If we have learned one thing after visiting hundreds of the world’s most elegant homes, it’s this: Antiques are—and always have been—better than something new. Yes, we will elaborate. From figuring out whether a piece is actually valuable to spotting reproductions and knowing which treasures are worth hunting down, buying old requires a little know-how—and a lot of instinct. Luckily, collector, author, and owner of the highly exclusive Provincial hotel, Le Mas des Poiriers, Shauna Varvel has plenty of both.
So, we thought it would be fitting to pick her brain about all things antiques, including where to find them, why to buy them, and how to authenticate them. Ahead, feel free to soak up all this expert has to offer as she lifts the curtain on the antiques industry and shares her industry secrets to discovering the best antique treasures that may be hiding in plain sight. Plus, we share a few of our personal favorite antique picks that you can order online—no trips to France needed.
Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about antiques before making the ultimate investment.
As the owner of quite a large private home-turned-hotel that she outfitted herself, Shauna knows a thing or two about choosing the right pieces—decor, furniture, and everything in between—and more often than not, when faced with the decision to buy an antique or something new, she’s going with option one. “Antiques bring so much personal expression to a home, as you can really feel the history in antique furniture, artifacts, carpets, or paintings,” she insists. “Each is unique, so no one else will have the exact same object that you have, and it brings originality to your home.”
What’s more, unlike walking into a brick-and-mortar mass retailer, buying an antique presents a challenge that, when completed, gives you the ultimate sense of accomplishment. “The hunt is an adventure. I remember buying each piece, and I loved every minute,” Shauna adds.
As is the case with anything, not all antiques are created equal. Some boast tremendous value and others, well, don’t, but resale value should not be the main reason you’re getting into the antiques game. Shauna instructs, “Unless you are collecting antique investment pieces, I would suggest that your primary concern be that you love the piece, you can see it in your home, and you know that it will make you happy to see it every day.” If the piece in question is a signed original that’s worth a lot of money, that’s just a bonus.
One factor Shauna relies on, though, is geography. She says, “When I am buying antiques for the French house, I try to be authentic in time and place, purchasing pieces that are approximately 200 years old from Provence or Italy.” If you want to buy an antique but aren’t quite sure where to start, consider either the time or the location of the home for which you’re shopping. That will at least give you a little bit of a jumping-off point.
Whenever you’re looking for something specific, you never end up finding it, and that is how it goes with antiques—especially because, unlike, say, a down coat or a little black dress, there’s only one of every antique. “Each commode, armoire, or dish set is completely unique, which can prove to be a problem when you are looking for something specific to fill a certain space,” Shauna admits. Her advice? Keep a list of pieces you’re looking for (ideal dimensions included) so that when you happen to discover something, you have the dimensions on hand.
The best way to tell whether a recent find is the real deal is to look for a maker’s mark, but sadly, not every antique has one. Otherwise, enlist an expert who can confirm the whole history of the antique in question. On the other hand, there’s no need to go to great lengths to authenticate something if it simply makes you happy and you’re not spending too much on it. “If you are purchasing for pleasure, I suggest that you buy something that you absolutely love and don’t worry too much about it as long as it works in your home and fits in your budget,” Shauna says.
Plus, the more you buy, the better your eye will become. You may not be able to identify the specific maker of every antique you see, but you will definitely be able to recognize good quality. “I look for a beautiful finish and color on furniture; things that feel worn but still beautiful,” Shauna adds.
The great thing about antiques is they are kind of trendless, but some (like heavy dark wooden furniture with a glossy finish) have fallen out of fashion over the years. If you’re looking for a piece (or pieces) that will hold up forever aesthetically, Shauna has one suggestion: “I absolutely adore antique dishes. The patterns, the colors, the shapes, and especially the serving pieces,” she says. “In France, I have a butler’s pantry full of dishes, the dining room wall is covered by a china cabinet, and we have newly installed dish racks along a wall of the kitchen to display more sets as the collection grows.” She has a point. Dishes are so personal, and unlike furniture or lighting, you will always have room for them.
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