The Crown Collection Articles

Discover more about your favourite antiques.

Welcome to our antique furniture store, where you will find a stunning collection of bespoke, authentic antique furniture and decor. We specialize in providing unique and rare pieces that will add a touch of elegance and history to any space. Our collection includes exquisite French antiques, Victorian furniture, vintage furniture, and much more.

Our antique store offers a wide range of pieces, from antique chairs and desks to armoires and entrance tables. Our French furniture collection includes beautiful French chandeliers, French mirrors, and French tables that will bring a touch of sophistication to your home. We also offer exquisite crystal chandeliers, candelabras, and throne chairs that are perfect for adding a regal touch to any room. Our Crown Collection features some of the most impressive pieces in our store, and we are confident that you will find something truly unique and special to add to your home.

Whether you are a collector of antique furniture or simply appreciate the beauty and history of these unique pieces, our antique furniture store is the perfect place to find that special item. We take pride in our collection of rare and authentic pieces, and we are confident that you will find something that speaks to your individual style and tastes. So, visit us today and discover the timeless beauty of antique furniture and decor.

Furnish your WFH space with an Antique Desk etc…

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique & vintage globes, Antique bookcases, Antique desks, Antique furniture for your study, Antique telescope|

With WFH (work from home) being the order of the day, decorating your study or home office to be a place of motivation and productivity has become a decor decision. And antique furniture items are trending in the individualized design of these spaces. From antique desks, bookcases and rugs to vintage lamps and objets d’art, your designated workspace will certainly stand out on your next Zoom call or Google Meet.

A WFH space is first and foremost about the desk and this is where antique furniture ranks high as a durable and sustainable option. The desk is undoubtedly the anchor statement in any office as it is where your business takes place.

So, even if you are not the boss, no one said you can’t feel like one! It all begins with an antique desk as your sophisticated hero piece.

But the desk is just the starting point and from there you get to have some fun. Play with vintage and antique items to curate a personalised and bespoke WFH space that is not only solidly functional but is ‘dressed’ for success.

Impress your space

A designated study has always had a timeless allure; from waistcoated gentlemen smoking cigars to the romance associated with Jane Austen penning her novels at her sloped writing desk. And no matter what your decor inspiration may be, antique items can easily be added to complement any style.

Besides adding character, an antique desk, rug or framed artwork will also add an element of slow furniture sustainability. The natural materials and craftsmanship will elegantly style your study or home office area.

If you have the space, add the visual aesthetic of a large Flemish oak pedestal desk with leather inlay or choose a Victorian style mahogany desk. The artisanal element will be an investment that will last 100s of years.

If you don’t have a designated study and need to convert a corner of your living room, antique desks should still be your solution to create a really beautiful office cameo.

For millennials – whose WFH space comprises a laptop and a mandatory cup of caffeine or green tea – a smaller console table or writing desk, a Victorian davenport or a French escritoire – partnered with a modern chair – will certainly be a mental motivator and muse. It’s all about mixing and matching old and new.

Impress your colleagues

Working from home means endless Zoom calls and Google meets. Antique or vintage items are the easiest way to Impress your colleagues. Start by ditching the generic green screen and adding a well placed antique bookcase into the frame as your impressive backdrop. Of course, you will need to stage it with a few antique books and Jane Austen classics as well as a curated collection of vintage objets d’art.

And if you don’t have the space to partner a bookcase with your antique desk, then what is serious study without a well-positioned telescope?

Impress your boss or clients

When the occasion arises to meet with clients or your boss in your personal WFH space, you can’t go wrong by showcasing a French rosewood or Edwardian oak tantalus, complemented by a vintage lamp or vintage globe perched atop your antique desk. Or you could go really big and invest in a globe drinks cabinet (It will set you back a pretty penny, but we don’t think you will regret it!).

Each antique piece of furniture that you add to your home office will not only be a tasteful invitation to enjoy your day job but will increase in value over time, making each item a wise investment.

Be impressed with the Crown Collection

Whatever your WFH space looks like, you will find the exact antique desk or vintage accessories at the Crown Collection emporium. Browse and shop online and we’ll deliver straight to your door. Or pop in at our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, where we will happily assist and advise.

From over 5000 antique, French, contemporary and vintage pieces, your WFH space makeover starts right here.

Vintage Pieces for Girls’ Bedrooms – A Feminine Touch of Pink & Gold

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique furniture for girls' bedrooms, Chandeliers, GIlded mirrors, Gilded vintage and antique furniture, VIntage pieces for girls' bedrooms|

‘Sugar and spice and all things vintage-inspired – that’s what little girls rooms are made of.’ Well, that is our approach when it comes to decorating girls’ bedrooms with vintage pieces and antique furniture. A feminine designer touch and a love for some weathered whimsical sophistication become the individuality that will magically transform any little girl’s space.

