The Crown Collection—Antique Articles

Welcome to our antique articles, where the enchanting world of antique furniture unfolds before your eyes. Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of captivating articles covering trends, topics, and décor tips dedicated to the timeless allure of antique furniture. Our expert writers delve deep into the rich history and craftsmanship of these exquisite pieces, offering insightful perspectives and expert advice to help you navigate the realm of antique furniture with confidence and style.

Discover the latest trends in antique furniture, from classic styles that never go out of fashion to emerging design movements that breathe new life into old treasures. Uncover hidden gems and learn about iconic furniture pieces that have shaped interior design throughout the ages. Our articles not only highlight the beauty and rarity of antique furniture but also explore the stories and cultural significance behind each piece, allowing you to truly appreciate their timeless charm.

Pairing antique crystal chandeliers with concrete elements

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique chandeliers, mix and match concrete and crystal, Mix antiques with modern decor, modern concrete items with crystal chandeliers, pairing concrete elements with crystal chandeliers|

Unusual and daring combinations – in landscape design, fashion design and interior design – are an avant-garde source of inspiration in pushing the boundaries. Opposites attract. By cleverly juxtaposing contrasting elements, you will create a captivating visual harmony with a little unexpected wow factor. One such intriguing combination – for indoor and outdoor spaces – is the fusion of concrete and crystal.

The raw masculinity and brutalism of concrete benches, urns, busts or obelisks paired with the sparkling femininity and delicateness of a crystal chandelier is nothing short of decor genius.

This ‘marriage’ of stark earthy concrete elements with decorative heavenly crystal details is simply sublime and no space in your home is off limits.

The art of pairing such disparate elements highlights how contrasting materials work beautifully together; boldly transforming any decor narrative.

Embracing eclecticism

Living in spaces that reflect your personality and showcase the things you love is always the first rule when it comes to curating furniture and accessories in your home. This is where experimenting with a mix-and-match philosophy – pairing antique elements and modern pieces – allows you to play with design.

Fusing modernist concrete items with antique crystal chandeliers is an easy starting point to add a little history and contemporary flair to a space. It’s all about having a little fun with materials and shapes, and the interplay of contrasting pieces illustrates the powerful influence of the law of opposites.

Surprising harmony

Design cohesiveness is the foundation of any design – no matter how you mix and match pieces. Even though combining concrete elements with antique crystal chandeliers creates an intriguing contrast that captivates the eye, there still needs to be visual harmony.

Here’s how it works:

Texture: The rough, tactile feel of concrete against the ornate fragility of crystals of an antique chandelier creates a visually stimulating contrast
Colour: if you are looking for a dramatic and striking composition, then the cool, neutral tones of concrete are a beautiful balance to the opulence and reflectiveness of antique chandeliers.
Style fusion: The design collaboration of minimalist industrial concrete with timeless crystal chandeliers combines contemporary and classic aesthetics, resulting in a one-of-a-kind design.

Bringing the look to life

Although mixing and matching concrete and crystal pieces may seem like you are breaking the rules, there are still some functional design principles that need to be at work to successfully pull off the look.

Placement: Strategically position your concrete elements – busts, urns or obelisks – within visual distance of your antique crystal chandelier to create a cohesive look. (For example, place a concrete bust on a pedestal beneath the chandelier to draw the eye upward).
Lighting: The overall effect of pairing concrete items with antique chandeliers is amplified when you consider the lighting effects. The soft, warm glow of the crystal chandelier light contrasts beautifully with the cold, matte finish of concrete, creating a cosy yet sophisticated ambience. (Ensure that your antique chandelier is well-lit to emphasize its intricate details).
Balance: Maintain a balance between the number and size of concrete pieces and the chandelier. Too much contrast can overwhelm the space. If you have a grand, ornate chandelier, opt for larger concrete urns or busts to match the scale. Conversely, if your chandelier is more petite, smaller concrete pieces can maintain the equilibrium of the room. (Due to the visual weight and commanding presence of concrete pieces, they can become overwhelming if overdone).
Versatility: Concrete pieces, such as urns, busts, and obelisks, are incredibly versatile, fitting into various design styles – from rustic and industrial to contemporary and minimalist. This adaptability allows you to experiment with different aesthetics while keeping the crystal chandelier as the central focal point.

Concrete and crystal at The Crown Collection

A trip to The Crown Collection emporium is a one-of-a-kind antique store experience. The design choice to mix concrete and crystal elements will always invite conversation.

So, we invite you to wander around – online or in-store – where you will be introduced to our concrete and crystal chandelier collections. By boldly embracing the contrast between the raw and the refined, you can confidently create an aesthetic that is both visually alluring and deeply engaging.

Explore the juxtaposition of materials and let your interior design imaginations run wild as you embark on a concrete and crystal decor journey.

