the guide for new antique collectors

antique collecting is more than an aesthetic pursuit — it's a form of storytelling. each object carries the essence of a place, time and its past owners. whether you're furnishing a modern apartment or curating a traditional home, the right antique can add soul and distinction to your space. here’s how to choose antique pieces with intention and confidence:

 

start with how you live, not how it “should” look

think about your space. are you someone who uses your teapots? do you rearrange your shelves often? are you decorating a cozy reading nook or a more formal dining room? if a vase is just going to collect dust in a corner, maybe it’s not the one. if a handmade bowl makes you smile every time you walk by — that’s worth it. form is great, but function (even emotional) matters just as much.

 

imperfections are the charm

if you’re looking for flawless, you’re missing the point of antiques. a little crack in the glaze, a patina on the bronze, slight asymmetry in a cup — these are signs of love that the pieces have enjoyed. look for hand-painted details, natural materials, and things that clearly weren’t made in a factory. those are the pieces that bring warmth into a room.

 

don’t match — mix

some of the most beautiful spaces we’ve seen mix styles, eras, and cultures in ways that shouldn’t work, but totally do. a delicate japanese teapot next to a chunky mid-century lamp? love it. a rustic thai urn sitting beneath a modern painting? even better. you don’t need a themed room — you need pieces that balance and surprise. 

 

go slow. build your collection over time.

antique collecting isn’t a race. your space doesn’t need to be “done.” give yourself permission to let it evolve. buy one piece, live with it, see how it changes the energy of a room. trust your gut. forget the rules. it’s your space — fill it with things that feel like you.

 

choosing antiques isn’t about impressing anyone. it’s about creating a home that tells your story — not just the one you live in, but the one you want to remember.