Antique Furniture Sourcing
Information & Terms of Business
Finding the right antique furniture is about more than simply searching online. It requires an understanding of craftsmanship, quality, scale and how each piece will sit within your home.
Working from your brief, I carefully source antiques from trusted auction houses, reputable dealers and private sellers across the UK. Every recommendation is chosen with your home, budget and lifestyle in mind, with the aim of finding pieces that feel as though they have always belonged there.
Whether you are searching for one statement piece or furnishing several rooms, my role is to make the process enjoyable, straightforward and inspiring, whilst giving you confidence in every purchase.
The Sourcing Process
Step One
Tell me about your project
Before sourcing begins, I'll ask you to complete a Design Brief and send me as much information as possible about your project.
The more I understand your home and your style, the better I can curate suitable pieces.
Step Two
Curated Sourcing
Once your brief has been received, a £150 Curated Sourcing Fee is payable before work begins.
This allows me to begin researching auction houses, antiques dealers and private sellers to find your piece of furniture specifically suited to your project.
Step Three
Your Curated Selection
You'll receive a carefully considered selection of at least five suitable options (where reasonably available across the UK).
Each recommendation is selected for its:
• Quality
• Craftsmanship
• Suitability for your home
• Value
• Character
Rather than overwhelming you with endless possibilities, my aim is to present a refined collection of pieces that genuinely fit your brief.
Step Four
Purchase
Once you've chosen your preferred piece, I'll:
• Negotiate with dealers where appropriate
• Bid at auction on your behalf
• Arrange collection
• Coordinate delivery
Throughout the process I'll keep you informed and answer any questions you may have.
Preparation Service
Step Five
Many antique pieces—particularly those purchased through auction—benefit from a little care before arriving in your home.
the process
Where appropriate, I offer a Preparation Service for an additional £150.
This includes:
• Receiving the furniture
• Careful inspection
• Gentle cleaning
• Waxing or polishing where appropriate
• Final quality check
• Coordination of onward delivery
The total fee for sourcing and preparation is £300.
Preparing Your Brief
Before I begin sourcing, please email as much as the following information as you can:
Furniture Required
Please describe the furniture you're looking for:
For example:
• Chest of drawers
• Dining table
• Sideboard
• Bookcase
• Console table
Dimensions
Please provide approximate measurements, including:
• Width
• Height
• Depth
Budget
Please include your preferred budget for the furniture itself.
Please note that purchase price, auction premiums (where applicable) and delivery charges are separate from my sourcing fee.
Style
Tell me about the style you're hoping to achieve.
For example:
• Georgian
• Victorian
• Country House
• English Farmhouse
• Scandinavian
• Rustic
Photographs
Please include any photographs of:
• The room
• Existing furniture
• Flooring
• Wall colours (where relevant) or links to wall colours.
This helps me understand the scale and feel of the space.
Inspiration
Pinterest is one of the best ways to communicate your style.
Please send any:
• Pinterest boards
• Instagram saves
• Magazine cuttings
• Website links
The more visual information you provide, the better I can tailor my recommendations.
further information and Faq's
Consultations
For individual furniture commissions, I'm happy to arrange a video consultation before sourcing begins.
For larger projects involving several pieces or multiple rooms, an in-home consultation can also be arranged across Devon and Cornwall. This allows me to gain a deeper understanding of your home and create a cohesive furniture scheme. For larger projects I am also able to source smaller and more decorative items, for this terms and pricing are agreed during the initial brief and discussions.
Please contact me for further information and availability.
Fees
Curated Sourcing Fee
£150 per furniture item
Includes:
• Initial consultation
• Research
• Professional advice
• Sourcing from auctions, dealers and private sellers
• Condition reports where available
• Presentation of at least five carefully selected options
• Dealer negotiations
• Auction bidding (where applicable)
• Collection and delivery coordination
The sourcing fee is payable before work begins and is non-refundable once sourcing has commenced.
*For larger projects, pricing can be agreed after we have met to discussed in detail your requirements, smaller and more decorative items can also be included.
Preparation Service (not always a necessity)
Additional £150
Includes:
• Receiving the furniture
• Inspection
• Gentle cleaning
• Waxing or polishing where appropriate
• Final quality check
• Delivery coordination
Multiple Furniture Projects
When sourcing multiple furniture pieces as part of the same commission, a discount can be applied to the Curated Sourcing Fees, and a lesser fee per item will be applied for any smaller items: bedside tables, console tables, small chairs. An agreed cost for smaller more decorative items can also be agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't like any of the options?
If I don't believe I've found pieces that truly meet your brief, I'll continue sourcing until I have presented a suitable selection. The aim is always to find furniture that feels right for your home rather than encouraging a purchase for the sake of it.
Can you source from dealers as well as auctions?
Yes. I source furniture from carefully selected auction houses, trusted antiques dealers and private sellers throughout the UK.
What does the Preparation Service include?
The Preparation Service includes receiving the furniture, carefully inspecting it, gently cleaning it and applying an appropriate wax or polish where suitable before arranging onward delivery.
Please note that restoration, upholstery or specialist conservation work is not included and can be arranged separately if required.
How long does sourcing take?
Every commission is different. Some pieces are found within days, while others may take several weeks depending on rarity and availability. I will always keep you updated throughout the process.
A Final Note
One of the things I love most about antique furniture is that every piece has a history. It has been made to last, lived with and cared for before finding its next home.
My aim is not simply to source furniture, but to help you find pieces that will become part of your own story—objects to enjoy every day and to keep for many years to come.