How to mix smart and casual furniture and accessories

Categories: Blog, Style|Tags: Antique chandeliers, Antique French furniture, Antique furniture and accessories, Mixing contemporary and antique furniture, Mixing smart and casual furniture and accessories|

Fashion and interior design principles have always overlapped, with one influencing the other. ‘Smart casual’ is a fashion term that has successfully transitioned into the world of interiors, being the inspiration for spaces that are a blend of refined, stylish, elegant, rustic, eclectic and relaxed. Mixing and matching antiques with modern pieces has always been popular, but that is evolving to embrace the collaboration of smart and casual furniture and accessories.

Mixing smart and casual furniture from different design eras is a relatively new decor philosophy, although the French have always been at the pioneering forefront of this look.

When you are brave enough to curate different styles, colours and textures together in one space, the result is always a welcoming ‘lived-in’ feel that celebrates an effortless narrative that is both strikingly smart and casually informal.

The ‘smart casual’ design brief is open to interpretation and the scope of furniture and accessories is vast. Antique furniture can be both, and contemporary pieces also straddle the fence with formal and informal options that speak to all personal decor preferences.

So don’t limit your decor approach by assuming that the smart casual look is only limited to pairing an antique item with a modern piece. It is so much more fluid than that.

The smart casual approach to ‘dressing’ a room

As with fashion, mixing trendier pieces with classic antique staples mitigates an outfit or room looking too formal or that you tried too hard. The goal is a space where the furniture pieces and accessories look pulled together but in an interesting and approachable way. It’s all about playing with design elements.

You have 3 choices:

#1 The top-to-bottom approach is where you start with smart or formal lighting options such as an antique crystal chandelier and then your dining room table, living room chairs, bed or side table choices are casual, relaxed pieces. (This is akin to the timeless look of sneakers and ripped jeans paired with a silk blouse and diamond earrings.).

#2 The bottom-to-top approach is simply the decor inverse. You may have a really formal dining room table, living room chairs or Persian carpet, and then as your eye travels up the room, you add casual hanging lanterns for lighting or fun informal artwork or mirror collages on the wall. (Imagine stilettos and smart trousers with an oversized cotton shirt and denim jacket).

#3 The eclectic-ensemble approach is where the rule book is thrown out the window. This is a daring experimental mix-and-match approach to smart and casual furniture and accessories. Take a smart antique Persian carpet, a really rustic dining room table, in-your-face bold modern chairs, a smart chandelier and a couple of casual bookshelves or a Riempie bench. On their own, the individual pieces wouldn’t seem to sync with each other, but once placed together, a cohesive story emerges and the look just makes sense. (High heels, casual jeans, a T-shirt, a blazer and a crossover bag are your fashion inspiration for this look).

Avoiding a ‘mismatched’ smart casual look

Knowing how far to go and which smart antique, vintage or modern furniture and accessories will best complement casual pieces does take a little skill to create a cohesive aesthetic. There is a fine line between restrained and effortless versus over-the-top and chaotic.

Making an overall room work often comes down to colours and textures that you pull throughout the room.

#1 Choose a common, repetitive thread. This could be a furniture style – such as French or mid-century vintage – or a colour, pattern or texture that weaves through the room to anchor the look and make sense. Once that starting point is decided on, building up the layers by adding a few smart or casual furniture or accessories as a counterbalance will do the trick. (This works particularly well in monochromatic schemes).

#2 Let the colour wheel guide you. If you love a little colour personality, then a neutral base shade with two complementary colours always works. (You can also use different hues of a specific colour to up the ante for additional design interest). Using a darker palette in your furniture with lighter accessories and walls – or vice versa – will be a successful decor dialogue.

#3 Less is more (in principle not necessarily pieces). The principle of ‘less is more’ will be the restraint to make sure that you cleverly curate the collection of pieces that make it into any space of your home and don’t mix and match too many different types of antiques, colours, styles or eras in one space. You can always slowly build up a look, but overdone is overwhelming and the goal is to avoid visual noise and clutter. Your eyes need to have the opportunity to rest and enjoy well-placed and carefully chosen smart and casual furniture and accessories in a room.

Spaces that are warm, comfortable and inviting, but that also boast a sophisticated designer edge start with the flair of mixing smart and casual furniture and accessories. Even if you only collect antiques, are a fan of exclusively mid-century modern furniture or are only in love with modern pieces, the interior design philosophy will speak your unique decor language.

So have a little fun by starting your mix-and-match journey at The Crown Collection; the home of handpicked smart and casual antique, French and contemporary furniture and accessories.

The ‘Riempie’ bench | A South African antique collectable

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique furniture and accessories, Antique Riempie furniture, Antique store, Riempie benches, Riempie chairs|

Growing up in South Africa means certain antique furniture pieces are part of our historical DNA. One such item is the much-loved Riempie bench; a staple in homes since Jan Van Riebeeck’s arrival in the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. As the Dutch settlement grew, so did their need for furniture. Qualified woodworking artisans started making furniture and passing on their skills to the local indigenous peoples who started producing various copies of Indo-Dutch, French and German-style pieces.

