Antique & Vintage Furniture at The Old Cinema in Chiswick
Antique & Vintage Furniture at The Old Cinema in Chiswick
Exploring a treasure trove of antique and vintage furniture at The Old Cinema, Chiswick
The Old Cinema in Chiswick is one of the best places to find vintage and antique furniture in London. Described as an antique and vintage department store, The Old Cinema is spread over three floors and takes up over 10,000 square feet. And it’s filled with second-hand vintage furniture, lighting and homeware, from antiques dealers, decorators, and jewellers.
Some of you might know that my husband and I have been looking for our first house to buy. As well as doing the more boring things, like house viewings, we’ve also been doing fun things, like window-shopping for furniture.
And the more we look, the more we fall in love with the idea of older pieces of furniture. You know the ones I mean, those second-hand cabinets and tables, or re-upholstered couches and armchairs. The ones with all the character.
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With that in mind, I’ve been meaning to go to vintage markets. The trouble is they’re often open really early and out in the country. So, when I heard about The Old Cinema in Chiswick, around the corner from where I live at the moment, I knew I had to visit.
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Where is The Old Cinema and what kind of furniture can you buy?
The Old Cinema is located in Chiswick, specifically on 160 Chiswick High Road. It was once an Edwardian cinema, hence the name ‘The Old Cinema’.
And it’s got masses of beautiful, second-hand furniture. Some of the furniture is vintage, some is antique, and everything I’ve seen I’ve wanted to take home with me. Sigh.
My favourites are the poufy armchairs, and my husband and I can never resist sitting in them and taking them for a spin. Some are comfier than others, but when you find a really good one – well, it’s hard to leave behind.
The antique pieces include old church pews, mahogany writing tables, and ornate, 19th-century mirrors from France.
The Old Cinema also stocks a lot of mid-century pieces, from sideboards and drinks cabinets to dining tables and chairs.There are also desks from Gio Ponti, Peter Hayward and Jaques Adnet.
I also love the art-deco pieces with their dynamic curves and symmetry. These include marble-topped occasional tables and walnut cocktail cabinets.
And there are some great bits of furniture from what look like the seventies. Check out the print on this sofa (£6,250)…
If you go further into this Aladdins cave of wonders, you’ll also find examples of industrial and up-cycled second-hand furniture. There are vintage military cabinets, cast-iron console tables, and even old shop trolleys.
Hollywood also has a place at The Old Cinema, and there are plenty of examples of regency furniture. Lots of gold trim and glass on a nest of tables for example, or a chandelier.
The furniture and homewares are shipped into The Old Cinema from all around the world. Sometimes you’ll find coffee tables from Scandinavia, or glassware from Italy, or textiles from the Far East.
What are furniture prices like at The Old Cinema in Chiswick?
Although there’s a spectrum of prices at The Old Cinema, mostly the prices veer on the more expensive side.
I don’t know that much about vintage furniture prices, so I couldn’t say if it’s more or less expensive at The Old Cinema than at other places. But you’ll generally pay more here than at a non-vintage furniture shop.
For instance, I found a gorgeous side table is priced at £800. I love it, and I wish I had the budget to be able to buy it. Maybe one day.
But what I like most about The Old Cinema is the inspiration it gives to play with different kinds of furniture.
And even the smallest thing, like a set of glassware, seems to have more character than it’s equivalent at a non-vintage shop.
What’s the best way to shop at The Old Cinema in Chiswick?
I think the best way to approach vintage furniture is to see a lot of it. So, go to places like The Old Cinema a few times. And then see what jumps out at you. Are there any pieces you keep going back to? Do you think about any of them when you go home?
For me, I took one look at this banana couch and loved the curve of it. Now, I’m not sure the dimensions are right for our new home, or even if I could justify the price (£1,350).
But it’s one of the only times I’ve seen a sofa and instantly fallen for it. And I know if I buy this piece, no one else will have it. I guess the best thing about second-hand furniture is that its probably more unique.
I also love this pair of Italian mid-century armchairs, in their original teal velvet and contrasting trim (£2,000). They’re also really comfortable, and I can see them complimenting a wide colour palette.
Overall thoughts on shopping at The Old Cinema in Chiswick
I could spend the best part of an afternoon looking at the vintage furniture at The Old Cinema on Chiswick High Road.
Walking through the showroom gives me tonnes of inspiration for things I’d like to replicate in my own home. It’s glamorous and decadent, and reminiscent of another time.
I’d recommend a visit if you’re in the market for second hand furniture, or even just curious.
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The Details
The Old Cinema, Chiswick
Address – 160 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London W4 1PR
Website – The Old Cinema, Chiswick
Phone – 020 7240 0706
Nearest Tube – Covent Garden
