7 key collectibles interior designers look for when antique and vintage shopping

Decorating with collectibles and antiques is a wonderful way to inject personality into a home. Having been used and loved by generations, vintage and antique items have fascinating stories to tell and often boast beautifully worn patinas that can bring texture and warmth to interiors.

In many cases, antique furniture is better quality than modern and it can be picked up cheaply, too. Smaller curios and decorative items from the past can make playful talking points and are great for styling. Decorating with antiques is popular with interior designers and many specialize in sourcing antiques, too, but the question is, what are they looking for? When it comes to buying collectibles, trends do come and go, but there are some things experts say are always sought after.

To get more insight into the appeal of collectibles and what pieces to look for when decorating we reached out to interior designers and antique dealers for advice.

What collectibles to look for when antique and vintage shopping

Decorating with vintage and collectibles is nothing new, but it’s an interior design trend that has grown over the past decade. Antiques bring a sense of history to interiors and can spur emotions, and it's this sense of narrative and nostalgia that perhaps resonates with people today. With our world changing so quickly, many people are looking to bring familiarity and comfort into their homes and antiques and collectibles can be a great way to conjure that feeling of nostalgia and comfort.

'Connecting to the past with personal items that have a story to tell helps to provide a sense of history and connection,’ says Henriette von Stockhausen, founder of VSP Interiors. ‘I find that antiques have a timeless quality that is difficult to achieve with most modern pieces, and the depth that they give to a scheme provides unparalleled comfort.’

'I look for everything antique - especially pairs! I’m constantly on the hunt, as I truly believe there’s nothing you can’t buy antique,' adds Henriette von Stockhausen. I’m always on the lookout for special chests or tables to convert into washstands or vanities, and I have a particular love for fine art paintings, which I often buy at auction. Beyond that, sofas, chairs, tables, and other furniture pieces are always on my radar.'

If you are wanting to shop for antiques online, there are loads of great online marketplaces you can peruse from the comfort of your couch. 1st Dibs is a site many designers swear by and there's Chairish and Etsy holds some hidden gems too.

1. Brown antique furniture

Once seen as dated, furniture made from dark woods like walnut, mahogany, teak and rosewood fell out of fashion for many years, however, it’s now making a comeback and is favored by many interior designers.

'I love antique brown furniture. I think brown furniture works really well in colorful rooms as it adds a sense of depth. There's so much of it out there. It's a much more cost-effective way of decorating and it’s more sustainable than buying new,’ says interior designer, Sean Symington.

‘I like bow-fronted chests of drawers or things that have a nice shape to them – it really depends on the room.'

Transforming vintage brown furniture into functional items is a wonderful way to prolong its life. Interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen is always on the lookout for interesting pieces to upcycle.

'There are so many ways to incorporate antiques with perhaps the only rule being not to be afraid to mix and experiment. Old paravent screens can become cupboard doors, rugs can become headboards, urns can become lamps and tables can become kitchen islands! Creativity is key – let your imagination run wild and tell your own story!'

Nicky Mudie, founder of Violet & George often sources antique furniture for clients. 'I look for tables and chairs, particularly side tables and armchairs as we love the unusual shapes we can find. The quality is also usually so much better than a lot of modern, mass-produced furniture,' says Nicky Mudie.

'I find a trip to an antiques fair is a great way to start a project with a client – choosing some pieces to get the scheme underway and getting to know their taste.'

Another destination Nicky recommends is Blanchard Collective just outside Hungerford in the UK. 'It's home to a number of very interesting and different art and antiques dealers - and you can always find a well-priced treasure there,' she adds.

2. Antique vases and ceramic pots

Whether filled with flowers or used as decorative objects, ceramics, pots and urns are wonderful for styling and interesting and attractive designs can be picked up fairly cheaply.

‘We love decorating with vintage pieces, they bring a sense of history and texture. I like old French confit pots and lovely old ginger jars - they look great grouped at different heights or on their own,’ says interior designer Sean Symington. ‘If you have a very formal, traditional room it's nice to mix in a hint of color with something like a fun red glossy planter.’

Interior Meg McSherry and her team also search for vintage ceramics to style their projects.