The juxtaposition of vintage or antique furniture in a modern space brings a calming balance that is inviting, personalised and timeless. And what better place to add these vintage pieces that tell a story than in a little girl’s bedroom?

Placing the right antique or vintage statement pieces in a modern setting is not only an art form but will give new life to any room’s decor.

A touch of vintage pink and gold – and of course, a little sparkle – is all it takes to give a little girl the bedroom of her dreams.

A touch of pink and white

Of course, when considering a vintage piece to add to a girl’s bedroom, it doesn’t have to be pink. But the softness and gentleness of pastel pink for a sleeping space is sure to entice some fairy dust and lullabies. Pink is also a wonderful ‘neutral’ complementary colour to so many other shades – grey, white navy, back, blue, green and yellow.

An antique or vintage settee or chair – A little gilded settee or a French chair, reupholstered in a pastel pink fabric, will be the invitation to spend a while in any bedroom. (At the Crown Collection, our onsite upholstery service provides top-quality re-upholstery solutions in most finishes and in the fabric of your choice).

White or bleached items – a pink palette’s absolute delight is white furniture options – from the bed and dressing table to a French-style armoire or chest of draws. (It really is ok to paint antique furniture and give it a fresh upcycled look. Whatever the finish, we can achieve that for you – from French polishing, hand gilding, paint techniques, bleaching and staining).

Kists and trunks – Space is often limited in little girls’ bedrooms and creative storage solutions are required. Cue vintage trunks or antique kists – the versatile and functional options for storing toys, dress-up clothes and extra shoes and clothing (as she grows).

The Midas touch

All that glitters in a little girl’s room belongs in the realm of golden touches and gilded edges. This is where vintage pieces truly come into their own, adding an unmatched romantic statement.

Gilded mirrors – Vintage mirrors are the obvious place to start and every little girl’s bedroom needs an ornamental mirror – for twirling, curling and make-up. (We did an entire blog on vintage mirrors as jewellery for any room). Decorative gilded antique ‘looking glasses’ – from Baroque to French chic – are a decor trend that is sticking around (and will make any bedroom Instagram-worthy).
Gilded occasional chairs – As little girls grow, they may want to leave the pink girliness behind and embrace bolder vintage statement pieces in the form of gilded occasional chairs. There are so many styles to choose from; it all comes down to preference, space and budget to find a vintage chair that is just right for the space. From French gilded armchairs and Bergere Style chairs to the elegance of gilded rattan back armchairs, there is a chair to suit any girl’s bedroom.

Gilded ottomans – Round or rectangular, ottomans are a delightful and fun addition to any bedroom. A gilded twist is a perfect balance to the plushness of the deep-buttoned upholstery choices. Use as bedside tables, dressing table stools or simple accent pieces – perfect for growing princesses.

A touch of sparkle

No girl’s room is complete until it boasts a little vintage bling – the pièce de résistance items that define a ‘girls only’ space and add the much-needed sparkle.

Chandeliers – Who doesn’t love an antique chandelier? Antique or vintage chandeliers are the simplest way of adding the wow factor to a bedroom, especially when set against a modern backdrop. Diamonds may be a girls’ best friend, but we are proposing that chandeliers are the decor equivalent.
Objets d’art – When little girls grow up, a little bit of decadent sparkle and specialness starts with a curated collection of vintage or antique objets d’art and decorative accessories – Victorian perfume bottles, an Edward VII scent bottle, an Elizabeth II photo frame, a handheld mirror, or a silver dish to hold jewellery.

The Crown Collection touch

The inspiration for creating a bedroom fit for a princess that seamlessly boasts vintage pieces or antique furniture starts at The Crown Collection – an emporium that showcases more than 5000 pieces of handpicked French, antique and vintage items. It’s all about having fun and repurposing pieces of history to fit our modern interiors.

Shop online or in-store at our studio (20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston).

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5 Ways to Incorporate Antique Furniture into a Modern Kitchen

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique & vintage chandeliers, Antique & vintage clocks, Antique console table, Antique tables, Mix antiques with modern decor, Vintage silverware|

Antiques are not only rising in value, they are rising in popularity. Layering vintage and antique furniture with contemporary pieces and modern decor is a design trend aesthetic that has the industry excited. Decorating with antiques satisfies an innate need to feel a connection to the past, rooted in stories that have shaped the world we live in today. These slow furniture pieces, in a fast-paced world, hold immense charm and deserve to have a place in our homes.

