I felt like a kid in a candy shop last week at the Decorative Fair in London. It was my first time visiting the fair, which takes place three times a year. I made my way to the Evolution venue through Battersea Park, which was an even nicer walk than I remembered. The spring edition was full of inspiration, as expected, with beautiful antiques, rare finds and fine furniture everywhere you looked. It’s a relatively small fair, but every corner is filled with beauty, so it’s impossible not to fall in love with it all. Prices ranged from around £60 to £40K, based on what I saw, with some truly unique art on display.
Here’s what I was swooning over.
Lighting That Caught My Eye
Sputnik Chandelier by L & V Art and Design
Nothing beats a beautiful antique light, whether on the wall or hanging from the ceiling, when it comes to making a real impact. I think antique lighting has been having a moment for quite some time now and it works beautifully in contemporary interiors too, like the rustic pendant in our fireplace room.
Lighting is also one thing I don’t mind splashing out on. I bought our Gubi 5321 lamp new, but the design dates back to the early 1940s, which just goes to show how timeless Finnish designer Paavo Tynell’s nature inspired work really is. His designs are still incredibly sought after today. I’ve always loved pieces with beautiful detailing, whether it’s leather, stitching or contrasting materials. Those are the kinds of details that always turn my head.
1960 s Vintage Floor Lamp with a Stitched Shade
Statement Mirrors
Antique Sunburst Mirror
Statement mirrors are so clever. They’re functional, but they can also double as a piece of art. I’m always looking for antique mirrors at shows like this because they instantly elevate a space. To me, adding a mirror is like adding jewellery to an outfit. Gold, silver, grand or minimalist, anything goes. It really depends on my mood, and I have a mix of contemporary and antique mirrors dotted around the house. At the fair, I was especially drawn to texture and unusual details, whether through shape or materials. The gold starburst antique mirror and the papier mâché and plaster leaf mirror were both absolutely divine in person. These photos really don’t do them justice.
Monumental French papier mâché and plaster sculptural leaf mirror by Édouard Chevalier
Fine Furniture
French-style neoclassical bookcases in walnut
Is there anything more majestic than a French neoclassical-style bookcase? These pieces date back to around 1840 and are handcrafted from French walnut (definitely the kind of collector’s item you’d want to pass down through generations). I absolutely love the recessed geometric panel design, which makes the pieces feel so timeless. Just think about all the craftsmanship that went into those decorative corners and intricate details. I’d love to find a chest in a similar style for our master bedroom renovation next.
Antique mirrored side table with bamboo detailing and aged mirror finish.
I’m also partial to anything with a bamboo effect, especially when it comes to vintage two-tier side tables. The aged mirror finish is the icing on the cake.
Sculptures and Art
Dancer III Passion sculpture by Jane Gordon Clark
One of the best things about antiques for modern homes is how well art and sculpture can work alongside contemporary pieces. I’ve loved figurative art ever since I discovered Bella Pieroni’s work, which we’ve had in our home for almost ten years now. Art is such a personal thing, and I love how differently we all respond to it. I’m mostly drawn to abstract pieces that can be interpreted in different ways depending on your mood or perspective. Lately, though, I’ve definitely been leaning towards a bit more colour, and there are a few pieces I’ve been thinking about adding to our collection. I also love the idea of displaying a single sculpture in a hallway or living room. Plinths are very much having a moment right now, and there’s no better way to showcase a sculpture than on an impressive plinth.
Tips for Visiting an Antique Fair
I really enjoyed my first time at the fair, but there are definitely a few things I’d like to see more of. I’d like to see more mother-of-pearl pieces and some animal sculptures that lean a little more modern. The only thing I seriously considered buying was a set of mother-of-pearl cutlery, but the pieces looked slightly too small for modern-day use, so I decided they probably weren’t the most practical choice. Then again, sometimes you should just buy what your heart wants. I do think it helps to have an idea of what you’re looking for before visiting an antique fair in London (or anywhere else). Many collectors’ pieces sell quickly, and you can also shop online if you can’t make it there in person. They don’t just sell home decor either. There was jewellery too, and some of the pieces looked incredibly special. I also spotted some 1960s Iittala glassware, which was such a lovely surprise.
My advice is to make a day of it. Even if you leave empty-handed, you’ll still come home feeling inspired by all the beauty!
