How much will it cost?
Shipping is free to the British mainland.
If you need delivery to Northern Ireland, the Scottish Islands, the Isle of Wight or Lundy, there is likely to be an additional cost. Please contact us prior to purchase with details so we can obtain an estimate for you.
We generally use couriers operating a single-person service. For larger items, that means that they will need assistance from you when delivering. If that is not going to be possible, then we will need to arrange for a larger delivery team. Again, please contact us prior to purchase so we can check if there will be any additional cost for you.
When will the furniture arrive?
I aim to have furniture delivered approximately two weeks from receiving the order.
This is subject to the availability of couriers, so may not always be possible, particular at busy times such as near Christmas.
If you have particular requirements, for example that delivery be before, on, or even after certain dates, then please let me know as soon as possible: I will do everything I can to accommodate you.
Due to space constraints I will generally not, however, be able to store furniture for long once it has been sold.
Who delivers furniture?
I work with a small number of selected couriers that I know are experienced in delivering furniture and that I trust to offer a reliable service.
After an order is received I establish which of them is best-placed to carry out the delivery, and arrange for the furniture to be collected.
I keep you fully informed until the furniture has left me.
Once the furniture has been collected, the courier will contact you directly to arrange a delivery time. I will also give you the courier's contact name and phone number so you will be able to recognise their calls.
Please note that delivery is generally organised to be to the front door. Any arrangement to place furniture inside, and, in particular, to take it upstairs, is strictly between you and the courier and will be entirely at their discretion.
Will it be safe on the journey?
I carefully protect all furniture with specialist wrap. Any vulnerable areas receive additional protection as required.
If the worst does happen, and your furniture arrives damaged, let us know immediately, including photographs of the damage, and we will discuss how best to remedy the situation.
Deciding to invest in a piece of vintage furniture is a sustainable choice in helping to save the environment and our planet. It gives you the freedom and the opportunity to create a truly personal, unique and stylish interior design statement for your home, your stamp, and your mark. It’s your chance to distinguish yourself from the crowds who are so easily led by fast-made, mass-produced and indistinguishable furniture, which, more often than not has been transported from the other side of the world.
Vintage furniture will make your home feel very special; it has character and soul and will be unique to you. My customers often say “That’s different”, to which I always reply “It’s good to be different!” Vintage furniture really can tell a story that no modern piece ever can: it gives a nod to the past and a smile to the future.
Owning a piece of vintage furniture can give you a sense of pride and nostalgia, a feeling you simply cannot experience from new furniture. My ethos is to respect the character of the piece while always delivering a structurally sound and fully functioning item of furniture ready for its new chapter in life.
A great deal of love, care and attention goes into every refurbishment I undertake so that you can enjoy your furniture for many years to come.
Ercol was founded in 1920 by Lucian Ercolani, an Italian immigrant who had moved to Britain with his family in the late 19th century. Having trained as a furniture designer and manufacturer, Ercolani established his company in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire — a town renowned for its furniture-making industry. Initially, the company specialised in traditional furniture, producing well-crafted pieces using established cabinet-making techniques. However, Ercolani had a deep interest in both innovation and efficiency, which would come to define the brand’s future.
The turning point for Ercol came during the Second World War when the company was commissioned by the British government to mass-produce furniture as part of the Utility Furniture Scheme. This scheme sought to create functional, well-designed furniture using minimal resources. Ercolani’s expertise in steam-bending wood and designing pieces with a focus on simplicity and strength proved invaluable. These techniques would later form the foundation of Ercol’s most iconic designs.
In the post-war years, Britain saw a shift in consumer preferences towards modern, lightweight, and affordable furniture. In response to this, Ercol launched its famous Windsor Collection in 1946, which featured sleek, sculptural wooden chairs, tables, and sideboards. The use of solid elm and beech, combined with elegant, curved forms, defined the brand’s aesthetic. The Windsor Chair, with its distinctive spindle back, became an emblem of mid-century modern design. Ercolani’s focus on both craftsmanship and mass production meant that Ercol furniture was not only beautifully made but also widely accessible—helping it gain a reputation as a leading name in British mid-century design.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Ercol furniture had become synonymous with stylish, contemporary living. The company’s pieces were featured in design exhibitions and homes across Britain, cementing their status as timeless icons. Though mid-century modern design eventually gave way to other trends, Ercol’s classic designs remained in production and saw a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today, Ercol continues to produce furniture that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities, proving that great design truly stands the test of time.
Building on a solid foundation
Before starting, every piece is thoroughly checked. Any faults, such as loose joints, surface damage, etc are addressed. You can be sure that I haven't just covered up problems with a 'lick of paint'.
Surfaces are fully prepared prior to painting to make sure that the finish will be durable and lasting.
The right products for best results
I only use high quality furniture paints and other specialist products that I know and trust. You'll find many of these products available in my 'paint shop'.
Out of sight, but not out of mind
It's not only the first impression that matters: details do too.
- All edges, where 'painted' meets 'not-painted', are taped to ensure clean lines.
- Backs of pieces are generally painted - not every piece will be placed against a wall.
- Underneaths of pieces are painted if there is any chance of seeing them when a piece is in place.
- The insides of cupboards, drawers, etc are cleaned and refreshed
Not just for show
Almost all furniture has to be practical as well as beautiful.
- I apply varnish to surfaces that are likely to see heavier wear, so the painted finish will be protected.
- Both before and after painting, all moving parts, such as doors or drawers, are checked for smooth operation.
Do you want to know more?
I am happy to answer any questions that you may still have, or to supply more photographs if needed.
Should you be close enough, you are also very welcome to visit my Brailsford studio to inspect any pieces.
Trust in experience
I have over 10 years of professional furniture painting experience, and everything I have learned during that time goes towards making sure that you will be delighted with your new piece of furniture.
But don't just take my word for it, see my testimonials from previous happy customers.
As a general rule, treat your furniture with care.
- Use a damp microfibre cloth for cleaning
- Don't use harsh chemical cleaners, e.g. bleach
- Avoid putting hot or wet items on furniture: always use a coaster
Care pack
You will receive a complimentary care pack which will include samples of the paints and finishes used on your piece of furniture, along with a small brush. This will allow any small 'accidents' to be touched-up so you can continue to enjoy your piece.
The care pack will also include more detailed instructions on how to look after and clean your furniture.