Photo: Nineteenth-century French desk with French chairs covered in cow hide.

Photography by Don Hoffman

The word antique often means varying things to different people. As an antique dealer, I like to think antique means tradition, style, beauty, and quality. I was dismayed one day, however, when a man walked into my showroom and informed me he was there only because his wife dragged him in. He told me he had always hated antiques. For him, the word conjured images of his grandmother’s attic stocked with musty, dusty furniture that fell apart. Determined to change his mind, I walked him though my shop, pointing out my favorite pieces and telling him the stories and history behind each. Explaining the background and uniqueness of each piece was all it took to change his perspective. Today he is one of my best customers. Now, when this man admires an antique saying things like, “look at that carving” or “this patina is really beautiful,” his wife delights at his artistic awakening. She no longer has to drag him along on her quests for treasures; he has become a willing participant in finding the perfect antique or piece of art for their home.

Like many of my customers, this man wanted to learn more about antiques and asked me where he should start. I suggested that he visit museums and historical buildings during his travels, and pay special attention to the details of the period’s architecture and popular furnishings. I also recommend visiting different types of antique stores, and talking to the dealers about their areas of expertise. Good antique shows, such as the bi-annual Houston Antiques Dealers Association (HADA) Sale and Show, are very good learning tools for new collectors, as large collections from all over the country are available to view, compare, and purchase.

Late-nineteenth century French Sue de Pearl crystal and bronze dore chandelier.

My own love for antiques began when I started my interior design business. I went from showroom to showroom hunting for key pieces and soon discovered that I saw more value for my client’s dollar in buying antiques; the same theory applies today more than ever. Beautiful old things have already stood the test of time. They have endured years of use and look even more beautiful because of the rich finish that age has bestowed on them.

More recently, antiques have become appealing for a whole new reason – going green. Antiques, “recycled” material, can provide you with a higher-quality, higher-value product than you would get from a newly-produced piece of furniture. Newer, mass-produced furniture is generally of lower quality, often built using uncured woods and are simply reproductions of the real thing. Why cut down more trees in order to create new mass-produced products when lovely, hand-crafted antiques are readily available?

Nineteenth-century Spanish library table flanked by tapestry-covered chairs.

Now that you understand the benefits of owning antiques – their unique nature, excellent quality, increasing value, and the ecological benefit of reusing these well-engineered treasures – you can begin your own hunt and find special pieces for your collection. What should you buy? First, of all buy the best quality you can afford. I like European pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. They are not only a great value, but beautiful and affordable. Buy what you like. Develop your taste and eye for mixing styles in furniture, art, tapestries, statuary, and lighting. Strive to achieve a multi-dimensional collection. Not only is it acceptable, but extremely interesting to mix styles, woods, and periods.

The aesthetic of mixing period furnishings, modern art, and other unique touches will lead to a masterful mix of the centuries. For my own aesthetic, the most fashionable homes are light and airy in the French style; incorporating as many windows and mirrors as possible. Look for the finer things to collect. European travels have taught me that people can and do live casually with fine things. The tone of restrained European grandeur can be achieved by using gilt wood mirrors, antique chandeliers, Italian and French painted furniture, bronze dore mounted cabinets, parcel gilt chairs, and combining pieces from France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Be sure to stay true to your own style; choose pieces for both beauty and comfort.

Nineteenth-century Italian Carrera marble statue of a maiden playing the mandolin.

Create harmony with your collection; one piece should not shine above all the others. Fashionable people think in terms of creating the whole image in their mode of dress; think in these terms when assembling the components of your home’s interior. Begin with beautiful soft walls - a lovely soft color and texture to set the stage - then plan your arrangement. Take measurements of your wall and ceiling heights with you when you hunt for your treasures. Tape measures, wall colors, fabric swatches, and a camera can also be helpful in coordinating the whole picture. Find key pieces to begin each room; think of it as a layering process. After you have found the key elements, it becomes easier to focus on the other items that will bring the whole creation together; incorporate lovely art, mirrors, sconces, porcelains, and cushions. You will find that antiques are like old friends; they are pleasing to be around and they just get better with age.

It is my hope that you embrace new ideas about antiques, combining new-world chic with old-world substance. The more you travel and explore the world, the more you will understand and appreciate the beauty of antiques and art. In this fast-paced world, too many people attack furnishing their homes as an immediate task rather than an on-going project of enjoyment. The French enjoy the hunt for the perfect piece for every space. This concept will deliver far greater results than buying an entire room of furnishings at one time. Seek artistic inspiration, slow the pace, enjoy the process and add one or two items at a time. Exquisitely-designed spaces filled with meaningful objects will enhance the look and feel of your home; transforming cold hard surfaces into a special place your family and friends will love to gather throughout the year. Develop your own artistic flair and fall under the spell of creating unique spaces; it is powerful and inexplicable when your dreams of a beautiful home start to come true. And don’t forget to enjoy the hunt. TH&L

Charlotte Nail is the proprietor of Charlotte Nail Antiques in Houston, Texas. Please contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.