With the looming climate crisis, sustainability is the watchword of the day. More than ever, we must pay attention to where our food and furniture come from, question how it is produced, packaged and transported, and make our choices accordingly.
At times it can feel dispiriting to discover that the things we love are actually part of the unhappy cycle of consumption and pollution. There is good news, however, for all antiques lovers: antiques, and their vintage cousins, offer the most sustainable way to shop for furniture and interiors accessories. A report published by Carbon Clear in 2010 (commissioned by LAPADA and other antiques trade bodies) found that an antique chest of drawers can have a carbon footprint up to 16 times smaller than its brand new equivalent.
Available in infinite variety, at prices to suit all budgets, antiques often come with fascinating stories and usually hold their value. Of course, we aren't saying you need to furnish your home exclusively with antique and vintage furniture - rather that by choosing old over new, when you can, you really will make a difference. As you will see from our tips on the following pages, the fact that antiques rarely come with an allen key, or take an entire weekend to construct, is a wonderful bonus!
1 CHOOSE OLD OVER NEW
As a reader of H&A, this one should be easy! Whenever you need to replace something, first ask yourself whether there might be a vintage or antique alternative. With the rise of antiques portals, not to mention apps such as Depop and Vinted, the search has never been easier. From Etsy to Instagram, The Hoarde to 1st Dibs, there are thousands of dealers online - browse their stock from the comfort of your Georgian wingback chair.
2 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DEALER
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BULGARIA'S BEJEWELLED PAST
Buyers from around the world flocked to Geneva to bid on courtly jewels amassed by Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria and his family over a century ago - a collection that had lain untouched for many decades, discovers Caroline Wheater
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The interiors and furniture designer reflects on her antiques-filled childhood and favourite finds
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Displaying art
Christopher Peter’s apartment reflects his previous career as an art gallery curator. Here, he shares his tips on how best to display collections
SHADES OF WELLNESS
There’s a powerful link between our homes and our happiness, with interiors playing a crucial role in enhancing this connection. Read on for eight easy decorating ideas to boost wellbeing...
