Did you know that next week (15th - 20th November) is Antiques Week?
The slogan this year is "Now is the time to buy antiques".
When you consider how much better value antique or vintage items are compared to new & how much longer they will last they are definitely a "green" option. For instance I bought a 1930's solid oak desk to use for my computer for £150 - I'm sure a flat packed desk made of chipboard would cost about the same & I didn't have to build it! If I want to sell it in the future I will get my money back whereas that flat packed desk will either have to be given away or end up in landfill - I know which one I'd rather have!
My desk used to be a school teacher's desk (it has a school district label on the back- it started life in a classroom in Essex, the dealer bought it in Cornwall & I bought it from him in Gloucestershire so it has had a few travels). It has scratches on the top & ink stains in the drawers - perfect!
Homes & Antiques magazine are supporting this initiative & have lots of information on their website including lists of antique dealers who are offering a 20% discount on any purchases during the week & fairs who are offering free entry this month too, so pop along & have a look for a dealer or fair near you & take advantage of these offers!
Ooooh, how exciting x
ReplyDeleteI quite agree about the staying power of reclaimed vintage or antique furniture, and they are so much more appealing too. We are off to York on the 20th to an Antique fair, so hoping I will find some little treasures to bring home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.I love to buy old pieces,they have so much character and interest.I like to wonder about the people who have owned them in the past.Every little scratch and dent is all part of the appeal isn't it. :0)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this but its a fab idea. Im the same as you i love collecting vintage furniture not only does it last longer, but the history attached and the craftman ship that goes into all is amazing the lines designs, just seem to flow much better than modern furniture. And for me its kind of romantic to. Have a lovely weekend. dee x
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about antiques. most of our furniture here at home is old and has stood the test of time better than modern rubbish. A bit of wear and tear and chippy paintwork is all the better!!
ReplyDeleteJo xx
I always try to buy vintage or antique and only buy new as a last resort.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that, would never have realised- haven't seen it advertised anywhere. Vintage furniture is undoubtedly the best- who wants something from Ikea that everyone's got in their living room! x
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Jayne - and desks such as yours were made to last and still prove to be as useful today as when they were first crafted. Lesley
ReplyDeleteThe only new thing I have bought is my bed and I have to admit that my couches are from M&S but apart from that every other piece in this house is old. You cannot beat the look and feel of old furniture. I have just bought an old garden seeds display box for my conservatory to use as display shelves. You tell me where I would find something as unique as that in a new furniture shop. No reclaim the old brown stuff is what I say.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I have some lovely old pieces bought from antique shops and salerooms, they have scratches and dents but I wouldnt swap them for new. X
ReplyDeleteIt should be national antiques week every week and now has always been the time to buy antiques. My mother always bought antique furniture and went on to have her own antiques shop so I've never really known anything else. That said ... the 3 piece suite is new and, of course, the tv and I have been known to buy the odd item from Ikea! But vintage is best!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that, and actually just what shoud be done - old and new can work so well. Helen
ReplyDeleteI agree with you totally- I love vintage-I think our homes should reflect our personalities- its what makes a home an interesting and inviting place to be !
ReplyDeletei love old vintage antique items too, i wish we lived in a bigger house so i could buy more! fliss xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog comment Jayne. I can see you are with me on this "green attitude".. and it applies to Christmas too! See you Sunday. Will we all be dressed in ski wear???
ReplyDeleteLizzie xx