Antique linen press Archives - The Crown Collection

Elevated & refined spaces | Raise a glass to antique drinks cabinets

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Adding antiques to contemporary spaces, Antique bookcases, Antique linen press, Antique secretaire, Antique servers, antiques drinks cabinets, Mix and Match antique console tables in modern spaces, The Crown Collection decor store|

The secret to a successful design transformation of any modern interior is often as simple as blending old and new. This fusion of history with contemporary purpose – incorporating antiques into contemporary spaces – creates a little décor magic. Antiques always add timeless character by offering a unique multifunctional versatility that can upstyle ‘traditional’ furniture into standout pieces. And what could be more standout than an antique drinks cabinet? So, whether it’s champagne and orange juice, gin and tonic, brandy and coke, a limoncello spritz, or appropriately, a bloody Mary, we have the perfect antique solution to make this a reality.

By visiting the Crown Collection décor store, you can explore and embrace the beauty of handpicked antiques – like linen presses, bookcases, secretaires, servers and tables – and how to creatively repurpose them into decorative drinks cabinets.

We’ve already raised you with antique card tables and now we raise a glass to iconic antique bar cabinets.

The antique attraction | A unique repurposing narrative

Antiques possess a distinctive charm that contemporary pieces often strive to replicate. Each scratch, dent and aged patina on an antique item tell a story, adding depth and personality to your space. And then there’s the craftsmanship angle which positions these pieces as intriguing conversation starters. The superior materials and meticulous attention to detail, ensure antique items stand the test of time in terms of style and durability. They deserve to be showcased and used in modern homes.

Collectable and big-ticket items – such as antique servers, chests of drawers, linen presses, secretaires and bookcases – are entering contemporary spaces as welcome options for drinks cabinets and social gatherings. They’re also the ideal backdrop or surface for showcasing your crystal glassware and decanters.

Linen presses & armoires | From traditional storage to legendary statement

Traditionally used to store linen and clothing, linen presses can be repurposed as stunning drinks cabinets (if you have the space). Their sturdy construction and ample shelving make them perfect for housing your favourite spirits, glassware and cocktail accessories.

To integrate a linen press seamlessly into a modern space, consider the following:

Contrast with contemporary elements: Pair your antique linen press with sleek, modern furniture. The juxtaposition will highlight the press’s unique features while maintaining a balanced aesthetic.
Bold backdrop: Place the linen press against a bold, contrasting wall colour or patterned wallpaper. This creates a striking focal point and draws attention to the antique piece.
Integrated lighting: Add interior lighting to the shelves of the linen press. This enhances the functionality and accentuates the beauty of the glassware and bottles stored inside. (An alternative is to use a well-positioned downlighter to highlight the area).

Bookcases | Literary elegance meets enlightened entertaining

Antique bookcases, with their intricate carvings and rich wood tones, can be transformed into sophisticated and elegant drinks cabinets.

Here’s how to make this transition work in a modern setting:

(Open) shelving display: Use the shelves to display an array of spirits, mixers, and glassware. Incorporate decorative items like vintage bar tools, cocktail recipe books, and small plants to create a visually appealing arrangement.
Mirrored back panels: Install mirrored panels at the back of the bookcase shelves. This not only adds a touch of modern glamour but also creates the illusion of more space, making the bookcase appear larger and more inviting.

Secretaires & servers | Sociable showpieces at your service

Imagine stepping into a modern living room, where sleek lines and minimalist decor reign supreme. Amidst this contemporary setting, an antique secretaire or sideboard server stands as a striking focal point, re-imagined as a chic bar cabinet. This inspired juxtaposition of old and new creates a welcome moment of eclectic harmony that just makes sense.

A secretaire – with its myriad of drawers and hidden compartments – becomes a treasure trove for your finest spirits and cocktail accessories. Each drawer, once home to important documents and letters, now cradles delicate glassware and bar tools, ready to host an evening of entertainment.
Sideboard servers or buffets – originally designed to hold silverware and dining essentials, transform effortlessly into stylish drinks cabinets. Their broad surfaces offer ample space for displaying an array of bottles (on a silver tray), while the spacious cabinets below provide storage for mixers, garnishes, and everything needed to craft the perfect drink.

Tables | ‘Cheers’ to an obvious ‘mixer-&-match’ solution

Antique tables, be they dining, console or side tables, offer endless possibilities for creative repurposing. Turning a table into a drinks ‘cabinet’ will add an unexpected twist to your décor and socialising.

