Time for Watches...

About Antique Watches   The vintage and antique watch market is booming, and beautiful timepieces have become really desirable accessories. From pocket watches to wrist watches, there is an extensive range of timepieces available and when you know where to look for antiques, you can easily stumble across designs that are too breathtaking to be kept in a box. It is no surprise that so many antique buyers like to wear the watches they purchase and this is one accessory that will never go out of style.    Why antique watches are popular    When compared to modern smart watches, vintage and antique watches are popular for several reasons. Older designs are known for being classic and their simplistic and elegant appearance makes them a timeless choice, they will certainly outlive fast-fashion trends. Not to mention, antique watches are often handmade and because they haven’t been mass-produced, you’re unlikely to come across someone with the same timepiece as you.    Antique watches are beautifully manufactured too and the craftsmanship of old timepieces is incomparable. Like other antiques, watches that were made decades ago were designed to last and quality materials were used within each design. Not to mention, every vintage wrist watch or antique pocket watch will have its own story that can be traced back through generations. The history of the timepieces on the antique market makes them stand out from the crowd and if you have an appreciation for heritage, an antique watch is a brilliant investment.    Choosing which antique watch to buy    Narrowing down the vintage and antique watches on the market isn’t always easy, and it is important to choose your timepiece wisely. The right antique watch won’t just look incredible, but it will likely provide a healthy return on investment too. Watches are notorious for becoming more valuable over time and you will be shocked as to how much you can sell a timepiece for when you hold onto it for a few years and keep it well maintained.  There are lots of things to take into consideration when you’re purchasing antique watches, including your own style preferences, and there are a few basic fundamentals to stick to. Whenever you’re choosing a new timepiece to add to your collection of vintage or antique items:   Check the authenticity - the most desirable watches from brands such as Rolex, Jaeger, IWC, Breitling and Omega are frequently replicated, and the market is full of counterfeits. It is really important to ensure the watch you’re investing in is authentic, so do your research and examine the fine details of the watch. Opt for a classic - some antique watches will be more simplistic in design than others and if you’re keen to choose a watch with the potential for a good ROI, always choose a classic design. Makes and models without over the top decorative features tend to be the most popular, and you can’t go wrong with a timeless aesthetic.  Don’t forget about maintenance - generally speaking, working watches are more valuable and more desirable. Not to mention if you want to be able to use the timepiece you buy, it needs to work. In addition to checking the condition of an antique watch, make sure you enquire about ongoing maintenance. You need to know that you can keep up with the required maintenance during your time of ownership.    If you’re looking for vintage or antique watches to purchase, explore the Eat Sleep Antiques website today. We display a brilliant selection from reputable antique dealers. 

Mirrors to Reflect On...

About Antique Mirrors   Mirrors have been used for thousands of years and they have changed quite significantly over time.   The shape and size of mirrors, and the materials used to make them are very different today from what there were in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.    Whilst mirrors are known for being fragile, they used to be valued possessions and people would take very good care of them, enabling them to be passed down as heirlooms.   This means there is an incredible range of antique mirrors available to purchase and they will continue to be treasured by people for many years to come.    Why are antique mirrors so popular?   When searching for antique items to display throughout their home, lots of antique buyers will purchase mirrors.   This particular type of antique is popular for several reasons and not only are mirrors functional, but they are aesthetically pleasing too. Large antique mirrors, in particular, are frequently purchased and hung in homes to create a focal point in a room.   Whether you hang an antique mirror above your sofa, fireplace or bed frame, it will transform the look of your room and instantly add visual interest to the space.     Similarly to other antique items, the majority of antique mirrors for sale will have an interesting history and this makes them even more desirable.   You never know who else will have looked at themselves in the antique mirror you purchase and this sparks a unique interest in this type of antique.   The highest quality materials have been used to make mirrors over the years too and many frames feature intricate designs, adding to the desirability.    Things to look at when buying antique mirrors    There is a brilliant selection of mirrors on the antique market, from dressing table mirrors and overmantle mirrors to wall mirrors, and there is something for absolutely everyone.   Even people who don’t usually purchase antiques are often interested in antique mirrors and they are eye-catching items that can stand the test of time.    Multiple different factors will influence how valuable and desirable an antique mirror is, and it is important to carefully look at the mirrors you’re interested in.   When you’re purchasing an antique mirror, you should always double-check;    The glass - generally speaking, when an antique mirror has its original glass, it will be more desirable. You can often easily tell whether the glass is as old as the frame and antique glass looks very different to modern glass. Not only is the thickness different, but the colour is too and it will likely have a few imperfections.      The condition - due to the age of an antique mirror, it shouldn’t be in pristine condition. The majority of antiques will have some visible wear and tear, and looking at the frame can help you to ensure the mirror isn’t a replica. Fading, darkening, scratches and stains are all frequently seen on antique mirror frames.      The manufacturer - lots of antique mirrors will be engraved or stamped with a name or a logo, usually on the back of the mirror. Looking for manufacturer marks can help you to determine how old an antique mirror is and where it was made. This will also help you to identify whether the mirror is an authentic antique.      Should you be searching for antique mirrors for sale, take a look at the beautiful antiques we have on the Eat Sleep Antiques marketplace today. 

