What antiques are hot right now in the UK?

he antiques market in the UK is seeing some really interesting trends right now. Here are some of the “hot” categories, plus what’s driving demand — and things to watch out for if you’re buying or selling.

What Antiques Are Hot Right Now in the UK

1. Art Nouveau & Art Deco
   • These early 20th-century styles are making a big comeback. Yahoo Style+2Homes and Gardens+2
   • Designers are especially interested in lighting, seating, and decorative objects from these periods. Yahoo Style+1
2. Mid-Century Modern (MCM)
   • Still very popular, especially high-quality, designer pieces (think Eames, Wegner, G-Plan, etc.). Yahoo Style+2antiqlist.com+2
   • But the market is becoming more selective: it’s not just “any old MCM” — people want iconic, well-made items or more niche substyles like Scandinavian Modern. sellingantiques.co.uk+1
3. Drinks Trolleys / Bar Furniture
   • According to design experts, vintage “drinks trolleys” are particularly in demand, especially in brass + glass or painted metal. Homes and Gardens
   • They work well for entertaining but also as decorative statement pieces.
4. Antique Textiles
   • Quilts, rugs, tapestries, and other aged textiles (with that “lived-in” patina) are very desirable. sellingantiques.co.uk
   • There’s a real appetite for culturally rich and handcrafted fabrics, which gives more character than mass-produced decor. sellingantiques.co.uk
5. Architectural Salvage & Small Decorative Objects
   • Smaller pieces are becoming “entry points” into the antiques world — things like mismatched china, salvaged architectural elements, or decorative lamps. sellingantiques.co.uk
   • Alabaster lamps, in particular, are mentioned as an under-the-radar but rising trend. sellingantiques.co.uk
6. Ceramics & Pottery
   • Antique porcelain (e.g. Wedgwood, Meissen) is gaining traction. antiquesmall-cy.com
   • Victorian pottery is also being spotlighted by dealers. Yahoo Style
   • Specific “novelty” or decorative ceramics (like lettuceware) are also back in vogue. Yahoo Style
7. Mirrors
   • Antique mirrors are popular again — they’re versatile (look great in traditional and modern interiors) and often command good prices. Yahoo Style
8. Vintage / Retro Electronics
   • From early gaming consoles to typewriters, these are seeing renewed interest. antiques.co.uk
   • It’s partly nostalgia, partly design: people like the look and the history.
9. Tulipieres
   • A more niche but fascinating trend: antique tulipieres (multi-spouted vases, especially Delftware) are getting attention again. Financial Times
   • Some very elaborate examples are selling at high-end auctions, making them collectible statement pieces.
10. Global / Ethnic Craftsmanship
    • There’s growing demand for antiques with strong cultural stories: items from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, etc. sellingantiques.co.uk
    • Collectors and interior designers alike are drawn to these for their narrative richness and craftsmanship.

Why These Trends Are Happening

• Sustainability & Slow Living: Younger buyers (especially millennials) are being drawn to antiques because they are more sustainable than buying all new, mass-produced furniture. The Times
• Desire for Character: There’s a shift away from “perfect minimalism” toward homes that feel layered, lived-in, and full of story. ELLE Decor
• Nostalgia and Retro Appeal: Retro and vintage design is in, not just for aesthetics, but for emotional connection too. Good Housekeeping
• Cultural Exploration: People want pieces with provenance, craftsmanship, and narrative — not just a “pretty old thing.” sellingantiques.co.uk
• Collectible Investment: High-quality antiques from certain eras are being viewed as more than décor — for many, they’re long-term investments. antiqlist.com

Things to Watch Out For

• Condition Matters: With antiques, condition makes a big difference in value. Even if a style is “hot,” a damaged piece may not appreciate well.
• Provenance: Knowing the history (maker, age, origin) can significantly impact desirability.
• Reproduction Risk: As certain styles rise, reproductions may flood the market. Be careful and try to verify authenticity where possible.
• Storage & Maintenance: Antique textiles, ceramics, and wood pieces may require special care (humidity, light, etc.).

My Take

If you’re looking to buy antiques right now in the UK, I’d strongly consider:

• Art Deco / Art Nouveau furniture or decor — great mix of style + story
• Drinks trolleys — functional + decorative
• Textiles — because they bring warmth and narrative

If you’re looking to sell, check your pieces against these trends. If you have any items in these categories, they might be more valuable than you think.