Introducing a piece of South Africa’s heritage

The South African Riempie bench became a design adaptation when local carpenters replaced the cane or reed seating with ‘riempies’ (thin strips of cured leather). These riempies were more easily obtainable and more durable than their imported woven counterparts.

The crafting of Riempie benches is a labour-intensive process that has been passed down through generations. Skilled artisans carefully weave the riempie leather strips across the frame, creating a strong, comfortable and visually distinctive seat.

The Riempie ‘stoel’ then became popular among the 1820 British settlers who were on the move and needed sturdy but lightweight chairs that utilised materials that were readily available. It wasn’t long before Riempie benches and chairs were to be found in most of our ancestors’ homes as timeless South African classics.

Blending history with modern interior design

The functional design of Riempie benches and chairs makes them one of the easiest antique additions in contemporary spaces. They just work in so many different set-ups: in hallways, at a dining table, as a desk chair, or perched at the end of a bed.

As versatile antiques, Riempie benches and chairs have not lost their charm or investment value. Delightful examples are the ‘Tolletjie’ (spindle) chair – dating back to the 17th century – often made from Cape Stinkwood, Cape Keurboom or Yellowwood (boasting turned elements and interwoven riempies for the seat), and 19th-century Tulbagh transitional chairs. It’s fair to say that Riempie benches have their design ‘roots’ deeply embedded in South African history.

The riempies are also incredibly strong, and if they become worn over time, can simply be replaced. The weaving together of the untanned leather strips for the seat is a unique design feature and makes any space that these antique Riempie benches inhabit feel light and airy.

Incorporating Riempie benches into your decor

Choose the right Riempie piece: When selecting an antique Riempie bench or chair, consider the existing colour palette, proportions and style of your space. Up the ante by bleaching, staining or painting them to become fun contemporary conversation pieces.

Mix the old with new: One of the most captivating aspects of Riempie furniture is its ability to blend seamlessly with modern design. Pair an antique Riempie bench with sleek, contemporary furniture to create a striking contrast.

Create a focal point: Positioning your Riempie bench strategically will make it a statement piece in the room. Its unique texture and design craftsmanship will draw the eye, adding cultural character, warmth and a touch of ‘South Africana.’

Accessorise thoughtfully: Let Riempie pieces become the ‘base’ or backdrop for complementary furniture pieces and accessories: rustic throws, tribal-inspired cushions, wooden side tables or standing lamps.

Shopping locally for antique Riempie furniture

The Crown Collection – South Africa’s largest emporium of handpicked antiques – is the obvious starting point to furnish your space with a Riempie bench or a couple of Riempie occasional chairs. Or go all out and buy a set of antique Riempie chairs to be the traditional seating options for a modern dining room table.

Furniture trends may come and go, but the Riempie bench will always be a timeless South African classic that connects the past with the present and adds a nostalgic decor narrative to modern homes and lifestyles.

Pop in online – or in-studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston – to view our collection of Riempie benches and chairs.

Transform your spaces with antique hanging lanterns

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique lanterns, Decorative hanging lanterns, Mix antiques with modern decor|

If you’ve been part of the Crown Collection family for a while, then you will be aware of our unapologetic love for chandeliers. But we also have a soft spot (and a stunning curated selection) of antique hanging lanterns. We are of the persuasion that if you’re looking for a touch of designer minimalism, then lanterns are easily the decor and lighting alternative for a little patina and subtle grandness.

In an era where minimalist and modern designs often dominate, embracing the past can add an element of intrigue and uniqueness to your home. Antique lanterns – with their architectural flair and warm glow – offer a timeless contrast that will transform any space.

Infusing modern interiors with historical charm

Part of the irresistible allure and wow factor of antique hanging lanterns is their sense of history and nostalgia. Originating from diverse cultures and time periods, their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail are a testament to the dedication of artisans from bygone eras.

Incorporating a lantern into your modern interior creates a captivating focal point that sparks conversations and adds a touch of originality to your personal style aesthetic.

Antique hanging lanterns seamlessly blend with modern design aesthetics. The juxtaposition of old and new brings a harmonious balance that elevates the overall atmosphere of a room. Whether your home boasts a minimalist, industrial, French farmhouse, eclectic or rustic pared-back look, lanterns have the versatility to complement and enhance the existing decor.

Integrating the gorgeous shapes with a touch of surprise

Known for their visual impact, antique lanterns come in a stunning array of shapes and sizes. Finding the appropriate lantern size and shape for the scale of the room is crucial to achieving the desired visual impact.

Large lanterns, with intricate metalwork, can serve as captivating focal points, while smaller ones delicately enhance corners and nooks. Lantern shapes, such as cylindrical, square, hexagonal or Moroccan-inspired, will always add surprise and interest to your spaces.

