Antiques Set to Trend in 2026
Quality, character, and the ability to personalise one’s space
05/01/2026
The antiques market looks set for an exciting 2026, with an emphasis on items of high quality and decorative impact. Interiors continue to move towards personal touches and an ‘inherited’ aesthetic or ‘cottage chic’, where collectors and decorators are seeking out pieces to create warm, comfortable homes filled with rich colours and we continue to shift away from the neutral palettes of recent years.
Statement pieces such as pre-1945 signed pieces by René Lalique remain at the pinnacle of collectable glassware. Celebrated for bringing a touch of period glamour to a space, Lalique glass is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, and demand is high for original early pieces in good condition.
Rene Lalique: 'Suzanne', a fine opalescent glass figure, model 833, designed circa 1930
Contemporary interiors are embracing boldness and Murano glass from Venice fits the brief perfectly. Large, colourful vases, bowls, or lighting such as chandeliers inject eye-popping vibrancy into any setting and provide a modern contrast complimenting a mixture of fine and decorative traditional pieces of furniture and rich textiles. Their appeal lies in their hand-blown, sculptural forms, rich hues, and the way they catch the light. As spaces become more eclectic, Murano glass offers both a decorative punch and collectable interest.
Ceramics and pottery, with their variety of glazes and forms, are also enjoying a resurgence. Collectors are particularly drawn to pieces that combine utility with beauty, particularly 20th century British designers of studio pottery by renowned artists such as Bernard Leach, Hans Coper, and Lucie Rie which are highly sought after by collectors, together with more modern designers such as John Ward and John Maltby. Their works are valued not just for their aesthetic appeal, but for the fact that their pieces work well in both traditional and modern interiors, bridging the gap between fine art and functional objects.
John Ward (1938-2003), a stoneware tailed vase
After years in the shadows, brown furniture made from mahogany, walnut, and oak is making a return and the painted ‘shabby chic’ style is finally moving on. Well-made antique furniture, whether Georgian chests or occasional tables, or Victorian desks or chairs, valued for their quality and patina, bring a sense of warmth and history to a room. Items that are ready to go straight into the home prove to be the best sellers; rather than frustrated hours fiddling with a construction manual and an Alan key, these pieces are ideal for creating the resurgent inherited look. Antique furniture has never been a better investment, today it is possible to buy an 18th century table or a set of antique dining chairs for less than £100. The great thing is that you can always sell them when you decide to move or a change room around!
A small Georgian straight fronted walnut chest of drawers
Large carpets and rugs, especially those with a bit of character and wear, are highly desirable. These textiles soften hard floors, introduce colour and pattern, evoking the comfort of country houses and grand interiors. Whether Persian, Turkish, or Arts and Crafts in style, they add instant warmth and a heritage feel to a room. It really doesn’t matter if they are worn, it adds to the authenticity.
Bronze and marble sculptures are also in vogue, echoing the ‘Grand Tour’ tradition of collecting classical forms for display. These pieces bring gravitas and a sense of travel-inspired culture to both modern and historic settings; when coupled with your favourite inherited items it produces a very personal and original aesthetic.
The antiques market in 2026 is all about quality, character, and the ability to personalise one’s space. If you are thinking of selling your antiques this year, here at Dawsons, our expert team provide a stress-free selling environment. From treasured family heirlooms and period furniture to fine decorative objects, clocks, and curiosities, our specialists’ knowledge, integrity, and global reach ensure your antiques achieve the strongest possible results at auction.
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