While you can undoubtably find many immaculate antiques that are ready to be styled in your home, some of the most stunning pieces may come from boot sales or auctions, and often require some love to restore them back to their original glory.
When choosing an antique bedside table or cabinet, there are some important factors to consider, each of which may provide you with some leverage if you are purchasing from someone who is happy to haggle the cost.
While it may seem obvious, the first thing you should do is check for damage. Many pieces of antique furniture will show signs of wear and tear – after all, they have been around for a long time. These signs are fine if they are repairable. Small scratches and chips on the top surface of the bedside cabinet are often a simple fix and are a result of a well-loved piece, but be thorough in checking for any structural damage, especially in any weight bearing areas of the item. The same also applies to any signs of woodworm. The infestation may have been dealt with a long time ago, but any lasting damage to the structure of the furniture may lessen the value or mean that it is simply not worth parting with your cash.
As any seasoned antique purchaser will know, many of these pieces will feature a label, stamp or signature to provide an idea of who made it, when it was made and, most importantly, if it is authentic. Check underneath drawers, on the base of the bedside table and even on the reverse side. It is also important to note that these marks weren’t widely used until the 19th century, so any older pieces may not feature them.
You’ve now chosen your antique bedside table, so time to restore it. This piece of furniture will be in your bedroom within close proximity to your face, so consider the products you use as some can have rather strong odours and may not be pleasant to sleep next to at first. Consider leaving the bedside table outside or in a ventilated area for as long as possible to give any smells a chance to dissipate - this also applies to any naturally musty smells that antique pieces of furniture can carry. Don’t forget to test any products or chemicals in an inconspicuous area of the bedside table!
Now that restoration is complete, the real fun begins. Styling antique furniture is almost an artform and will completely transform a space. Consider your bedside tables essentials, which will likely consist of a lamp, somewhere to place any jewellery you don’t sleep in and a few pieces that are purely for decoration.
Choose a lamp with a botanical patterned shade to mimic the arts and crafts movement of the 19th century or a distressed metal base for more of a regal look. Vintage-style trinket trays can be picked up in most homeware stores, so choose brass or ceramic to reflect the classic aesthetic.
Once the practical pieces have been chosen, consider adding different sized decorative candle holders, diffusers or a porcelain vase to pull the look together. If you’d prefer to add more personal items, many second-hand stores sell photo frames at a great price for your family photos.
Keeping the history and beauty of antique pieces in mind is imperative in ensuring that these items will one day become family heirlooms or can be sold on to bring joy to a new family. A little bit of maintenance and TLC will go a long way in extending the lifespan of your furniture.