Crafted with glass and a myriad of materials – including wrought iron, brass and copper – each material’s patina brings a unique texture and colour palette to a space, allowing you to choose lanterns that harmonize or contrast with your existing decor elements.

Including more than one antique lantern

Chandeliers are typically solo actors in the world of interior design and don’t like to share the spotlight. But this is not the case with antique lanterns.

A repetition of hanging lanterns – down a hallway, over a kitchen island or above a dining room table – creates design rhythm and movement, illuminating your space with a touch of playful artistry.

Customising your configuration of a few lanterns – especially at different heights – works really well in double-volume entry spaces and upstairs. (Experiment with different heights and locations to find the perfect arrangement that enhances the aesthetics of your space).

A symmetrical statement – on either side of an entryway or porch – is where a pair of antique lanterns really come into their own. Positioning a duo of outdoor pots – with flowers, topiaries or shrubs underneath – creates a sculptural garden feature when illuminated. (You can also have a little fun with candle lanterns on stakes to dot around your garden or light a pathway).

Investing in lanterns at The Crown Collection

As specialist purveyors of all things ‘antique,’ we are of the opinion that hanging lanterns are more than just beautiful lighting fixtures. They are captivating pieces of luminary art that will find their way into your heart and your home.

By carefully choosing lanterns that align with your personalised interior design, you can seamlessly blend the old with the new and achieve drama and ambience to complement any indoor or outdoor space.

Pop in at The Crown Collection – online or in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston – to truly appreciate our handpicked collection of antique lanterns.

Wrought iron takes the crown – indoors & outdoors

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique wrought iron for indoors & outdoors, Wrought iron furniture, wrought iron lanterns, Wrought iron mirrors, Wrought iron pieces|

Cherished for centuries, the timeless industrial beauty and remarkable functionality of wrought-iron furniture and accessories make them a winner across design aesthetics. The intricate designs and durable nature of wrought iron make it a popular choice to enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exploring the charm, adaptability and versatility of wrought iron will take you on a decor journey that includes furniture, mirrors, lanterns, and obelisks.

The mention of wrought iron as a design option conjures up images of Parisian cafés and Tuscan Juliette balconies. From balustrades to chandeliers to candelabras and bird feeders, it is a rugged and robust material that transforms spaces into the perfect blend of rustic and sophisticated romance.

Dating back to medieval times, wrought iron furniture has a rich history. Skilled blacksmiths handcrafted each piece, giving it an artisanal touch that mass-produced items can never replicate. The ornate detailing celebrates craftsmanship, dedication and passion.

An all-rounder for all spaces

The balanced juxtaposition of pairing a more ‘masculine,’ minimalistic medium with artisanal ornate and feminine flowery lines makes wrought iron pieces the ‘yin and yang’ go-to for designers, architects and homeowners.

Its long list of qualities – including beauty, durability, versatility and low maintenance – make wrought iron furniture and accessories a classic addition to any room or corner of your home. Because of their history, wrought iron pieces fall into the antique category, making them investment pieces that are set to increase in value over time.

Organic or geometrical, traditional or innovative, decorative or linear, it’s no wonder wrought iron has captivated the decor world and transcended design trends for hundreds of years.

Whether it’s a bed frame, dining table, coffee table, garden urn or mirror, wrought iron adds a touch of refined charm to any room. It all comes down to its versatility.

An inspirational addition to outdoor spaces

Outdoor spaces highlight the unique versatility and beauty of wrought iron options like no other space in your home. Not only is it durable and weather resistant, but its dark linear or curvy lines and angles – with negative space – give it a poetic element that dialogues beautifully in garden areas or on patios.

As part of your outdoor hardscaping, wrought iron offers limitless possibilities to suit your style and budget.

Not into black or brown, wrought iron pieces come gilded or can be painted in any colour.
Outdoor patios deserve chandeliers or lanterns, making wrought iron options the ideal lighting solution.
Wrought iron mirrors make a bold artistic statement by cleverly reflecting your garden’s narrative.
Add some outdoor ambient romance with a pair of wrought iron torches or create a charming moment with a wall herb plant holder.
Practical seating options make wrought iron benches, daybeds or armchairs an invitation to enjoy the outdoors, allowing you to customise and soften them with cushions and throws.

A bold design statement for all indoor spaces

A strong presence and a modern decor story are two boxes easily ticked with wrought iron pieces. You don’t get a better mix-and-match solution. The beauty of wrought iron lies in its ability to complement a variety of materials – wood, glass, copper, brass or even stone – to create a visually appealing and harmonious space that exudes a dynamic personality.

Bringing wrought iron elements from the outdoors inside your home creates a seamless blend of nature and architecture; naturally adding eye-catching drama, and effortlessly blending into any setting – from the hallway to the living room to the bedroom to the bathroom. Wherever they are placed, wrought iron mirrors, side tables, candelabras, side tables or lanterns all complement different interior design themes and add a simple touch of refinement.