But how do you incorporate these vintage items and antique furniture pieces into a modern space and still create a balance of old and new that is seamless, timeless and beautiful? How do you make it work?

Let’s look at the kitchen – the heart of the home – as a case study of how antique family heirlooms or collector’s items can ‘upcycle’ a contemporary kitchen with a touch of old-world charm.

Unless you are dealing with a complete renovation overhaul or building from scratch, a kitchen is one space in your home that you just have to live with.

Until now…

We have 5 reasons that will make you fall in love with your modern kitchen space and want to hang out there, and they all have to do with antique furniture and vintage pieces:

#1 Add a table

An antique table is the simplest way to add some unique character and personality to a modern kitchen. The juxtaposition of the warm wood tones against a sleek and minimalist kitchen backdrop creates an unexpected harmony that will keep family and guests gathered in that space.

An 18th/19th Century French farm table – with a bread drawer and a second drawer for your other needs – is perfect for a larger kitchen.

(And if that becomes your official dining space, then you will want to read our blog on mixing and matching contemporary and antique dining room tables and chairs).

#2 Add an island

If you have an open-plan kitchen that is crying out for an island, then think “antiques.” No matter what size your kitchen may be, you can introduce an antique console table or desk to fit the space. If you like, you can even spend a little more and add a granite or marble top to coordinate with your current kitchen work surfaces. This will be a “hero” piece and create some wow factor, no matter what the rest of your kitchen looks like.

#3 Add a chandelier (or two)

In the last few years, kitchens have morphed from being merely functional workspaces to places of design interest. Lighting has played a big role in this transformation. From pendant lights to centrepieces, this is where you can have fun in your kitchen. Depending on your budget, vintage or antique chandeliers will be the talk of your contemporary kitchen.

(A word of warning – chandeliers have the power to make you swoon, so the kitchen will not be the last place you add one of these glittering lovelies!).

#4 Add a clock

The kitchen is the one space in your home where a featured clock is a must. So why not go really big and add an antique grandfather clock to an empty wall? This is functional art in your kitchen and will be a definite statement piece and conversation starter.

Life’s rhythms of meal prep and family gatherings will be in perfect sync with the addition of a decorative vintage clock on the wall. There are no design rules with this one – you can be as eclectic or as traditional as you like – go Victorian with a pendulum winder or ornate Rococo.

An antique clock in your modern kitchen may be out of time, but it will never be out of place.

#5 Add some silver

Contemporary minimalist kitchens can become generic and clinical, hence the need for a little decadent decoration in the form of antique or vintage silverware. We are not talking clutter or OTT – the ‘less is more’ design principle still applies – but we are suggesting that a well thought out silver collection on open shelves, or perhaps a vintage wine cooler holding your kitchen utensils, are a perfect and effortless culinary nod to the past.

Add the Crown Collection to your online bookmarks

We could go on and on and suggest you add a versatile antique armoire to your kitchen to house your crockery and tablecloths, or even your pantry staples. But what we hope we have done is whet your appetite to visit our antique emporium – online or in-store (at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston).

With over 5000 handpicked and curated vintage and antique collectables on show, we cannot wait to see how you add a piece or two to your modern spaces.

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Antique Furniture Styles of 3 British Queens

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique furniture styles, Queen Anne Antique furniture, Victorian furniture, WIlliam & Mary Antique furniture|

Long, long ago, there lived three queens – Mary, Anne and Victoria – and each influenced the furniture designs of their day. Today, we still get to appreciate antique items that pay homage to their signature styles. Previously, we delved into the nuanced antique furniture styles of three iconic French kings, and so it is only fitting to curtsey and honour the feminine influence of three English queens.

Antique furniture designs that reflect the reigns of Mary, Anne and Victoria developed in a timeline that was framed within a unique political and socio-economic context and this was interpreted by craftsmen over the centuries.

Introducing Queen Mary

We cannot talk about Mary without referencing her husband, the Dutch prince, William of Orange, who overthrew the King of England and ruled the land with Mary, the King’s daughter. In the world of antiques, they are fondly remembered for the furniture pieces they introduced. (Antique items from this period are also referred to as early Baroque).

To date, Jacobean furniture had been dark and heavy with a block design. But William and Mary (W&M) commissioned pieces that were comfortable and versatile. Thanks to the Baroque, Flemish and Dutch building traditions, W&M furniture, although still dark, was thin and lightweight with highly decorative and elegant characteristics. Mostly made from maple and walnut, lacquer and other paint finishes were used to bring out the finished look.

