Buying antiques is a thrilling endeavour, part treasure hunt, part history lesson and part necessity. Whether scouring a local market, bidding at an auction, or browsing online, each piece has its own story and set of considerations. But the world of antiques can be daunting, with hidden costs, unexpected pitfalls, and an ever-present risk of overpaying or underestimating a piece’s needs.

To help you navigate this intricate world, I’ve compiled some essential tips and rules for buying antiques. From spotting hidden gems to avoiding costly mistakes, these guidelines ensure your next purchase is satisfying and savvy.

Hidden Costs

People often get swept up in the excitement of buying a piece, only to overlook the hidden costs that come with it. Postage, taxes, auctioneer's commissions, and potential repair expenses can quickly inflate the price beyond what you initially expected. If you're purchasing from outside the UK, also be mindful of customs charges.

I’ll refrain from a full-blown rant about Brexit, but it must be said: for those who voted to leave the EU, these added costs and the mountain of admin that now comes with international transactions are part of the package. The antiques industry, in particular, has been hit hard, saddled with extraordinary complexities and expenses that have reshaped how we do business.

Measurements

Always check the measurements of the piece! Many sellers may not accept returns if the size is incorrect and the dimensions were provided beforehand. Measuring the space where the piece will go in your home is equally essential (remember skirting boards!). For paintings or artwork you plan to reframe, always ask for the dimensions of the unframed artwork if possible.

I’d also suggest keeping a measuring tape handy—perhaps even on you at all times! Despite how long I’ve been doing this, I’m still amazed at how often I’ve neglected to ask about dimensions or made assumptions. These mistakes have been costly, time-consuming, and, in some cases, unexpectedly uproarious.

Condition

Buying without checking the condition is a rookie mistake! Always ensure that any needed repairs are either within your budget or something you can tackle yourself. Look closely at the description and images—if the condition isn’t clearly stated or shown, don’t be shy to ask the seller for more photos or a detailed condition report.

Antiques often come with some "character" (read: wear and tear), but these quirks should be upfront and visible. The last thing you want is an unexpected guest like woodworm—or a scratch that’s a little too “authentic” for your taste. Surprises are great for birthdays, not for purchases!

Gaining Provenance / Documentation

Some pieces may come with documentation or provenance, such as a letter from an auction house confirming their authenticity. Keep these close to the piece—ideally tucked safely nearby—as they’ll be invaluable when passing it down to the next generation.

If no certificate comes with the piece, consider jotting down any details you know when purchasing. A simple note can make all the difference in preserving the history and value of the item. After all, making it as easy as possible for these treasures to continue their journey is what we’re all about!

Trustworthy Site & Seller

I feel a bit torn on this. On the one hand, I’m all for doing your homework—checking reviews, scouring comments on Instagram, and seeing if a seller’s reputation holds water. It’s sensible, of course, to tread carefully in the murky waters of the antique trade, where a bad decision can leave you lighter in the wallet and heavier in regret.

But then there’s the other side of me—the side that remembers starting Tat. Back then, people took a punt on something untested, unproven, and, frankly, held together by hope and the faint whiff of varnish. And, sometimes, taking a chance pays off. Sometimes, the risk leads to something rare and wonderful. Other times? Well, let’s say you chalk it up to experience and move on.

The truth is, both approaches have merit. A little research can save you from heartbreak, but a leap of faith can deliver the unexpected. It’s all about knowing when to listen to your head and when to trust your gut.

Research - Don't Rush

Buying antiques isn’t just a transaction; it’s a flirtation, a dance with history that requires a little more than blind optimism and a credit card. If it’s expensive, don’t rush in like a bull into a porcelain shop. Start by asking: do the details stack up? Does the story behind the piece hold water or sound like it was conjured over a pint? And, crucially, is the price in the same postcode as similar pieces on the market, or has someone been overindulging in optimism?

This isn’t just furniture or decoration—it’s an investment, a future heirloom, or at least something you’ll want to show off when people come round for dinner. So, take a moment. Think. Check the artist, the provenance, the condition. You don’t want to be sitting at home staring at your “priceless find” only to realise you’ve just bought a 1970s repro masquerading as a Regency original. The rule is simple: be curious, be cautious, and by the time you’re handing over the money, be certain.

Missing A Sale

Oh, the anguish of a missed sale. Words fail me—well, almost. Few things rattle my heart, head, and sense of well-being quite like seeing sold plastered across something I’d convinced myself was mine by divine right.

But let’s be practical. If the piece is outrageously expensive, chances are you’ve got a little breathing room. These things don’t usually vanish overnight. However, if it’s within budget and ticks all the boxes—beauty, history, condition—then don’t dawdle. Do not sit there, dithering. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. And let me assure you, the ones that slip through your fingers have an uncanny ability to reappear—not in your life, but in your dreams as a reminder of your folly.

The Delivery Process

This is the bane of my existence. At Tat, we rely on a mix of DHL and DPD—both of whom have caused much heartbreak. But, as they say, better the devil, you know. If a seller suggests Evri for smaller pieces, do yourself a favour: politely but firmly suggest someone else. Evri is about as equipped to handle valuable items as a toddler with a Fabergé egg. They’re fine for dispatching garish Stanley cups or diabolical leisurewear, but anything worth more than a tenner? Not.

For larger pieces, sellers often quote their delivery price, and I almost always take it. These are usually trusted drivers who’ve worked with the company before and, crucially, know how to handle antiques. Recently, I’ve been using Proovia. It’s a bit of a gamble, but on balance, I’ve been satisfied.