A curated selection at The Crown Collection

Wrought-iron decor options continue to captivate design enthusiasts worldwide. From classic pieces to contemporary twists, it has stood the test of time, seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality to create stunning living spaces.

Our handpicked selection of wrought iron furniture and accessories, with their delicate curves and sturdy structure, is worth browsing if you are looking to effortlessly elevate the ambience of your indoor or outdoor spaces.

Visit us online or pop into our showroom at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, where a world of antiques awaits your perusal.

Antique decorative clocks | Making ordinary spaces extraordinary

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique mantle clocks, Carriage clocks, Decorative clocks, French figural mantle clocks, grandfather clocks|

As one of the most popular and widely collected decorative antiques, it’s no wonder that grandfather, carriage, wall and mantle clocks are popular decorative pieces for any home – each exuding its own recognizable charm. Adhering to the functional and ornamental brief, the variety of styles and forms make antique decorative clocks both eye-catching and enduring. Carefully chosen, they make beautiful focal points for your home; instantly adding a touch of classic elegance to any room when hung on the wall or cleverly placed on a mantel, table or shelf.

With their intricate artistry, rich history and timeless appeal, antique decorative clocks are always on trend and hold a special place in the world of interior design. Whether you prefer the majesty of a grandfather clock or the understated elegance of a desk clock, antique timepieces serve as captivating focal points in any room and have the power to add a touch of unexpected whimsy to your chosen aesthetic.

And when it comes to including decorative clocks in your home, no space is off limits.

The irresistible grandeur of grandfather clocks

All you need is a blank wall for an antique grandfather clock to add its towering presence to a space. (Don’t believe the design myth that you need an oversized space or high ceilings to showcase these larger pieces.)

Originally manufactured between 1680 and 1830, grandfather clocks – aka longcase clocks – have been a symbol of prestige and refinement, and now modern interior design is incorporating them into its contemporary decor narrative. With ornate carvings and melodious chimes, their majestic presence demands attention and becomes a trendy and nostalgic statement piece; anywhere in your home.

The charming story of compact clocks

Compact antique carriage, mantle, desk or tabletop clocks may be small, but they pack a big punch in decor circles. For those seeking a more subtle blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, carriage or tabletop clocks are the simplest way to add a little extra adornment and a touch of romance to a mantlepiece desk, shelf, worktop, bedside table or console table.

You can go for gold with a 19th-century antique French gilt tabletop clock or you can keep it more low-key with a Victorian Wooden Cased Mantle Clock.

Either way, these antique timepieces will always cause you to pause and smile, and are guaranteed to make ordinary surfaces a little extraordinary.

Originating in France, figural mantle clocks quickly became popular in England and America and are still a go-to accessory for modern interior design as individual conversation pieces or as part of a collage vignette of accent accessories.

Perfectly blending tradition with modernity, these decorative antique timepieces are crafted with intricate detailing, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of horologists.

The artsy vibe of wall clocks

We cannot think of anything more delightful than antique decorative wall clocks as wall art.

Coming in so many different shapes and sizes, the definitive character of wall clocks is a stunningly beautiful addition to a modern home. They can either be used to match the general colour palette of a space or become a striking contrast.

Hang them as solo pieces, combine your antique wall clock of choice with other artworks in a gallery-style arrangement or go all out by curating an array of different clock types, designs, styles and sizes to create a unique focal display.

The wonder of browsing decorative clocks at The Crown Collection

If you cannot wait to get your hands on an antique clock, then your first spot should be The Crown Collection. Our in-store experience – at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston – will not only have you losing track of time, but will make you feel like Alice who has arrived in a wonderland of mesmerising beauty. As you make your way among our handpicked displays, you will discover an extraordinary collection of antique clocks. If you cannot visit us in-store, the same selection of antiques exists online. (And once you have made your choice, we will deliver directly to your door).

Shop all our antique decorative clocks today to add something extra to your home.

Antique extendable dining tables | Place for everyone

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique dining tables and chairs, Antique extension tables, Extendable dining tables, Extending drop-leaf dining tables|

There are dining room tables and then there are extendable dining room tables. Our belief is that furniture choices play a pivotal role when it comes to interior design and creating stylish spaces that speak to longevity and practicality. And so, if you happen to come across an antique extension dining table, grab it with both hands! The double-duty, win-win functionality of these pieces means they will fit perfectly in a smaller space but have the wonderful potential to seat more when an occasion or celebration demands or when unexpected guests arrive for dinner.

An extension dining table is an invitation to gather and an investment that you will wonder how you ever lived without.

The practicality of extendable tables

The aesthetic value of antique extendable tables – besides their clever craftsmanship and design mechanisms – is in their artisanal variety.