See the Lights...

About Antique Lighting   People often don’t realise just how many one-of-a-kind antique lights and lamps there are on the market.   Whether you purchase antiques to decorate your home or to restore and re-sell, there is an exciting selection of items to choose from within this particular antique category.   The varying trends of past centuries have made the extensive selection of antique lighting fixtures so diverse and there are a number of styles, shapes and colours available to explore.   There really is something for everyone on the Eat Sleep Antiques marketplace.    How valuable is antique lighting?   Determining the value of the antique lighting items you’re interested in isn’t always easy.   You can’t simply look up the price of an antique lamp or an antique chandelier, and each individual item will be valued very differently.   When you’re trying to establish the value of antique lighting, it’s important to be aware of which factors will influence how much an antique is worth and these factors include;    Age  Condition Rarity History Material/s Manufacturer  Design features Quality of craftsmanship Restoration work   It is always beneficial to speak to an antique dealer about the items they’re selling before you choose which antique you’d like to invest in and this can help you to learn more about the lighting available on the market.   You can then identify whether or not an item is valuable and desirable at this moment in time.    Tips for purchasing antique lighting    If you don’t have much experience purchasing antique lighting, here are some useful tips to get you started.    Firstly, if you’re purchasing a lamp or a wall light, for example, it is always important to double-check that it still works.   Not all of the antiques on the second-hand market will have been well looked after and if you want to be able to use the item you purchase, you need to ensure that it works.   Generally, a working lamp will be more valuable than one that doesn’t work anymore as well, which is always beneficial.    Pictures can sometimes be deceiving when you’re purchasing antiques and some items can look bigger, or smaller, than they actually are.   To avoid disappointment when your antique light arrives, it is useful to enquire about the measurements of the item.   Getting accurate measurements is important if you’re purchasing a lampshade or a chandelier to use in your home too, and you can then ensure that it will fit perfectly in your intended space.    When you plan on keeping the antique item that you purchase, it is beneficial to learn more about the maintenance it requires.   Different antique lights and lamps will need to be cleaned in different ways, for example, and knowing more about how to care for the antiques you own will help you to keep them in the best possible condition.   Should you want to sell your antiques in the future, carrying out any required maintenance can prevent you from losing money on an item due to its poor condition.    Here at Eat Sleep Antiques, we have a brilliant range of antique lighting from various periods of time and we invite you to browse our marketplace today. You won’t struggle to find some new items for your collection on our website. 

Raise a Glass...

About Antique Glass    Amongst all of the antique and vintage items you can own, antique glassware items are some of the most beautiful. From simple and elegant bowls to ornate and extravagant perfume bottles, there is such an incredible range of items that fall under this antique category. Whether you’re an experienced antique dealer or someone who simply enjoys the craftsmanship of decorative antique glassware, there is something for everyone on the market and you won’t struggle to find some incredible items to add to your collection.    Why antique glass is so popular    When compared to the glassware that is on the market these days, antiques are of much higher quality and lots of items from centuries gone by were handmade rather than mass-produced. Often, antique glass is heavier than modern alternatives too. Not to mention, the design of antique glassware like bowls, vases, jugs, decanters and glasses is usually much more intricate and unique. There really is a range of colours, shapes, patterns and styles to choose from, all of which can instantly enhance the decor in any space.    Not only can antique and vintage glass be a brilliant addition to your home’s interior design, but it can also be incredibly valuable, offering a desirable return on investment. Certain pieces of antique glassware, such as rare engraved glass or cut glass, can be worth thousands of pounds and they will be highly sought-after for many years to come. If you take good care of the antique glass you own and ensure it is well-maintained, there is a fair chance that you will be able to sell it in the future for considerably more than you paid for it.    Top tips for purchasing antique glass   No matter what your reasons may be for wanting to add to your antique glassware collection, navigating the antique market can be quite difficult. Determining the value of glass can be very complicated and you will need to consider everything from quality and maker to condition and design characteristics to establish whether an item has a good return on investment. Thankfully, there are a few useful tips that can make purchasing antique glass easier;    Look for pontil marks and imperfections - Lots of antique glass hasn’t been stamped with a manufacturer’s mark, but looking for a pontil mark can help you to identify how old a piece of glassware is. Tiny bubbles or irregularities in the glass can also help you to determine whether a piece of glassware is actually an antique.    Assess the pattern, style and colour - As you may expect, when an antique looks the same as lots of other antiques, it’s less likely to be valuable and desirable. So, searching for unique patterns, styles and colours is always beneficial. You can learn more about the age of a piece of glassware when you identify the pattern or stylistic details and the colour too. If you don’t know much about the type of glass that was manufactured in different eras, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.    Don’t overlook single items - It is a misconception that you should always buy antique glass in a set, but having a complete set isn’t crucial to the value of a piece of glassware. If you come across a single drinking glass or bowl, for example, if it is an unusual colour or an uncommon shape, it is still usually worth purchasing.    If you’re interested in purchasing antique glass, whether you’re a collector of depression glass or carnival glass, explore the Eat Sleep Antiques website today. We display a beautiful selection of glassware from antique dealers across the country and we can help you find the perfect new pieces of glassware for your collection.   

In the Garden...

By the Fire...