Millennials choosing antiques over new

A new generation is increasingly choosing antique furniture over new items, according to auction search engine Barnebys.

Pontus Silfverstolpe, co-founder of Barnebys, said, “Currently sales of antiques and designer furniture is up by 32%. Buyers are motivated by the wish to bolster their green beliefs, to save money and invest in quality and individuality.”

Silfverstolpe said that changes to consumer behaviour, led by Millennials, is driving interest in using renewable and pre-owned items. “They know that antiques are better for the carbon footprint. We clearly see an increased interest from the younger generation of buyers who want unique, personal and quality items that last over time. It is just not sustainable for our world to continue to consume as we do today, and have done over the last few decades. So, today, many of the younger generation actively choose to furnish their homes with pre-owned furniture, which surprisingly is often cheaper than even Ikea furniture.”

Barnebys also shared examples of antique furniture that showed how competitively priced items are, alongside being well made and having stood the test of time.

“Antique is, of course, a relative term and there are antiques that are hugely expensive, but there are less grand antiques which are robustly well made and individually designed. Old furniture also has the loved look of family heirlooms which adds that certain charming ‘lived in’  look so popular with interior designers. And they have a another singular advantage – one does not have to struggle to put them together at home! They come, complete.”