Here’s how to do it:

Glass-top conversion: Glass is the perfect medium to arrange a selection of your finest bottles and barware, creating an eye-catching display that doubles as a functional drinks station.
Drawer storage: If the table has drawers, use them to store cocktail napkins, coasters, and bar tools. Line the drawers with velvet or felt to protect delicate items and add a touch of luxury.
Surrounding décor: Enhance the table’s presence with complementary décor. Flank it with contemporary bar stools, modern artwork, or a chic area rug to create a cohesive and inviting entertaining area.

The Crown Collection | A curated antique destination with a twist

In a world where trends come and go, you get to ‘shake up’ your interiors with antique furniture items that become hero pieces in contemporary settings. As a celebration of history and standing as a symbol of enduring style, practical elegance and individuality, they bridge the gap between eras with grace and aplomb.

Restyling antiques as bar cabinets is not just about functionality; it’s about storytelling and socialising.

Each piece carries tales of the past that enriches a modern setting with a sense of heritage and nostalgia; a testament to the timeless appeal of quality craftsmanship and the beauty of breathing new life into cherished furniture.

Turn your living room into a ‘cocktail lounge’ by exploring our impressive and handpicked collection of antique, French and contemporary décor items.

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.

3 Reasons to invest in an antique armoire

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique & vintage furniture, Antique armoire, Antique linen press, Dutch bombe cabinet, French armoire, Vintage armoire|

You say “wardrobe, cupboard or closet,” we say “armoires and Dutch bombe cabinets.” But we are not going to quibble over terminology because when it comes to statement pieces, hero pieces, accent pieces or conversation pieces – antique and vintage armoires are simply awesome and tick every box. An artisanal celebration of form and function, these period pieces – in all shapes and sizes – are a must-have in every home.

Simply defined, an armoire is a large cabinet or wardrobe with panelled doors – in wood, glass or mirrors – featuring shelves, hanging space and draws. Antique armoires are handmade from solid wood – oak, walnut, mahogany, ash, rosewood etc – and have a longstanding reputation for their craftsmanship and decorative detailing.

As a collector or lover of antique furniture and vintage pieces, an armoire is that one piece that adds the practical wow factor and is a great addition to modern spaces.

If you still need persuading, here are 3 reasons to inspire you to add an antique or vintage armoire to your home:

#1 They are so functional

A vintage or antique armoire is hands down one of the best purchases you can make when it comes to decor investment pieces. Not only will they hold their value, but they also tick the sustainability box and offer a variety of functional storage solutions over the long term.

No matter what you want to store, an armoire puts its best foot forward in every room of the house – from books, linen and clothing to toys, dinner services, silverware and even pantry staples.

#2 They are so versatile

It might sound like we are beating the same drum, but there are so many reasons to recommend an armoire. Their unique versatility lies in the various styles that you find with each telling a different story; adding a bespoke element to your design scheme. There is one that is just right for every style of home.

One of our favourites is a classic and timeless antique French armoire. You have so many options to choose from – French Provincial, Art Deco, French Country, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Louis Philippe, and Louis XV styles. The romance associated with French furniture and the ornate inlays and decorative embellishments make these highly desirable. (And then you might as well add a chandelier to complete the French chic aesthetic).

A conversation about armoires is not complete without shining the spotlight on Dutch bombe cabinets and Dutch cupboards. These 18th and 19th-century ‘armoires’ create a grand presence in any room. Dutch cabinet makers were the first to include marquetry, parquetry, linefold decoration, lacquered panels and veneer over carved oak pieces. Another mark of Dutch furniture craftsmen was their artisanal inventiveness and high standard of construction.

Showcasing an antique Dutch bombe cabinet or linen press/armoire in your home is the epitome of a functional and versatile hero piece. The upper part of the cabinet generally has an arched moulded cornice centred by carved scrollwork with doors enclosing shelves and drawers. The lower part has a bombe design – two short and two long drawers – inlaid with floral marquetry and raised on ball-and-claw feet.

#3 They are so beautiful

The visually interesting elements, decorative hardware and different woods all contribute to antique and vintage armoires excelling in the beauty category. Because they take up more vertical space than horizontal space, they are ideally suited to smaller footprint spaces; adding a timeless and beautiful decor element to any contemporary house, townhouse or apartment.

Armoires are the one timeless piece of antique furniture that interior designers gravitate towards to boost your decor statement and solve your storage issues. One of these highly sought after pieces deserves a place in your home and will complement any space.

