Autumnal inspiration: antique pieces to cosy up your home
Posted by Chris on 20/10/2023
Autumn – off to a slow start in the UK, where the leaves are staunchly refusing to turn to their glorious orange and reds – arrives officially with the end of British Summer Time.
It’s now worth looking to the darker, colder winter evenings ahead, and preparing your home accordingly – turning your rooms into warm and snug areas where you can all relax and cosy up against the cold outside.
We’ve selected a list of antiques and vintage pieces which will help your home stay inviting and relaxing this autumn and winter.
In this article:
Fireplaces, surrounds & scuttles
When you picture being at home in winter, what comes to mind? We think of a logs crackling in a cosy fireside, with that smell unique to real, open fires.
But even if you don’t have a real fire at home, these antique fireside pieces are still a wonderfully decorative way to dress the centrepiece of your living space.
Top picks:
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Large cast iron Sir Walter Scott’s Fire Basket, a replica of the one in ‘Sir Walter Scott’s’ house at Abbotsford (£1,250 / $1,515)
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Antique Victorian Large Copper Coal Scuttle, dated 1850 and with beautiful patina and claw feet (£785 / $955)
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Pictured above, an elegant large brass peacock fire screen Napoleon III style with nine folding pierced panels / leaves (£720 / $875)
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Gorgeous Large Victorian Steel and Leather Club Fender, c.1890 (£1,750 / $2,125)
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Antique Brass Nursery Fender (undated), (£145 / $175)
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Circa 1820, a stylish typical Dutch circular and tapering brass and copper coal hod (£500 / $605)
> Explore all antique fireplaces, fire dogs, surrounds, log bins and coal scuttles
Antique candlesticks and lamps
Creating a soft, ambient lighting environment around the home is essential for being able to properly relax during those long winter nights. Candles and authentic oil lamps will bring a sense of the past into the present – with so much more character than cheap, modern lighting.
Top picks:
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Pair of 18th century Brass Pricket Candle sticks, made on the continent in cast and embossed brass (£450 / $545)
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Pictured above, an Antique Cranberry Lustre: an English, glass and crystal decorative candle lamp, dating to around 1900 (£895 / $1,085)
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Decorative Tyrolean Wrought Iron Candle Holder, circa late 19th century – still with the original old patination of black and gold (£675 / $820)
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19th Century Elm and Fruitwood Candle Box – with a tilted lift up lid for storing candles; circa 1840 (£310 / $375)
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Edwardian Pair of Candle Snuffers & Tray – electroplated, with a wonderfully ornate tray, dated 1910 (£135 / $165)
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Pair of Late Victorian English Glass Candelabra, made from somewhat kitsch orange glass with silk tassels, c.1890 (£1,895 / $2,300)
> Explore all antique candlesticks, holders and accoutrements
Antique & vintage armchairs
The fire is starting to crackle, the candles and lamps are lit – you’ll need somewhere to sit comfortably and relax. Depending on your style, you might favour the ornate Victorian, or the more sleek mid-century vintage.
Either way, we have over 350 armchairs listed from dealers and private sellers – here are our top picks.
Top picks:
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Lovely art deco style leather arm chair, with stunning colour, a lovely warm aged vintage leather – very heavy, but very comfortable (£425 / $515)
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Antique 1930's Bergere 3 piece suite with new feather filled cushions (£950 / $1,150)
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Pictured above, a sumptuous-looking continental Victorian carved walnut armchair (£1,450 / $1,760)
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Pair of antique Country House Wing Armchairs: beautiful scale and shape, exaggerated wing sides, carved cabriole legs (£690 / $835)
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Dashing Antique Rocking Chair, c.1880, appointed with a wonderful upholstery and strikingly crafted frame (£985 / $1,195)
> Explore all antique and vintage armchairs
Antique and vintage rugs
We mentioned that Turkish rugs are in favour with ‘new antiquarians’ and interior designers back in our late summer article exploring latest trends in antiques and collectables.
An antique rug isn’t just stylish – it’s also warm and inviting, great in the winter for covering cold flagstone and hardwood floors (or walls) – and adding textural interest to the drawing room or lounge.
Interior designers may choose to hang Turkish and Persian rugs on walls to add power and interest behind period furniture and fixtures – but the floor is just as good a place for your antique rug to live.
With textiles, look at warm, muted colours, and adding softness to spaces. Adorn beds, sofas, chests and ottomans with throws featuring warm mulberries, muted pinks and different shades of greys.
Top picks:
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Pictured above, Vintage Handmade Persian Rug with Central Medallion, a stunning tribal design full of character in rich and vibrant hues (£595 / $725)
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Original Mid to Late 20th Century Aubusson Style Tapestry Wall Hanging or Rug of an extra large size (£395 / $480)
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Natural World Luxurious Fur Fireside Rug, sourced from Bhutan in the Himalayas (£975 / $1,183)
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Neat-sized finely hand-woven Kashmiri rug, c.1970s – a charming peacock and trees design, with frills on each end (£300 / $365)
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Beautiful Hand-stitched Crewel Work Rug, with vibrant colours, this could also be used as a wall hanging (£85 / $105)
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Vintage Rug, c.1950: exceptional woven rug suitable for the hall or lounge (£6,250 / $7,590)
> Explore all antique and vintage rugs
Antique Alcohol, Sherry & Port
The winter drawing room is nearly complete – you’ll just need a glass of port or sherry to enjoy by the fireside, from your luxurious armchair.
From as far back as 1100BC – and maybe even further – evidence can be found of Phoenician sherry-making in modern-day Spain. There is something about a small tipple of a winter’s eve that evokes the legacy of something traditional, long-lasting and integral to the human experience.
Top picks:
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Pair of Edwardian Sherry Decanters (£875 / $1,060)
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Rare Georgian Sherry Glass, features superb twist effect and a nice proud pontiff (£125 / $150)
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Antique George III Mahogany Cellarette, with quality figured mahogany and satinwood inlaid stringing (£2,450 / $2,975)
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Pictured above, Globe Drinks Bar on Stand, c.1970s; opens to reveal a fitted interior with various apertures for bottles and ice bucket (£750 / $910)
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Regency period Corkscrew Rack & Pinion with Bone Brush, chromed – Thomason style, in remarkable condition and fully functional (£695 / $845)
> Explore all antique wine and alcohol pieces