Antiques • Collecting • Practical guides
Explore antiques through the eyes of a working antique dealer.
Practical collecting guides, identification advice and stories from an independent antique shop in Norfolk.
Welcome to Antiques & Homes
An independent magazine for antiques, collecting and interesting old things.
Antiques & Homes is an independent source of practical information for collectors, antique enthusiasts and anyone curious about the objects that survive from the past.
Our articles explore antique furniture, glass, ceramics, coins, metalware, paperweights and unusual collectables. We look closely at materials, manufacturing methods, construction, marks and the details that can help reveal an object’s history.
Behind the website is our physical antique shop in Blofield, Norfolk. More than 40 years of buying, selling and collecting has given us plenty of interesting objects, discoveries and occasional mysteries to write about.
Discover
Knowledge for collectors and antique enthusiasts
Whether you are identifying a family heirloom, beginning a collection or simply exploring the past, our guides are practical, interesting and genuinely useful.
Antique identification
Learn how materials, construction, decoration, wear and makers’ marks can help reveal when and where an object was made.
Read identification guides →Collecting guides
Explore specialist subjects ranging from paperweights and vintage glass to coins, ceramics, metalware and decorative antiques.
Explore collecting articles →Stories from the trade
Discover unusual finds, forgotten makers and observations gathered from the objects that pass through the antiques trade.
Visit the magazine →Featured practical guide
How to identify antique furniture
Antique furniture rarely reveals its age through one dramatic clue. Instead, its story appears through construction, timber, tool marks, fittings, proportions and the natural wear created by generations of use.
Read the complete guide →
Our complete guide explains how to examine joints, screws, wear, patina, undersides and timber without relying on myths or shortcuts.
The Antiques & Homes magazine
Latest antique and collecting articles
Detailed guides, collecting advice and stories designed to help you see antiques with a more informed and curious eye.
Is It Empoli? How to Identify Vintage Empoli Glass
You pick up a tall green bottle at an antiques fair. It has an enormous [...]
Sep
Is It Murano? How to Tell What You Really Have
You pick up a colourful glass vase at a car boot sale, charity shop or [...]
Sep
Victorian vs Edwardian Furniture: How to Tell the Difference
Victorian vs Edwardian furniture can look surprisingly similar at first glance. Put a Victorian armchair [...]
Aug
Silver and Silver Plate: What Is the Difference?
At almost every antiques fair, somebody eventually picks up a teapot, tray or piece of [...]
Aug
Art Deco v Art Nouveau: What Is the Difference?
Art Deco v Art Nouveau? That is the question. A lamp stands in the corner [...]
Aug
Preserving Antique Books and Paper: Simple Ways to Protect Your Collection
Preserving antique books is one of the most important skills any collector can learn. Whether [...]
Jun
Grannycore Antiques: Why Vintage Interiors Are Back in Fashion
From Clutter to Collectable: Why Grannycore Loves Antiques Grannycore antiques are in fashion! For years, [...]
Jun
How to Identify Antique Furniture: 5 Signs to Look out For
Learning how to identify antique furniture helps collectors avoid expensive mistakes while also revealing the [...]
May
Vintage Ceramics UK: How to Find Unique Pieces for Your Home
Vintage ceramics UK collectors and home decorators continue to seek out pieces with individuality, texture [...]
Apr
The most interesting antiques are not always the most expensive. They are the objects that reward a closer look.
Antiques & HomesSelling antiques and collectables
Do you have antiques you would like to sell?
Antiques & Homes buys selected antiques, vintage pieces and collectables from members of the public throughout Norfolk and the surrounding area.
Whether you have one unusual object, an inherited collection or several items gathered over many years, we may be interested in buying them. We are currently buying in the following areas.
Simple and straightforward
Start by sending a few clear photographs
Photographs of the complete item, any marks or signatures, and areas of damage usually provide a helpful starting point. Please also include your asking price.
There is no obligation to sell, and we will always be honest when an item falls outside the areas we currently buy.
Visit Antiques & Homes
An independent antique shop in Blofield, Norfolk
Our shop brings together antiques, vintage objects, collectables and unusual decorative pieces in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Antiques & Homes is located within the Norwich Camping & Leisure site in Blofield, within easy reach of Norwich, Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads.
View our current opening information, location details, directions and everything you need before travelling.