Are there any hidden costs for delivery?

No. All the items advertised on our website have UK mainland delivery included in the price. The only exception to this is if you are lucky enough to live in the Scottish highlands, or on an island, in which case there may be additional delivery costs for items of furniture. If this is the case, please get in touch prior to purchasing for a quote.

Do you deliver outside of the mainland UK?

It depends on the item. We regularly ship smaller antique and vintage items, such as ceramics and tea caddies, globally. It is more problematic to send larger items such as furniture, and larger artworks outside of the UK as delivery costs tend to be very high. However, we are always happy to look into costs for you, so please get in touch if you would like a quote for delivery of a particular item.

How do I know my item will arrive safely?

We are very good at packing all sorts of items and (tempting fate here!) so far have only had two or three instances of items arriving with damage. Each item is individually assessed and packaged accordingly. Smaller items are packed with multiple layers of bubblewrap, foam peanut void fillers and are double boxed if required. Artworks are wrapped in bubblewrap and cardboard, with additional hardboard if they are glazed or large. For particularly fragile items we make a wooden crate to ship them in. Furniture is usually sent with bubblewrap and cardboard wrapping, unless the courier asks for it to be sent unwrapped, in which case they protect it with furniture blankets during transport. We take photos of all items prior to packing them in the event of any disputes with couriers. If your item does arrive with signs of damage to the packaging, please take photos before unwrapping it, and then photos of the item itself if damage has indeed occurred, and forward them to us as soon as possible.

I am nervous about buying an antique without seeing it. How do I know it will be what I expect?

We sell predominately online, and have only had a couple of instances of customers requesting a return in four years of trading. This is because we take care to accurately describe each item - there is no point describing something dishonestly because all we would get then is unhappy customers and returned items, which is the opposite of what we want! We highlight any areas of damage or wear, with photographs and descriptions so you can see exactly what you will be getting, and are always happy to provide further information if required. Of course we are only human and sometimes miss things or make mistakes - occasionally I have spotted something while packing an item that I hadn’t noticed before, for example, and in that instance have contacted the buyer and given them the information so they can decide whether to proceed with the purchase or not. If you buy an item and feel it is not as described when it arrives, you can return it for a full refund.

Can I view the item in person before buying?

Yes. We have a warehouse type shop in Tideswell, Derbyshire where pieces can be viewed. It is best to call and make an appointment if you want to see and discuss a particular item to ensure I’ll be around to meet you. Otherwise we are open during the week between 10am and 5pm.

How do you prepare your antiques for sale?

It very much depends on the item. Generally, everything gets cleaned as appropriate for the item. This may just mean that surface dust is removed from an oil painting on canvas, or it may involve a full wash of glassware or ceramics. Things like paint flecks are carefully removed if possible to do so. Wooden items are given a coat of wax if required, and if anything requires additional restoration then that is carried out as well. Any wooden items with woodworm holes are treated against woodworm as a precaution, even if the holes have obviously been there for a long time. We try and ensure that every piece that leaves us is in the condition we would like to receive it if we were the buyer.

How do I care for my antique furniture?

Generally speaking antique furniture is easy to look after, but following these guidelines will help to maintain it appropriately:

1. Cleaning
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust regularly. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals, which can damage the wood or finish. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth with a mild soap solution can be used sparingly, but always dry the surface immediately.

2. Polishing and Waxing
Apply a high-quality furniture wax or polish designed specifically for antiques, such as beeswax. Avoid silicone-based products as they can create a residue that is difficult to remove. Waxing should be done sparingly, typically once or twice a year, to nourish the wood and protect the surface.

3. Environment
Keep antique furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying out. Maintain a stable temperature and humidity level; extreme fluctuations can cause wood to crack or warp. In houses with modern central heating systems which are typically drier, placing a bowl of water under the piece of furniture or on top of a radiator can help to add a bit of moisture back into the environment.

4. Handling
When moving furniture, lift it rather than dragging to prevent stress on joints and legs.

5. Protection
Use coasters, mats, or felt pads under objects to prevent scratches, stains, and water rings. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface.

Proper care will help your antique furniture remain beautiful and functional for generations.

Why should I buy antiques rather than modern items?

There are many reasons! Antique pieces tend to be unique and, in my opinion, more attractive than many pieces of modern furniture, which isn’t to say that there aren’t some lovely pieces being made today. They have character. They have been loved and used for many years and acquired the beautiful appearance that only time can give. They are generally much better made than anything you can buy today, especially at the same price point - a Georgian chest of drawers may be 250 years old but with a bit of care it will easily last another 200 years, and you can’t say that of something made from chipboard and MDF! They have a very low carbon footprint and are an infinitely more environmentally friendly choice than anything for sale on the highstreet… I could go on!

Do you buy antiques?

Yes, but we have to be quite selective about what we buy as obviously we need to be able to sell it on. If you have something you would like to sell please fill in our enquiry form, or email hello@antiqueandunique.co.uk with details of the item and photos, and we will let you know if it is of interest or not.

Do you offer valuations?

No. If we are looking to buy an item from you we will obviously offer a price, but we do not offer valuations otherwise. If you have an item you would like to know the value of, or learn more about, we would recommend contacting your local auctioneer for an appraisal.

Do you provide a house clearance service?

No - we don’t have the capacity to offer a full house clearance service, though we can come and view the property (if it is reasonably local to us) and see if there are any particular items of interest.

If you have any questions that are not answered above then please do get in touch and we will try to help.