Finding furniture to paint

Finding Furniture to Paint

Join me on a visit to Sunbury Antiques Fair at Kempton Park Racecourse as I hunt for furniture to use in my next project.

Top Tips for Furniture Sourcing

'Get Your Eye In'

If you've never been to an antiques fair before, or it's been a while since your last visit, they can be a little overwhelming. You may want to go on an initial trip first to just 'get your eye in' and see what's available, and then go a second time with more of a focus on buying.

Know What You're Looking For

Come with an idea of what you want. This could be a specific piece of furniture, or a particular style - otherwise you might not know where to start!

Go for Good Quality and Attractive Shapes

When it comes to looking for things to paint, I don't want things that are falling apart but I'll also avoid anything that looks like a really good antique - these are best left in their original condition. The key is to look for pieces with pleasing lines and nice shapes. Don't worry too much about the finish, as you can always sand things back or fill in any small surface chips.

Carry in Comfort

Make your visit a little easier by bringing bags - and a trolley if you have one - so you can transport your purchases more comfortably.

Take Your Time

I like to take pictures of things that catch my eye so that I can mull it over while browsing other stalls, although be wary: things can get snapped up in the meantime! If you do hold on until the end of a fair and the item you've been thinking about is still there, you might be able to get more of a bargain. Antique dealers tend to turn up very early when the fair first opens to buy the really good stuff - but this isn't to say there aren't plenty of amazing things to find later in the day.

Bring Cash and a Measuring Tape

Taking cash is absolutely essential. A lot of sellers and stalls are now able to take card payments, but it's best to assume they don't. Bring measurements of the room or space you're sourcing something for, and take a tape measure so you can make sure the piece you've found will definitely fit.

Strike Up Conversations

Learning the types and styles of furniture takes time, but just start by speaking to people who run the stalls - they are often more than happy to help and teach you what to look out for. While you can source furniture on auction sites online, there really is nothing like seeing things in real life and experiencing the bustle of a lively antiques fair.

Suggested Places to Visit

• Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors Fair, London, N22 7AY
• Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair, West Sussex, RH17 6TL
• Cheshire Showground Antiques & Salvage Market, Cheshire, WA16 0HJ
• Leeds Vintage Furniture & Home Fair, Leeds, LS28 5UJ
• Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2NY
• Peterborough Festival of Antiques, Peterborough, PE2 6HE
• Royal Highland Centre Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB
• Shepton Mallet Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair, Somerset, BA4 6QN
• Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Racecourse, Surrey, TW16 5AQ
• The Anglesey Fair, Holyhead, LL65 4RW
• The Great Wetherby Racecourse Antiques Fair, West Yorkshire, LS22 5EJ