There are times when you walk into a room and something elusive makes you pause. At first glance, you are not quite sure what it is – an architectural element, the light, the layout? But as the visual beauty of the space introduces itself in individual parts, your eye lands on an antique piece and you have a decor ‘aha’ moment. A sense of authenticity prevails which just makes sense and beckons you to stay.
It is this timeless blend of the past and the present finding a natural rhythm that becomes the secret to contemporary aesthetics gaining substance from time-worn pieces.
And it is not necessarily down to one or two antique styles that take all the glory; each period of antique history makes its own special statement. Remove that chosen piece and the room would be found lacking.
Embracing unique furniture pieces or accessories from different antique styles takes its design cue from acknowledging the artisanal beauty, respecting the decorative skills and honouring the craftsmanship of furniture that is rooted in a different time but still belongs in modern-day homes.
You don’t need to be well-versed in the historical context (or timeline) of the many antique styles that date back centuries; you just have to appreciate the magic, story and versatility that these well-preserved and sustainable pieces will bring to your spaces.
Queen Anne style – a touch of grace
Taking us back to the early 18th century (1720 -1750), the antique style that epitomises Queen Anne’s reign showcases graceful, curved lines and decorative elements.
The femininity of cabriole legs, shell motifs and scalloped edges, as well as the delicate proportions of Walnut and Cherry pieces (with a touch of gilding), create a beautiful contrast to minimalistic and monochromatic contemporary design schemes.
Up the ante in any room with a Queen Anne-style piece from our collection:
- A gilded and upholstered Queen Anne-style sofa
- A Queen Anne Walnut chest on stand
- An 18th-century Cape Stinkwood Traditional Tulbagh/Queen Anne Style Rusbank
- A silver-plated Queen Anne teapot on a stand
Georgian style – a touch of classical symmetry
Roughly spanning 110 years (1714 – 1827), Georgian furniture – with its straight lines and restrained ornamentation – becomes a perfect pairing with modern design. The rich warmth of Mahogany and Walnut – often with brass fittings or inlays – makes Georgian pieces an elegant solution to transform your home.
Take your pick from the following Georgian antique-style pieces from our collection:
- A Georgian Walnut chest-on-chest on bracket feet
- A Georgian Flame Mahogany bow-fronted chest of drawers with brass handles
- A Georgian mahogany mirror
- A Pair of Georgian-style chairs
Regency style – a touch of the ornate
Known for their elegance and simplicity, furniture pieces from this antique style (1811 -1830) not only feature classical clean lines but also play with curved shapes and exotic materials such as Rosewood, Ebony and Mahogany with brass inlays or ormolu decoration.
Our collection of Regency antique-style pieces includes:
- A selection of round Regency convex, concave and bevelled mirrors
- A Regency Rosewood inlaid and folding card table (circa 1800) with the BADA stamp (British Antique Dealers Association) and brass beading on brass castors
- A Regency carved bleached/natural Mahogany settee on castors
- A pair of teak Regency-style leather chairs
- A late Regency inlaid mahogany and Rosewood pedestal sideboard, fitted with original oval foliate brass escutcheons and loop handles and with a cellarette drawer
- A Regency Mahogany secretaire/bookcase (circa 1820) with glazed cottage pane doors
Victorian style – a touch of opulence
From 1837-1901, Queen Victoria’s reign and personality had a significant influence on furniture and accessory design. Of all antique decor styles, Victorian pieces feature intricate carvings, ornate details, rich colours and plush upholstery fabrics. Mahogany, Walnut and Teak furniture items from this period will always create an opulent cosiness in your modern home.
From your dining room and kitchen to your bedroom or bathroom, our collection of Victorian-style pieces is just the inspiration you need to transform a space:
- A Victorian Oak campaign military chest In two parts with brass escutcheons and gilt-tooled leather writing surface (circa 1890)
- A Victorian English carved and bleached Oak armoire with bevelled mirror doors and two drawers
- A pair of Victorian carved chairs with rattan seats
- A 4-6 seater Victorian Oak square table with Castors
- A Victorian Walnut, Mahogany and Burr-walnut pier cabinet with lock and key (circa 1905 )
Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles – touches of romance and glamour
Popular between 1890 and 1910 in Europe and the US, it is the flowing lines and organic shapes that define Art Nouveau furniture and accessories; merging nature, design and craftsmanship. Collectables from this style highlight curved lines and floral or plant motifs, and lighter woods such as Oak or Maple.
Items such as a pair of Art Nouveau Candelabras or an Art Nouveau gilt clock will certainly create a sense of romance and become conversation pieces.
Glamorous and luxurious, Art Deco pieces – spanning the 1920s and 1930s – rebelled against their predecessor and are known for their sleek, geometric forms and bold colours. Furniture pieces from this period often showcase shiny metallic finishes (such as chrome and glass) and exotic woods such as Rosewood or Macassar Ebony.
Add glamour to your guest room with a pair of Art Deco Walnut single beds, zhoosh up your drinks cabinet with an 8-piece Czech Art Deco Crystal Cocktail Set or entertain like the queen with a 4-piece silver-plated Art Deco tea service.
The Crown Collection is your obvious go-to antique store to indulge your love of all antique styles. This is where the sympathetic inclusion and eclectic layering of antique styles from different historical periods into modern spaces create personalised decor moments.
Confidently blending the past with the present is what will make your home a welcoming place that will beautifully tell your bespoke story and offer all those who cross your threshold a moment of pause.