The Investment Case for Antiques

In an era of mass-produced furniture and disposable design, antiques represent something increasingly rare: objects that gain value with time rather than losing it. A contemporary designer sofa purchased for five thousand pounds will be worth a fraction of that in ten years. A genuine 18th-century French commode purchased for the same amount may well be worth considerably more.

This is not speculation. The antiques market, particularly for high-quality European furniture and decorative arts, has demonstrated remarkable resilience over decades. While individual categories fluctuate, the overall trend for authenticated, well-provenanced pieces is consistently upward.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

Beyond financial returns, antiques represent the ultimate in sustainable design. Every antique piece is, by definition, recycled. No new materials are consumed, no new manufacturing emissions are generated, and no new waste is created. In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, choosing antiques is one of the most meaningful decisions a designer or homeowner can make.

The craftsmanship of period furniture is also unmatched by modern production. An 18th-century cabinet maker spent years as an apprentice before being permitted to work independently. The joinery, carving, and finishing techniques they employed have no equivalent in contemporary mass production. When you purchase a genuine antique, you are acquiring the work of a master craftsman at the height of their art.

What Makes a Good Investment?

Not all antiques are created equal from an investment perspective. The pieces that perform best over time share several characteristics:

Provenance: Pieces with documented ownership history consistently outperform those without. A commode from a known collection will always command a premium over an identical piece with no history.

Condition: Original condition is paramount. Pieces that retain their original surfaces, hardware, and structural integrity are far more valuable than those that have been heavily restored. We always advise our clients to prioritise condition over cosmetic perfection.

Rarity: Unusual pieces, whether in form, decoration, or provenance, tend to appreciate more strongly than common types. A standard Louis XVI chair may hold its value; an exceptional example with unusual carving or a notable provenance will likely increase significantly.

Quality: The finest examples of any period or style will always be in demand. Museum-quality pieces are effectively irreplaceable, and as the supply of such pieces diminishes over time, their value tends to rise.

The Emotional Return

Perhaps the most compelling argument for antiques is one that cannot be quantified: the emotional return. Living with objects that have survived centuries, that carry the marks of their makers and the patina of their history, creates a richness of experience that no contemporary piece can replicate. Our clients consistently tell us that the antiques we source for them become the most treasured objects in their homes, conversation pieces that connect them to history and craftsmanship in a deeply personal way.

Our Advice

For clients considering antiques as both design elements and investments, our advice is straightforward: buy the best you can afford, insist on proper authentication and provenance, and work with specialists who have the expertise and relationships to source exceptional pieces. The antiques market rewards knowledge, patience, and discernment, and we are here to provide all three.

Interested in building an antiques collection that combines aesthetic pleasure with investment potential? Contact us for a complimentary consultation.