Butterfly tables became popular during the W&M era. Today, W&M embellished antique pieces (1690 – 1725), with their softer curves, elegant spiral designs, embellishments, turned legs, and high backed chairs are rare and highly valued by antique furniture collectors.

Introducing Queen Anne

During the reign of Queen Anne, there was an increase in social interaction and this prompted furniture designs that were elegant, versatile and multifunctional with minimal ornamentation and embellishments. There was also a definite influence from Asian culture and design. (Antique items from this period are also referred to as late Baroque).

Lighter woods such as maple, walnut and cherry were used and the Queen Anne chair was the first seat designed with a cushion for comfort. It had vase-shaped back splat and S-curved cabriole legs with padded, slipper or Spanish feet. Simple shell or fan motifs were carved into the wood and there was a focus on negative space.

Introducing Queen Victoria

Antique furniture from Queen Victoria’s reign was influenced by Gothic, Rococo and Louis XV furniture styles and became more ornate with plush, heavy fabrics. As the Victorian era overlapped with the Industrial Revolution, it was the first style of furniture to be mass-produced, changing furniture making forever. The Chesterfield style couch also made a comeback during the Victorian era.

Chairs and sofas were manufactured with low arms or no arms to accommodate the ladies’ voluminous skirts and gilding was added as a decorative feature. Antique furniture pieces from this era (1840 – 1910) include oak, walnut, mahogany and rosewood. A key feature of Victorian design in complementing the furniture was the use of tapestries and wallpaper with intricate patterns and bold jewel-tone colours.

If you are looking to add Victorian antique pieces to your home, less is probably more to avoid your scheme becoming too overdone. An accent piece will make a bold statement when paired with a modern interior. (Take note of our tips when mixing and matching contemporary and antique furniture).

A royal tour at the Crown Collection

If you are looking for a style that is fit for a queen, then a visit to the Crown Collection (aptly named) is an experience that cannot be matched. With vintage and antique furniture pieces and objets d’art, this is any collector’s dream space to wander and browse – online or in-store.

Take a virtual tour of the Crown Collection Store.

The Crown Collection is not your regular antique store but rather a curated collection of over 5000 carefully hand-picked pieces specifically chosen for their decorative appeal. You will be captivated by the classic and eclectic range of French, vintage, and contemporary furniture and accessories that are available.

Visit our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston or simply shop all our collections online.

The Iconic Antique Furniture Styles of 3 French Kings

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique French furniture, Louis XIV chairs, Louis XV chairs, Louis XVI chairs|

The French influence on food, fashion and furniture is unmatched. From chateaus and castles to bijous apartments and villas, the history and romantic allure are hard to resist. We’ve escaped to the chateaux and now it is time to go regal and explore the antique furniture lineage that characterised the reigns of three iconic French Kings.

No matter how minimalist or simple your design personality may be, there is a deep longing in each of us to own a decadent piece of French antique furniture that is just a touch OTT and super-luxurious.

From the ornamental and cluttered interiors of Versailles, the reigns of Louis XIV, XV and XVI lasted from 1643 to 1793 (when Marie Antoinette lost her head), giving us a design legacy that speaks to French culture, imperialism and political power. Antique lovers are grateful that furniture design and influence from this period has lived on, gracing interiors.

“You can see the influence of the Kings Louis in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, multiple Victorian revivals and even in 20th-century designs.” – Dennis Harrington, head of Sotheby’s English and European Furniture Department.

When it comes to the three Louis’, it is all about the chairs. So let’s familiarise ourselves with the basics of their signature styles and explore exactly what makes antique furniture chairs and sofas, named after these kings, so desirable:

Louis XIV – The Sun King

Louis XIV-style antique chair designs are a reflection of the Sun KIng’s obsession with power, influence and style. The chairs are grand in scale, sumptuous and symmetrical. Even with the addition of upholstery, they are quite masculine and throne-like. Louis XIV’s reign is referred to as “Le Grand Siècle” (the Great Century), and the high linear backs, rectangular designs, elaborate carvings and strong arms and legs are associated with a monarch who favoured absolute power.

If you are able to get your hands on an antique Louis XIV chair, add some opulent drama by letting it take pride of place as a head dining room chair or a gentleman’s chair in a study or whisky room.

Louis XV – The Beloved

Instead of power, Louis the XV pursued pleasure. He moved his court from Versailles to Paris and the chair designs reflected the more intimate social settings of the nobility.

The scale of the chairs was much smaller and the designs more fluid with gently curved lines and slightly asymmetrical and decorative meandering floral carvings, mouldings, gilding and s-shaped cabriole legs. To satisfy the Nobility’s craving for comfort and upholstery, seat springs were added and upholstery had a lighter, feminine charm. The romance and comfort of a Louis XV chair is a delightful addition to any boudoir or sitting room.

