Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair during October 4-9

06 Jul '05

4 min read

- whole shop fronts or fittings
- military drums, wrought iron railings or grilles finding new life as tables

Current trends emerging this year include:
- use of natural history objects as decorative features. Large shells, fossils, antique coral, antlers, and large pieces of polished or natural quartz and semi-precious stones are being snapped up by decorators.

- black accents: look out for lamps, small furniture such as ebonised or japanned chairs, desks and occasional tables, and glassware.

- floral and colourful textiles, used as a 'statement' in a room: just one piece of upholstered furniture will get the look, or cushions and bed/sofa throws using antique textile lengths such as C18th toile de Jouy.

- useful, English wood furniture, such as chests of drawers, side tables, consoles which complement perfectly wallpaper schemes, and is well-priced at present. It's a great time to buy. Some prices are half what they were in the 1990s.

- 1950 & 60s lighting: the hot trend for this year includes modernist crystal or glass chandeliers, funky wall lights and all kinds of floor-lamps in angular, sculptural metal finishes.

- painted furniture is making a come-back – in small doses, and this time in an un-restored state. Look for pieces with original paint finishes in country house colours like buttermilk yellow and pale sage green.

- Boudoir glitz & gold for a romantic look is much in evidence, with C20th mirrored furniture and antique Venetian mirrors still in demand, as well as the original glamour accessory, antique gilding on furniture, frames or lamps.

- Carved wood and fretwork in keeping with the fashion for lace and pierced decoration, and the romantic Baroque look.

In October, some 120 dealers from around the UK and London will exhibit. The Foyer will have a special display highlighting changes to 'decorating with antiques' in the past 20 years. A café and champagne bar are open during the Fair.

decorative fair

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