DESIGN INSIGHTS | 5 MINUTE READ
THE ART OF THE FIND: SOURCING ANTIQUES WITH PURPOSE
Our mission at Accouter is to help our clients tell their desired story within their home, and this can be achieved through a multitude of factors. Interior architectural details, the finish of the wallpaper, the lighting design, and furniture pieces that reflects long-lasting craftsmanship, distinctive character and a rich sense of history. In this article we invite you behind the importance of sourcing vintage furniture and antiques for interior design projects, present some of our favourite markets and fairs, and show how we bring the journey full circle into our design services.
WHY DO ANTIQUES MATTER IN LUXURY INTERIORS?
When selecting antique pieces of furniture for certain interior design projects, there are several benefits which go beyond mere appearance:
Craft and quality. Older pieces often benefit from materials and methods that are very rarely used today, such as solid timber joinery, hand‑forged hardware, patinas that develop naturally and so on.
Story and uniqueness. A piece with a history becomes a conversation‑starter. The client then becomes the hero of that story: this piece travelled, this piece survived, this piece is now centre‑stage within their home.
Layering and authenticity. Integrating antiques or vintage furniture adds depth and texture; it prevents interiors from feeling too “magazine‑perfect”.
Eco conscious. The re‑use of existing furniture is a great way to reduce waste, something we strive for in our process for clients.
When incorporating antiques within our design process, we ask ourselves: what makes this piece distinct? How does it tie to the client’s story? How will it age? Because the centre of the story here is the client, the home is their environment, their narrative, and the piece ultimately needs to make sense within the space.
HOW DO WE SOURCE ANTIQUES?
To bring together the right pieces for a scheme, the process follows four key steps:
Scouting – We visit select markets and fairs (see below) across the UK and continental Europe. We have built relationships with dealers, so we know trusted sources, and we arrive with our brief in mind.
Selection & inspection – We evaluate condition, history, suitability for the client’s interior (scale, material, finish). We check for structural soundness, refinishing history, stability, and that the piece is compatible with modern usage (for example safe fittings, furniture height).
Secure logistics – Once a piece is chosen, we handle purchase, transport, restoration or refinishing if required, and delivery. At Accouter, we coordinate all the moving parts so you don’t have to.
Integration into the space – We treat the arrival of the piece as part of the design flow: how it sits, what surrounds it, lighting, context. The piece becomes part of the client’s story.
In short: we do the leg‑work so you can enjoy the result.
OUR FAVOURITE ANTIQUE LOCATIONS AND MARKETS
Here are some of the markets we lean on when sourcing…
ALFIE’S ANTIQUES MARKET
Located at 13‑25 Church Street, Marylebone, Alfie’s Antique Market spans around 35,000 sq ft and four floors, and hosts around 90 dealers.
One of London’s leading indoor antiques hubs, it’s always ideal when we are sourcing those one of a kind, statement furniture pieces .
For our clients, pieces from Alfie’s can be high‑impact, and because we act in your interest, we can negotiate and assess value on your behalf.
ANTWERP, BELGIUM - ANTIQUE & VINTAGE SCENE
Antwerp offers a vibrant antiques scene. For instance, the “Antwerp Art & Antiques Center” at Mechelsesteenweg 123, hosts over 20 dealers and more than 1,800 m² dedicated to quality antiques and furniture.
Moreover, the city has classic street‑markets like the Sint‑Jansvliet market where vintage and antiques stalls appear each Sunday.
For our sourcing this region is ideal for continental pieces, European period furniture, Belgian or French influences, which may offer something different for our UK clients.
PARIS FLEA MARKETS
Among the best known: Marché aux Puces de Saint‑Ouen (also called “Les Puces”), is one of the world’s largest flea/antique markets, covering thousands of stalls and showrooms.
Also markets such as the Port de Vanves flea market, where you can dig for smaller, interesting decorative furniture pieces, are great places to go.
Our designers source in Paris for European vintage furniture, unique accessories, and a chance to uncover something special that feels rare for our clients and their legacies.
SURREY AND SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND FAIRS
In the UK we also visit fairs in Surrey and neighbouring counties: for example, fairs at Lingfield Park Racecourse (Surrey).
Sourcing within the UK allows us to identify pieces that resonate with British design heritage while streamlining the logistics involved. For our London-based and UK clients, it often means shorter lead times, fewer customs or import complications, and greater flexibility when it comes to viewing and securing pieces in person.
These fairs are particularly valuable for uncovering characterful English furniture, from Georgian to Edwardian, and for finding pieces that balance provenance with practicality. Many vendors are local specialists, which enables more immediate dialogue around the history, condition and suitability of each piece.
THE WIDER CLIENT JOURNEY
Here’s how the sourcing of vintage/antique furniture becomes part of our wider client journey:
In our briefing stage, we capture your taste, functional needs, aesthetic aspirations, and allow for “hero pieces” (furniture we will source specifically).
In the design development, we include possible vintage pieces as part of the drawing/inspiration boards—showing how they will sit in your space.
In the procurement phase, we proceed with the sourcing as described above: identifying, selecting, securing transportation, restoration/finishing.
In the installation, the vintage/antique piece is delivered, placed, styled, and integrated into the room so it becomes part of the narrative of your home.
Throughout, we act as your advocate: we negotiate, we handle logistics, we ensure quality. You remain the hero—making informed decisions, supported by our expertise.
The world of vintage furniture and antiques offers character, authenticity and meaningful craft. When selected carefully, with purpose and context, one piece can change the feel of a room, anchor the design and bring a sense of heritage to a contemporary home.
At Accouter we take these details seriously. We commit to selecting pieces that are appropriate, meaningful and beautifully integrated into your space. Whether drawn from London’s Alfie’s, a Paris flea market, or a specialist fair in Surrey, each acquisition is chosen to support you and your story.
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