Louis XVI – The Restorer

Louis XVI-style antique chairs celebrate neoclassical style. As the French were influenced by the Enlightenment, they started venturing beyond Paris and frivolity was set aside.

Furniture styles of this era started mirroring neoclassical architecture, emphasizing straight lines, geometric forms and classical motifs. Chairs still retained the smaller scale of Louis XV’s influence, but the backs of Canapé sofa settees evolved into controlled arcs instead of the voluptuous curves from the previous era. Chair legs were tapered and fluted in the style of a Roman column, and Greek palmettes replaced carved flowers.

The clean aesthetic and elegant pared-back ornamentation of Louis XVI chairs and sofas fit any interior design narrative. Your home deserves a few of these beautiful accent statement pieces.

The Crown Collection – The royal treatment

There is no doubt as to the enduring appeal of any of the Louis-style chairs. As an Antique furniture lover, it is worth it to say you own one.

For those who love and appreciate all things French-inspired, sourcing quality antique furniture, tapestries, chandeliers and objet d’art is literally on your South African online doorstep at the Crown Collection.

Visit us in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive Bryanston or shop online and have your order delivered to your door.

‘Escape to the Chateau’ in French Vintage Style

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique furniture, French Vintage Furniture, Vintage French Style|

There is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ element to any home that has a French vintage style. The timeless elegance and romance associated with the French and their decorating history have bewitched us all. French decor has evolved from the elaborate and ornate Versailles and Renaissance decadence to a design solution that is practical, beautiful and sensual.

From French country chic to rustic minimalism, vintage pieces combine casual and regal in an effortless way. It is all about comfortable luxury pieces that everyone falls in love with.

French Country

French country decor is all about soft, muted colours, toile and floral fabrics, bleached, distressed or painted wooden antique furniture, natural materials, a chandelier (of course) and a touch of gold. The old-world charm is achieved by mixing and matching vintage pieces with a unique vintage flair. Layering with fabrics, textures, wallpaper and antique carpets, is the secret to French romanticism and a bespoke ambience that will make you feel at home. This is where an armoire, a chaise lounge or daybed and a painted and carved French-style bombe chest of drawers (reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast) are the perfect starting points for any space.

French Chic

What sets French Vintage decor apart is the ability to get away with mixing and matching fabrics and antique furniture in a bold eclectic way. This more ‘Parisian’ influence loves to make a chic statement with ornate fabrics and tapestries, gallery walls and bold, moody colours. There is a definite sophisticated edge but without compromising on comfort and practicality as well as not being too perfect or formal. There may be a lot going on, but the multi-layered design narrative and subtle arrangement still exude a sense of calm.

French Rustic

When French vintage adds rustic elements into the mix, the result is relaxed and almost thrown together, but it just works. Exposed ceiling beams, rough walls, distressed floors, mismatched colourful fabrics and natural elements all tell a story that has you feeling you’ve stepped back in time, but in a good way. The secret to achieving this is ‘chiner’ – a French word meaning ‘to hunt for.’ Hunting for antique and vintage furniture pieces is the heart of French decor.

French Vintage at the Crown Collection

Your French affair starts at The Crown Collection, South Africa’s largest emporium of antique, vintage, contemporary and French-style furniture and accessories. Start your ‘chiner’ for the perfect French vintage and antique pieces to add that sense of handpicked ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your home. This is where comfortable and sophisticated French-style vintage charm lives from Louis XVI armchairs to gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers.

Visit us online or in-studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

The Timeless Beauty of Vintage & Antique Chandeliers

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique chandeliers, VIntage chandeliers, Vintage lanterns|

“I still love writing in my journal, wearing sparkly dresses and looking at old chandeliers.” -TaylorSwift

What is it about a chandelier that makes one look up in wonder? In fact, if you strip all other elements from a room and leave only a vintage or antique chandelier, the grandeur and elegance of the room remain intact and visitors to the space will still pause with a breathtaking gasp at the sparkling beauty. That is the irresistible charm and timeless allure of chandeliers and lanterns. From entrance halls to living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms, every home needs one and every home deserves one.

Writing about chandeliers almost seems like an exercise in futility, as words cannot do such decor show-stoppers justice. Their glamour and sophisticated luxury have a visual language all their own. That is the intrinsic magic of a vintage lantern or antique chandelier.