'Our team is always on the hunt for items that are vintage, hand-crafted and have a "rougher" element to them. We aren't looking for perfection, we're looking for it to be well-loved and unique,' says Meg McSherry. 'We are always searching for ceramics, lights, stools, vessels - the list goes on! These carefully selected pieces are essential in completing a room and contributing to its overall story - adding character and depth in the process.'

3. French and Swedish pieces

French and Swedish antiques are particularly sought after by interior designers looking to curate an elegant yet rustic look. From beds and armoires to mirrors or benches, antique French and Swedish pieces often have beautiful distressed paint finishes which bring a wonderful sense of rustic charm to interiors, and they often have elegant carved detailing.

Interior designer and antique dealer Kristin Mullen is a master of sourcing and incorporating French, Swedish and other European antiques into interiors. 'I am drawn to Swedish antiques because I love the patina of the milk paint that was used - it ages so beautifully. Additionally, the lines are very simple. The palette of so many of the French decor pieces I buy is beautifully muted and the pieces themselves are made with such care and craft,' says Kristin Mullen.

'We shop at the fairs in France where dealers from all over Europe, including Sweden, show their antiques. It is such a fun experience. When I'm sourcing antiques, I look for pieces that are timeless - such as a pair of painted Swedish demilunes - that will happily find a place in many different rooms and blend well with many styles. But I also look for furniture that has great personality and charm - whether that's a quirky carved chair or a beautiful painted Italian cabinet.'

'It's important that the pieces have a good sense of scale and proportion so that they are neither too massive nor too tiny to marry well with modern furniture,' adds Kirsten Mullen.

'We gave this bathroom an upgrade with a yummy oatmeal grasscloth wallcovering to add subtle texture to the room. The distressed antique mirror and charming lantern sconces pair nicely with the aged brass hardware while the charming Swedish bench gives the space an extra dose of warmth.'

4. Vintage fabrics

Vintage fabrics are hugely sought after by interior designers. Many antique examples from across the globe showcase exquisite handcraftsmanship inimitable by modern textile production. However, lengths are limited and often they are not in brilliant condition, which can make them tricky to decorate with. Modern upholstery regulations stipulate the use of fire-retardant fabrics, making many vintage fabrics unsuitable, however, they can make wonderful cushions, bedspreads, lampshades and framed artwork.

Interior designer Sarah Vanrenen always has her eyes peeled for old suzanis when antique shopping and often incorporates them into her projects. 'I am constantly drawn to the rich and textured patterns of suzanis which can instantly be used to make sense of any scheme as there are so many different colors,' says Sarah. 'They can suddenly bring together the room whether used as a bedspread, hanging from a pole on the wall, or to cover an ottoman or bedhead and, of course, cushions!'

5. Antique artwork

Art is hugely collectable in the interior design world, with designers often asked to source pieces for their clients. There are different approaches when it comes to decorating with art – some see it as simply a finishing touch while others often use it as the starting point for an interior scheme. When choosing art the key is to think about the space you need to fill, but also to choose what you love, plus, don't be afraid to mix old with new says Henriette von Stockhausen.

'I love mixing antiques with modern art or modern interiors. In my own kitchen for example I have picked antique pieces that truly speak to me, combined with a rather simple and modern built-in look. In my opinion, this works because it creates a juxtaposition and adds interest to both.'

Sometimes a large statement piece can make a real impact, alternatively hanging a cluster in different frames as part of a gallery wall or lined on a shelf can also look really effective and creates a more cocooning and quirky feel.

6. Cane and rattan furniture

Vintage rattan and cane furniture has made a comeback in recent years and we're spotting these relaxed pieces cropping up in many interior design projects mixed with furniture from different eras as part of dynamic and lived-in looks.

'We love incorporating vintage and antique rattan and bamboo pieces into our projects, as they bring a playful, relaxed charm to our designs,' says Sean Symington. 'Their casual vibe and beautiful textures add depth and character to any space. My personal favorite is Victorian-era tiger bamboo – its striking patterns almost resemble tortoiseshell, making it truly unique!'

7. Vintage books

'Vintage fairs and flea markets are treasure troves for unique finds that add personality to a home. Old books are a timeless choice - stacked on shelves or coffee tables, they bring warmth and depth to a room,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

Vintage designs with colorful leather covers and embossed details, as pictured above, can be used as decorative objects in their own right and can be easily picked up in antiques and vintage shops. Many interior designers also seek out vintage leather-bound books to decorate home libraries.