Drop-leaf extension tables feature hinged leaves that can be folded down when not in use. They can be easily extended by lifting the leaves which provide additional surface area for dining or other activities.
Boasting a distinctive trestle-style base with a removable leaf (or leaves) that can be added to the centre of the table, trestle extension tables offer stability and flexibility whenever the need arises to host additional guests.
A gateleg extension table is characterised by hinged legs that swing out to support the extended leaves making them ideal for large gatherings.
Butterfly leaf extension tables have a unique self-storing mechanism; the leaf is folded and hidden beneath the table’s surface and can be easily unfolded and locked into place when extra seating is required.

The benefits of extendable tables

From an intimate dinner for two or a cosy supper for four to hosting a festive gathering that accommodates more, these pieces of furniture will support all your socialising needs.

In smaller homes or apartments, extension dining tables become a game changer, offering you the opportunity to maximise your seating space and have everyone over (when necessary) and retract to their smaller size when guests have gone, giving you back your space.

Coming in a broad range of shapes, sizes and materials, you can either harmonize with your existing decor or take your room design in a completely new direction. And whatever extending table you do decide on, they also become the ideal surface to showcase tablecloths or table runners or to display your tablescaping creativity.

(If you are partial to a large dining table and would love an antique refectory table but just don’t have the space, then an extension table becomes a wonderful alternative).

The beauty of extendable tables

Antique extension tables can be seamlessly incorporated into modern spaces, creating a captivating fusion of old and new. Not only do they offer wonderful versatility in seating and room arrangement for dining rooms and kitchens, but they also come in a wide range of designs, materials and styles, upping their timeless decor potential to mix and match antiques with modern styles of furniture.

Giving your dining room or kitchen the wow factor simply comes down to showcasing the craftsmanship of a bygone area with an antique extension table. And from an investment perspective, these coveted pieces of antique furniture are highly sought after.

No matter what your personal interior style is – modern sleek, minimalist simplicity, traditional elegance, or French farmhouse rustic, you can take your pick at the Crown Collection. From a Mid-Century French-Style Regency extendable dining room table or an antique Baroque extending dining table to a Victorian Mahogany (fourteen to sixteen seater) dining table with five extension leaves, our curated collection will suit your design preference, space constraints and budget, and elevate the overall ambience of your home.

With their varied designs, decorative detailing, materials and patinas, extension tables will always become an elegant focal point (and conversation piece) in your dining room, no matter how many guests you are hosting.

Pop in at the Crown Collection to browse our coveted selection of antique extendable tables online or in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

Antique sideboards, servers & buffets | The overlooked darlings of interior design

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique buffets, Antique servers, Antique sideboards, Mix antiques with modern decor, The Crown Collection Antique store|

Antique sideboards, servers or buffets – sometimes called credenzas – are perhaps the most overlooked and underestimated pieces of furniture. But we believe they deserve a moment of glory. (And who says they should only be relegated to the dining room?). Coming in many different shapes, sizes and finishes, this is definitely the time to break the rules and reposition a sideboard, buffet or server as the perfect decor investment in multiple rooms of your home.

We do, however, subscribe to William Morris’ one rule: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Ticking the two key interior design boxes of form and function – useful and beautiful – antique sideboards, servers & buffets offer you the versatility to either be the hero piece or the sophisticated backdrop for practical storage and stunning displays. They are way more than just a utilitarian solution for traditional dining rooms; stepping up as striking feature pieces that will transform any space from mundane and boring to glorious and eclectic.

Reaching their design peak during the Regency period, sideboards, servers and buffets are elegant, graceful and highly functional furniture forms.

What’s the difference?

When referring to this family of antiques, the terms are often used interchangeably. But there are subtle differences distinguishing them if you want to be specific and show off your antique knowledge. Generally speaking, to qualify as a sideboard, server or buffet, these elongated decorative furniture items will have cabinet-like doors and/or storage draws. (They are also narrower in width than dining or kitchen tables).

Sideboards are freestanding with short legs or their base sits directly on the floor.
Buffets have longer legs and are usually larger than a sideboard. Originally designed to serve food, their height is usually counter-level.
Servers are typically smaller and lighter in scale with narrow drawers, longer legs and an open bottom.
Credenzas originally didn’t have feet. But, their renewed popularity during the mid-20th century saw them being designed as long, low cabinets with sliding doors.

Where can they be placed?

The modern-day resurgence of antiques in decor trends has seen the evolution of repurposing furniture from its original design intent.

This is where antique sideboards, buffets or servers really come into their own. Originally only found in dining rooms, sideboards and servers are now making a name for themselves in every other room as drinks cabinets, kitchen islands, coffee stations, office storage, TV stands, dressing tables and bathroom vanities.

We dare you to think out of the box when it comes to buying one of these antique pieces and allowing it to redefine your spaces.

How can they be used?

If you’re in search of a piece of furniture that does triple duty (i.e. has storage options, is perfect for displaying collections and looks beautiful), then, depending on the size of your space, an antique sideboard, buffet or server ‘steps up to the plate.’