The etymology of the word “chandelier” is simple; it comes from the French word, “chandelle,” which means “candle” – originally a simple design of 2 cross-shaped wooden beams with spikes at the ends to hold candles of animal fat. As the quality of candle making evolved, ornate chandeliers became luxury lighting items used in churches, castles and royal palaces. By the 18th-century gold, brass, lead crystal, Venetian Murano glass and quartz chandeliers were an enviable status symbol of the nobility.

If you have fallen in love with antique chandeliers or vintage lanterns and are looking to add one (or more) to your home, then there are a few things to bear in mind.

Limitless options

Sourcing the perfect vintage chandelier or antique lantern can be overwhelming as the styles, designs and materials are limitless. (And they are all so beautiful). From French farmhouse chic and modern industrial, to mid-century and traditional, there is a chandelier that will fit flawlessly.

Browse the many options out there online or in-store and decide if you want the ornate glamour of a 12 light antique wrought iron chandelier or the simplified sparkle of a smaller vintage chandelier. Or perhaps you are in love with the decorative elegance of an Empire chandelier, a brass hanging lantern or a bold vintage wrought iron plantation lantern. Whatever you choose, your space will be transformed.

No space is off-limits

When it comes to hanging an antique chandelier or vintage lantern, no space is off-limits. (Well, perhaps the garage). What you do need to consider though – from powder rooms and kitchen to ballrooms and bedrooms – is the size of the space. A chandelier should never be too big that it overwhelms a space and it should never be too small that it is underwhelming in a space.

Limit your materials and colours

Considering the style, colours and other metal accents in your room will help you narrow down your choices. A vintage brass or gold chandelier will look out of place in an ultra-modern sleek space that is full of black or silver metallic accents pieces. Think about the tones and materials that are statements in your room. This will determine whether you choose crystal, brass, wrought iron or beaded chandeliers. A chandelier should always be a natural extension of the room’s aesthetic.

No limits to the positioning of chandeliers

Although there are basic principles in the world of interior design, there are no real rules. Who says a chandelier or lantern has to hang from a ceiling rose in the centre of the room. There is no doubt that a central chandelier will always look beautiful, but how about hanging two smaller chandeliers on either side of your bed? This delicate framing of the bed accentuates the bedside tables, creating a striking sculptural and artistic element.

If you want to embrace the eclectic, then who says you can’t hang more than one style of chandelier over a kitchen island at different heights. Talk about a talking point! It is an unexpected yet exuberant and classy vignette that will make anyone swoon.

Unlimited choice at The Crown Collection

If you are looking for a chandelier to up the style and value of your home, then The Crown Collection emporium is ‘chandelier heaven.’ Our handpicked and specially curated collection of antique and vintage chandeliers and lanterns will mesmerise you. And with over 5000 antique, vintage, French and contemporary furniture pieces and accessories, your antique journey starts here.

Browse and shop online or visit our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

If You want to Go “Green,” Start with Antique Furniture

Categories: Articles, Blog|Tags: Antique Furniture sustainability, Eco-friendly antique furniture|

Going green is a conversation starter and caring for the planet has evolved into a mainstream concern. From saving the trees to climate change, there are little ways we can all do our part. That is where antique furniture joins the discussion – it is an eco-conscious and sustainable way of decorating your home in the face of a throw-away culture.

The timeless nature of solid wood furniture means it has never gone out of fashion – it has literally stood the test of time. Its classic enduring quality makes it an ongoing popular choice from ‘Escaping to the Chateaux’ and authentically furnishing 19-century French castles to simply adding an antique piece of furniture to your home. The result is always the same – furniture that adds natural beauty, old-fashioned craftsmanship, artisanal story and eco-friendly sustainability to any space.

Besides the obvious motivation of buying antique furniture because you love it, it can also be about doing your small part to save the planet and leaving an environmental footprint.

Changing minds

A consumer-driven society has demanded the manufacture of mass-produced furniture items which have a shorter life span and are expendable. And although relatively inexpensive, there is a hidden impact: deforestation, pollution, a bigger carbon footprint and off-gassing.

“Off-gassing is the particularly sexy name for the process through which the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in the manufacture of many household items are released into the air that you breathe. Everything off-gasses in some way – if it has a smell, it’s off-gassing. But the smell of a pineapple is far less potentially toxic than the VOCs wafting from your new sofa” –SADHBH O’SULLIVAN

One such example is Formaldehyde. This toxic gas is used in the making of resins that are used as adhesives in composite wood products such as MDF and plywood. A large percentage of mass-produced furniture is made of these composite woods. Antique and secondhand vintage furniture, however, will have off-gassed a long time ago, resulting in a more ethical and circular economy.

Research has also indicated that the manufacturing of modern mass-produced furniture, with its often synthetic and substandard materials, has a 16x higher carbon footprint/year than its antique counterpart.

