Getting Eclectic With Period Furniture

The no-nonsense, minimal look is out as period style finds favour with people looking to design their homes elegantly, says Amrita Shah

Colonial style bench All Pics Courtesy Colonial Collection

Empire style chaise

Its said that history repeats itself. And it is doing so in more ways than one. Period furniture is making a comeback to house décor with more and more people opting to furnish their homes in period style.

Although dealers and genuine collectors have long known the value of antique, its popularity among end-buyers has seen a recent jump. Definitions vary, but according to customs laws, an antique must be at least 100 years old. Anything younger than that, like pieces from the Art Deco period (1925-1940) or even from the late Colonial times is termed as a collectible. Of course, older the piece and better its condition, more is its worth. For instance, a delicately inlaid 1903 Louis XV style cabinet auctioned by Christie's this year went for a whopping £220,000 (about Rs 1.7 crore). In India, cost of collectibles from dealers like Philip's Antiques or Essajee's have at least five zeros following a number. A small crystal chandelier, for example, could cost anything from Rs 1 lakh onwards. European antiques are difficult to come by in India and ethnic pieces sourced from old havelis and palaces are more common, replete with inlay, mosaic and carvings. We're talking carved and silver-plated doors, stone jharokhas and jaalis from a single block, brass-detailed chests and carved columns.

Ostentatiously Stylish

Four-poster bed

Inarguably, nothing looks as chi-chi as well-crafted antique furniture whether it is Queen Anne, Gothic, Art Nouveau or British Colonial style. While this kind of ostentation is superlatively chic, what works best for a city home where space is at a premium, is an eclectic look that teams up existing furniture with some eye-catching collectibles. Art Deco and Colonial furniture are popular in the city since they are affordable. High-end designer stores such as Trafford House in Mumbai and Rust in Goa offer a 1930s armchair for Rs 10,000, and a wardrobe or a desk for Rs 25,000. Contemporary Arts and Crafts at Nepean Sea Road, Mumbai too keep the one-off colonial style bed or chaise lounge with prices ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. Ameera Shah's discreet outlet sans name at Kemps Corner, Mumbai hosts a range of pieces sourced from all over India - from jhoolas to divans and petis (chests).

Arts and Crafts style sideboard

Carved dining table set Pics Courtesy Master Pieces

Flea markets such as Mumbai's chor bazaar or the joona-poorana street-side market at Oshiwara in Mumbai offer good deals. But imitations are rampant and unless you have a trained eye, it is impossible to tell an intentionally aged piece from a genuine turn-of-the-century one. Here, you can expect a bedside table with drawers for about Rs 4,000 and a double bed for Rs 17,000 to Rs 20,000.

Another option is to consider investing in new furniture that emulates old style. There are many designer stores such as Environments, Master Pieces and Designscape that offer this. Prices here start from Rs 75,000 for a three-seat sofa to Rs 1,35,000 for a bed. In comparison, prices in Oshiwara are much lower.

However, the traditional wooden joinery in cheaper furniture is replaced with the easier-to-churn-out nail and screw variety. Nilofer Rustomji, partner at Trafford House, is one of the few people who replicate old pieces with intact joinery in her Arts and Crafts style furniture. But this labour comes at a premium; her large armchairs cost Rs 22,000 and a sofa set comes for Rs 35,000.

Colonial console table	Stone-topped console with carving Pics Courtesy Master Pieces

It's not necessary that all furniture in one room belong to the same period; mix n' match works just as well here as it does in fashion. Striking that right balance is essential. So unless you have a palatial home, opting for heavy and gilded baroque-style furniture is a big no-no. Instead, stick to a couple of interesting pieces and then unite the room when selecting the soft furnishings and colour palette for overall harmony.