really good furniture from past centuries has stood the test of time.  

You shouldn’t be scared of swimming against the tide of fashion and being a trendsetter – you may well end up with something that will be back in fashion in a few years. The most important thing is that you like the piece and it fits in with your own lifestyle.

Keys Fine Art Auctioneers’ next Fine Sale takes place from Wednesday, November 27 to Friday, November 29. Furniture can still be consigned to the sale, which will also include ceramics, glass, oriental, silver, jewellery, clocks and watches, militaria, paintings, wines and spirits. See more details at keysauctions.co.uk or phone 01263 733195.