Dramatic displays: With iconic drinks stations having a revival, and silver trays – with antique glass, silverware or candle collections – making a comeback, there isn’t a better piece of furniture to showcase in a modern home than a sideboard or server. (And if you’re not into gin and tonic, craft whisky or custom spirits, then a coffee station will look just as inviting). Also, given their countertop height, they remain the ideal item for ‘serving’ tea and food.

Stylish storage: The craftsmanship of antique sideboards, servers and buffets includes shallow drawers and/or cupboards; perfect for storing linens, serving plates, silverware and cutlery. (And that is just in the dining room). If you are brave enough to add a server or sideboard to your bathroom as a vanity, you can store towels and toiletries. In a bedroom, they make the perfect dressing tables and in a study, they provide a little extra ‘out is sight’ organization. Used as TV stands, their storage options hide a whole lot of living room paraphernalia.

Breathtaking beauty: The reason antique sideboards and servers are the darlings of interior design is due to their artisanal versatility; allowing them to be so easily incorporated and mixed into a modern aesthetic. The elegant timelessness and character of Burr Walnut, Mahogany or Oak – natural, varnished, or beached – will always add contrast and balance to your home. Take your design period pick: Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian, Regency, French or Gothic Revival.

Where can I find one?

It’s really easy to fall in love with these unsung heroes of interior design. Their stunning beauty and versatility clearly make them pieces of interest for a broad target group of buyers.

At the Crown Collection, our handpicked and curated collection of sideboards, servers and buffets (and the odd credenza) is ready to wow you. We are on a mission to give these furniture items the attention we believe they deserve in the antique world.

Browse online or visit our showroom at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

(Our in-store restorers can stain, bleach or gild any item to your personal preference).

Set the scene at your next dinner party with antique silver cutlery

Categories: Articles, Blog|Tags: Antique cutlery canteens, antique silver cutlery, silver flatware, silver-plated cutlery|

When does a meal become more than just a meal? The occasion has a lot to do with it, but we would like to suggest that an antique silver-plated (or gold-plated) cutlery set not only sets the scene but is the secret to making your next dinner party shine. Traditionally known as a canteen of cutlery, carefully chosen flatware becomes the bespoke tablescaping decor complement to enhance the ambience and atmosphere of any dining experience.

Know your fish knife from your table knife? A full set of antique silver cutlery is often quite extensive; typically including table knives, table forks, soup spoons, fish knives, fish forks, English teaspoons, dessert spoons, dessert forks, cake forks and serving spoons.

‘Finishing school’ or an aristocratic upbringing may make flatware etiquette second nature, but if you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth you can still experience the exquisite dining pleasure of setting your table with antique cutlery.

An antique canteen of cutlery that has been properly looked after – despite missing a few pieces – is much sought after by collectors, wedding planners, restaurateurs and homeowners. (Full sets are a rare find and worth their weight in gold or silver).

Forget the flowers

If you really want to make a tablescaping first impression, then, before you pick your flower decor, antique silver cutlery needs to make it to your table. (An Edinburgh hotel restaurant experiment concluded that customers were willing to pay 15% more for a meal using higher quality cutlery compared to people eating the same meal with lower quality utensils).

Flowers, tablecloths and dinnerware may create an overall ‘ooh and aah’ moment, but antique decorative gold- or silver-plated cutlery makes each individual dinner guest feel special (as if they had received a formal invite to a royal banquet). Fancy flatware apparently also makes food taste better. (Who are we to argue?).

Embrace silver-plated

There is no debate as to the value of sterling silver cutlery. But authentic silverware, although incredibly beautiful, will, over time, succumb to a little wear and tear and inevitable markings. (This doesn’t, however, detract from its intrinsic worth). If you own a set, treasure it and show it off at your next soirée.

Antique silver-plated flatware will rarely show scratches and, to the naked eye, looks just as gorgeous as the genuine article. Silver-plated cutlery is manufactured using a variety of metals with a thin layer of silver on top. This makes these pieces more resilient and less expensive. They are also much easier to clean.

How do you know the difference? Authentic silver cutlery will have an imprint of the number 92.5 or ‘sterling.’ (This is the official indicator that it is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals and will also justify the higher price tag).

Go mix and match

If you’re a lover of antique stores, you’ll quickly realise that in scouting for vintage or antique cutlery, it is rare to find a full canteen. (And if you do, the prices are dear). But that shouldn’t deter you from your search.

The timeless trend of mixing and matching special pieces creates a curated and relaxed elegance and gives a nod to the environmentally-friendly philosophy of sustainable recycling.

If done carefully, the artistic mixing and matching of individually beautiful and decorative antique cutlery items only make a table setting even more beautiful. (This really works well with alternate settings and will immediately capture your guest’s attention with an eclectic wow factor).