A further consideration is the proven longevity of antique furniture over centuries which means it doesn’t end up being thrown away in landfills like cheaper, contemporary mass-produced furniture.

So, at one level, the antique industry embraces the ethos of recycling, reusing and giving back – literally.

Changing interiors

In recent years, there has been a move within the interior design world to incorporate antique furniture pieces and embrace their complementary impact by pairing them with more contemporary pieces and styles. This is an exciting development and one that has a planet-friendly endorsement.

Antique furniture and accessories are typically crafted from natural resources – wood, stone or metals. The enduring nature of solid wood items makes for a more sustainable solution as well as adding distinct personality, individuality and history to any decor space.

The world is growing tired of ‘sameness’ – generic, mass-produced furniture that can be seen in every mall, catalogue or staged showhome. Antique items – beautifully crafted from solid, old-fashioned wood – bring back the ‘novelty,’ eclectic factor and an eco-friendly element to personalised interior spaces.

Changing the world

Who would have thought that an heirloom piece from more than a hundred years ago could carry such significance into the future? It is the past positively impacting the future beyond the mere functionality and beauty of a French solid rosewood mirrored armoire or a solid French cherrywood buffet. No matter what you pay, the result is priceless because you are promoting sustainable living and supporting future generations.

Across the world, tons of mass-produced furniture is thrown away every year as trash. Buying antique and vintage furniture, piece by piece, is the planet-friendly antidote.

“(Antique furniture) is luxurious and it has a soul. Customers are interested in sustainability and quality, the romance of the story behind each piece, and I think because of that they cherish their antiques a little bit more.” -Marketing specialist, Helen Rutledge.

Giving the gift of the future can start with one piece of antique furniure today.

At the end of the day, buying furniture is a functional decision and the type of furniture you buy is a style choice. But as society slowly becomes more eco-conscious, buying antique items is fast becoming a green trend.

The Crown Collection

Buying antiques is so much more than just buying furniture and accessories; it is a solid (wood) investment in the future and The Crown Collection is just the place where your ‘green initiative’ antique journey can begin. Take a step back into the past and appreciate the richness of antique furniture and what it brings to the table in the conversation of sustainability and eco-friendliness.

With over 5000 hand-picked and curated vintage, contemporary and antique furniture pieces, The Crown Collection Interior Decor Store is the largest emporium in South Africa.

Invest in tomorrow by shopping all our collections online or by visiting our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

Start with a Vintage or Antique Mirror – It’s Jewellery for Your Room

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique mirrors, Decorating with mirrors, Vintage mirrors|

No matter where you are in your antique journey, if you are wanting to add a touch of flair and an element of visual glam, then vintage or antique mirrors are a wonderful starting point for any space in your home – no matter what your overall design style may be. Doing double duty, mirrors are the perfect functional and aesthetic pieces and they are always fun to decorate with. Consider them jewellery for your room.

Antique or vintage mirrors add a touch of drama and the theatrical as well as creating a beautiful harmony between the past and the present. You really cannot get decorating with a mirror wrong as every room deserves one; they reflect light, give the illusion of space and will instantly transform a wall. (Look no further than our blog on the language of antiquing to clarify the difference between the terms ‘antique’ and ‘vintage’).

In the world of interior design, mirrors on the wall – be they antique or vintage – are certainly the fairest of them all!

Choose your shape

This is where you really get to play as antique and vintage mirrors come in all shapes – round, square, oval, rectangle, hexagonal, diamond or free-form. They can be framed or frameless. Love them all? Then go ahead and mix and match. There are no rules – especially if you are wanting to create a gallery style cluster effect in a hallway, up the stairs or on a blank wall.

Mirrors are so versatile and become the perfect complement and finishing touch to any space. Cluster them, pair them, scatter them among artworks or simply display them on their own. Be daring. Be eclectic. However you choose to hang or arrange them, the effect will successfully transform any space in your home.

Choose your style

The ornate detailing and vintage feel of an antique mirror add a special element to any room – from bedrooms and bathrooms to hallways, living rooms and dining rooms.

Be bold and beautiful by placing an ornate gilded antique mirror against a moody dark wall – the perfect balance. If you have space to really show it off, then just let an oversized mirror stand on the floor to create an instant statement piece and focal point. Choose from an early 20th-century gilded wall mirror, a 20th-century French style giltwood Mirror, or a Rococo Style Giltwood Pier Mirror for an extra touch of designer sophistication.

