Used/Vintage/Antique furniture

[Merlot]

Putting together a list of items for our new place. Furniture wise, we need 6 items and we want to get decent stuff. We've looked in many shops, visited many websites and have chosen a supplier who has quoted £1,600 for 6 items.

Double wardrobe £400
2x Tallboy drawer units £500
3+4 'Whatnot' drawer unit £370
TV Stand £230
Bedside drawers £120

So. I am thinking perhaps we can either buy the same quality furniture second hand and save some money, or perhaps spend the same amount (or a little more) to get some vintage furniture that would add a touch of history (The house is a 110 year old converted pub, with lots of original features..)

Some questions

1. Aside from eBay, is there anywhere online that is worth looking at?
2. Is it acceptable to mix different woods or styles within the same room?

[robinhood21]

Why not have a look at local auction houses. Brown stuff is down at the moment and you might be able to pick up a bargain or two.

[David1975]

Not sure which p[art of the UK you are from but if you are anywhere near Doncaster/Lincoln then there is a place called Hemswell (maybe, not local myself and only been once) and they have 5-6 big hangers full of antique furniture and all sorts really.

Worth a visit if you are local.

[Coco H]

Some antique or even second furniture commands daft prices especially pale wood or attractive stuff such as walnut.

However the dark wood stuff is not fashionable and you can get very good quality stuff cheaply. Locally we have an Emmaus - a charity place and you can find some real treats in there. I also know of a place in Oxford which we used to furnish student houses - full of 1930s furiture

[zac510]

I have no idea really but I'm sure your historical building will look a helluva lot better with old furniture than a bunch of ikea crap

[bigbaddom]

Coco, can you let me know of the place in oxford. sounds nice!

[robinhood21]

If in the Essex area then a trip to Battlesbridge might be of help. It's a sort of antiques centre/village near Chelmsford.

[Coco H]

bigbaddom said:

Coco, can you let me know of the place in oxford. sounds nice!

will do - was in Botley somewhere