The Crown Collection

As the largest emporium of curated and handpicked antique and vintage items in South Africa, The Crown Collection needs to be your first stop when sourcing the perfect armoire to furnish your home.

But whatever vintage accessory or piece of furniture you are looking for, The Crown Collection is a treasure trove of antique delights. Visit us at our studio at 10 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, or indulge your passion for antiques by shopping online. (We deliver nationwide).

Start by browsing all our antique armoires, Dutch bombe cabinets and linen presses.

The aesthetic versatility of an antique armoire for every room

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique armoire, Antique linen press, Antique secretaire, Bombe chest, VIntage & Antique furniture|

An armoire is often referred to as the ‘queen of antiques,’ and rightly so. The outward grandeur and elegance of these versatile storage pieces are a quintessential ‘French style’ addition to any room in your home – no matter what your predominant decor style may be. Simply understated or boldly ornate, a vintage or antique armoire will always create visual interest and a functional focal point.

In the 16th century, the original French ‘armarie’ was used to store weapons. But by the 17th century, their beauty and utilitarianism had evolved into the much-loved decor statement pieces we appreciate today. And we believe every home can benefit from a little French inspiration in the form of an antique armoire.

“Not only do armoires provide capacious storage and fantastic versatility, but their design impact is just what’s needed when you want to add some spice and energy to a room.” –Mike Dietrich, interior designer.

Interior designers agree – few pieces add as much flair as an antique armoire. So let’s spice up the spaces in your home with armoires, linen presses, secretaires or bombe chests. (They even have us speaking a little French!)

‘La boudoir’ (The bedroom)

So much more than ‘just a wardrobe,’ a bedroom or dressing room is one of the spaces where a vintage or antique armoire is most at home. Even if you have built-in cupboards, there is no such thing as too much storage space.

A bleached linen press or mirrored armoire adds so much character and romance. If you have the space, splurge on a bombe armoire. Looking for something smaller and grander than ‘just a chest of draws?’; a bombe chest (coming from the French word meaning “curved”), exudes French allure and your bedroom will immediately have a fairytale castle feel.

‘La salle de bain’ (The bathroom)

Bathrooms have really undergone a transformation as places of decor inspiration, making vintage and antique items seamless statement pieces. A glass-fronted secretaire makes perfect storage sense and is a delightful addition for displaying towels and toiletries without becoming too dominant in a smaller space. Beautifying your modern or traditional bathroom is as simple as adding an armoire.

‘Le salon’ (The living room)

The living room is definitely a space to show off an antique armoire or secretaire; they complement any period or style and the craftsmanship and artisanal elements create an imposing presence. They can easily be adapted to house the TV or become a stylish drinks cabinet. If glass-fronted, they are the perfect backdrop to display books or curated collections of objets d’art.

‘Le hall d’entrée’ (The entrance hall)

Entrance halls are wonderful opportunities to play with antique or vintage furniture pieces. As these transitional areas don’t usually need a lot of furniture, a bombe chest or linen chest becomes a wonderful decor filler, creating visual charm and personality as soon as you enter your home. A mirrored armoire doubles as storage for shoes, jackets, umbrellas and everyday paraphernalia as well as reflecting light.

‘La salle à manger’ (The dining room)

An antique armoire makes so much sense as a functional storage and refined decor solution in a dining room. Table linens, crockery, silverware and ceramic collections can all be housed or displayed beautifully in a charming linen press or glass-fronted armoire. A bombe chest works perfectly as a sideboard. And any of these pieces will work just as well in a kitchen. It’s all about visual story selling and conversation pieces.

La chambre d’amis (The guest room)

If you are absolutely in love with an antique armoire but don’t have place in any of the main living spaces, then the guest bedroom gives you an excuse to invest in one these timeless pieces. Linen cupboards are often absent in smaller contemporary home designs, and so a linen press in a guest room becomes the utilitarian and beautifully practical storage solution for overflow pillows, bed linens and guest towels.

La collection couronne (The Crown Collection)

Antique armoires are probably one of the best investment pieces you could possibly acquire. They are versatile, functional, timeless and beautiful. Each armoire will enhance the character of the space it occupies as well as becoming a beloved piece of furniture.

Find a piece to fall in love with at the Crown Collection where we have the largest curated collection of handpicked armoires, bookcases linen presses, secretaires and bombe chests.

Shop online and we will deliver to your door or visit us at our Emporium at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

(If you are not happy with the finish on any item, we will refinish your chosen piece of furniture with the following options: French polishing, hand gilding, paint techniques, bleaching, or staining darker or lighter).