An antique or vintage mirror is that one accessory that will always enhance a room. Mirrors add balance, interest, personality and fun. They can offset a neutral scheme, calm a busy scheme and accentuate all the other pieces you have in your space. They will not only bring more light into a room but, if placed correctly, will make a smaller space seem larger. (When positioning a mirror – make sure it reflects something worthwhile).

The magic of mirrors as decor accessories really cannot be overstated.

Choose the Crown Collection

If you are looking for a vintage or antique mirror for your wall to add a touch of luxury and history, then The Crown Collection, the largest antique emporium in South Africa, is your first stop. From gilded and ornately carved frames, in all shapes and sizes, you will find one-of-a-kind statement pieces for your home by shopping online or by visiting our showroom at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston. Our magnificently honed collection is an eclectic combination of decorative antiques, modern and classic styles.

Can’t find exactly what you are looking for? Then go bespoke. We have an onsite restoration centre where we can customise the finish of any mirror – from hand gilding in 22- karat gold leaf or silver leaf to an aged/distressed look or a high gloss black or white lacquer sheen. We can even strip a mirror back to its natural wood colour or give it an authentic bleached wood or deep mahogany colour.

Browse all our antique, vintage and French-style mirrors to find your perfect looking glass artwork for every space in your home.

‘A Match Made in Heaven’ – Antique & Modern Dining Tables & Chairs

Categories: Articles, Blog|Tags: Antique & modern tables and chairs, Antique dining tables and chairs, Contemporary dIning tables & chairs, Mixing contemporary and antique furniture, Modern dining tables & chairs|

Can you mix traditional and contemporary furniture? Our most recent blog answered that with an emphatic “YES!” Pairing modern and antique furniture is one of the easiest ways to add interest and simple luxury to your home. And it doesn’t get easier than mixing and matching antique and modern tables and chairs in your dining space. It’s all about adding story and intrigue, with a touch of the eclectic, as you throw the rule book out the window.

A separate or open plan dining space deserves special design attention as it is a place where social gatherings occur and where memories are made around food and community. A table and chairs are the centrepieces of any dining space and they need to fill the room with presence and personality.

A nod to the past and a respect for the present make mixing and matching contemporary and antique furniture a bold decor decision that will result in defining showpieces.

An antique table with modern chairs

One of the biggest current decor trends is a statement piece with contrasting pieces. The dining room is a well-defined space to pull this off and apply your design objectives. There is no denying the investment value of an antique or vintage dining table. So, how do you bring your heirloom Victorian mahogany or Mid-Century French Style Regency dining room table into the 21st century? The simplest way is by adding clear acrylic chairs (aka ghost chairs). The result keeps the table as the hero piece by adding a modern minimalist element. What is not to love about this look? It is practical, stylish and allows you to play with table setting elements and a variety of decor accessories.

Of course, ghost chairs may be pushing you a little too far out of your design comfort zone and that is ok – there are other successful ways of mixing an antique or vintage table with modern chairs

The mixed classic/contemporary aesthetic can be a little more subtle with wooden chairs with velvet, floral or striped upholstery designs, or a little more refined with simple mid-century modern wooden chairs. Otherwise, embrace your eclectic side with sculptured plastic chairs, or low-profile wire or metal chairs for a bolder yet relaxed industrial impact.. And if you prefer a comfortable farm-style feel, pair contemporary chairs plus a bench with a rustic vintage wooden table.

Whatever you love will work as antique tables and modern chairs will have you dining in style. It is all about your personal style and taste and creating a talking point.

A modern table with antique chairs

If your decor personality leans towards a more contemporary scheme, mixed-era design is a wonderful way to play with design pieces and slowly introduce antique pieces into your contemporary spaces. Vintage and antique chairs become wonderful supporting actors to a modern focal point table, adding a touch of warmth, interest and depth, and completely transforming your look with a nostalgic timelessness and a sentimental counterbalance.

The joy of mixing and matching a contemporary table with antique chairs offers you so many style options – from iconic Mid-century wishbone or Eames chairs and early American style ladder back chairs to Chinese yoke chairs, gilded Louis XVI chairs and bustle back Victorian chairs and any type of chair in between.

Shopping for modern and antique furniture will give you the opportunity to be like Goldilocks and find just the right ones to smarten up any modern wooden, painted, glass, marble, or cement dining room table.

The Crown Collection

Mixing a variety of antique and modern furniture will add personality and timeless character to your design story. Creating the atmosphere and look you love for your dining room starts at The Crown Collection, South Africa’s finest and largest interior decor store. With over 5000 pieces of stylish decorative antique, French, vintage, and contemporary furniture and accessories, timeless quality and extensive choice are at your fingertips.

Find your perfect antique or modern table and chairs by shopping online or visiting our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

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