If you adore a table setting with personality and patina (that will have your guests reaching for their phones to capture the moment), then ‘mismatched’ sets of antique silver-plated (or gold-plated) cutlery will always be a showstopper and a timeless investment.

Pop in at The Crown Collection

The delight of popping in at The Crown Collection includes browsing all our collections, but especially our prized selection of antique silver- and gold-plated or bone-handled cutlery canteens. The cherished charm and historical designs give each canteen its own story; the perfect accompaniment to your next dinner party.

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

Maximise storage in your modern home with antique pieces

Categories: Blog|Tags: antique cabinet, antique chest-on-chest, Antique linen press, antique storage solutions|

Home ‘editing’ doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of stuff; it means giving everything its own space. This organisational philosophy presupposes clever storage solutions, and what better way to embrace a ‘decluttering’ trend than with the addition of an antique storage piece? One of Caroline Solomon’s organisational principles is to balance the pretty with the practical, and that is exactly where a linen press, chest on chest or cabinet becomes the perfect versatile piece of furniture to achieve this goal.

In contemporary home design, storage solutions are either sparse or generic and too matchy-matchy; offering little character, personality or visual appeal. The beauty of an antique storage solution is in both its versatility and functionality. An antique chest-on-chest, armoire, linen press or cabinet can bring a much-needed touch of charm and contrast to a mass apartment development or minimalist modern interior.

“Proper storage is about creating a home for something so that minimal effort is required to find it and put it away.” ―Geralin Thomas, Decluttering Your Home: Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets

At The Crown Collection, we have a wide range of antique cabinets, chests, armoires and linen presses of all shapes and sizes to fit your unique requirements

These desirable antique storage solutions not only hold their value but also tick the sustainability box, making them ever more appealing in modern homes.

Luxurious linen presses

Traditionally used to store tablecloths, sheets, towels, duvets, comforters and all manner of other household items, these ornate linen cabinets – crafted out of oak, walnut or mahogany – usually have two pullout shelves that stand above four deep drawers.

The outward elegance and grandeur of an antique linen press make it the ideal addition to the bedroom or passage, but it can also diversify as a seamless statement piece for the bathroom. Antique linen presses function as delightful, character-filled places to display towels and toiletries without becoming too dominant in a smaller space.

You can easily change things up by moving your newly acquired antique linen press to the entrance hall. These transitional areas often don’t require much furniture, but an antique storage solution can become a welcome decor filler, creating visual interest and personality in the space. Effortlessly store your jackets, coats, umbrellas, shoes and other everyday paraphernalia, which are easily accessible before embarking on your next outing.

Charming chests on chests

Originally built out of solid wood and embellished with bespoke carvings and designs, antique chests on chests have beautifully housed garments and other personal items for centuries.

Breaking up the monotony of modern furniture, a carefully-selected antique chest on chest (otherwise known as a tallboy or highboy) can find a place in almost any room as a simple solution for extra storage.

Excelling in beauty and versatility, these hero pieces work to arrest the eye of any guest with their decorative flair and utilitarian value.

As an elegant storage solution, an antique chest-on-chest can operate as an additional ‘cupboard’ for the bedroom or conversation starter in the dining hall.

The dual purpose of the chest can open up a patina of history and drama and provide a rich focal point to a room otherwise decorated with contemporary, mass-produced items.

And while chests on chests provide decently-sized storage solutions, if you do not have the space for these larger pieces and still need a little extra organisational space, consider opting for an antique chest of drawers or kist as a more compact (and equally versatile) option.

Collector’s cabinets

Antique cabinets are the epitome of functional and versatile statement pieces, consisting of transparent glass or wood cupboards at the top and an enclosed base in the lower half.

Armoires (as they are otherwise known) are the unsung queens of antique furniture, with many interior designers gravitating towards them to complement nearly any room while alleviating storage woes.

As antique storage solutions, they take up more vertical than horizontal space, making them the ideal addition to smaller footprint spaces in contemporary homes, townhouses or apartments.

Housing (and displaying) books, linen, clothing, toys, dinner services, pantry staples, curated collections of object d’art, pottery, ornaments, glasses, drinks or anything that tickles your fancy, there’s good evidence to suggest that these furniture pieces can function anywhere.

They can also be used to complement an antique period or style in the dining room or juxtapose other furniture items in a modern living room or kitchen. Apply some paint or bleaching and voila! – the piece is transformed. Acquiring an antique cabinet to complement the theme and colour scheme of your contemporary interior will always add a bespoke wow factor.

Explore a variety of antique storage solutions at The Crown Collection

If the historical richness, versatility, functionality and decorative diversity of adding an antique cabinet, chest-on-chest or linen press to a modern interior is not glaringly obvious, then you have not visited The Crown Collection.

With a selection of more than 160 antique storage solutions to choose from, you’ll soon want one for every area of your home.

Shop online or in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

Previous 345 Next