Antique Occasional Furniture

Occasional Furniture

Occasional furniture includes a range of smaller, versatile pieces designed to complement interiors without dominating a space. From whatnots and canteburys to jardinières and plant stands, these items were created to serve a specific purpose while adding refinement and interest to a room.

Sourced from specialist dealers across the UK, each piece reflects traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Often highly adaptable, occasional furniture can be moved and styled with ease, making it a practical and decorative addition to both classic and contemporary interiors.


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Occasional Furniture
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Spiral Library Steps With Leather Topped Treads

These Spiral Library Steps With Leather Topped Treads would make a stylish addition to any home, to...

Victorian Bamboo Canterbury Whatnot

A lovely decorative Victorian period bamboo canterbury whatnot. Well constructed in bamboo with deco...

Antique Column

P0202 Outstanding XIXth century onyx pedestal with revolving top with ormolu collar below, substanti...

19th Century Onyx Column

K0527 Outstanding XIXth century onyx pedestal with revolving top with ormolu collar below, substanti...

English Arts And Crafts Copper Coal Bin Log Bucket C1900s

P0318 Stylish and elegant Arts and Crafts copper plated metal log bucket of circular form, having li...

Exceptional Pair Of Gillows Rosewood Stands.

A rare and exceptional near pair of Rosewood Stands, the only difference being the small block to th...

Outstanding Pair Victorian Corner Stands

Superb pair Victorian rosewood corner stands, excellent quality inlays, tight twisted supports, in e...

Pair Mahogany and Brass Torchere Stands

A very good pair of twisted mahogany torchere stands with brass three leg base, in overall excellent...

Outstanding Regency Rosewood Canterbury

A wonderful quality figured Rosewood Canterbury, having superb colour and patina. It is of extremely...

Antique Victorian Freestanding Rosewood Whatnot

Antique Victorian freestanding rosewood whatnot having three serpentine shaped rosewood shelves supp...

Pair of Victorian Satinwood Pedestals

A fine pair of Victorian satinwood pedestals with inset white carrara marble tops and gilt bronze la...

Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Serpentine Shaped Whatnot

Outstanding quality antique Victorian burr walnut serpentine shaped whatnot/shelves having the origi...

Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Free Standing Canterbury Whatnot

Antique Victorian quality mahogany free standing Canterbury whatnot having a quality pierced carved...

Fine Early 19th Century Rosewood Canterbury

A Fine Early 19th Century highly figured Rosewood Canterbury in outstanding original condition and o...

Holland & Sons Stamped Music Canterbury

English circa 1845 - 1855 19th century Rio rosewood canterbury by Royal Cabinet Makers Holland & S...

Victorian Rosewood Canterbury

Late Victorian, rosewood canterbury of rectangular shape, divide into 4 sections with tapering turne...

Victorian Rosewood Corner Whatnot

For sale is a good quality Victorian rosewood corner whatnot, having a fretwork gallery to the top t...

A Rosewood Whatnot Of Superior Quality

A whatnot of superior quality. In lovely rosewood with crisply turned supports and retaining its ori...

19th Century burr walnut whatnot

19th Century burr walnut three tier whatnot, the top tier having a pierced carved gallery and turned...

A Large Cuban Mahogany Canterbury

A large Cuban Mahogany Canterbury. Raised on turned legs with original brass castors and above a sin...

Understanding Occasional Furniture

Unlike larger furniture, occasional pieces are defined by their flexibility. A whatnot may be used for display, a canterbury for storage, or a jardinière as a decorative stand. These items were designed to be used as needed, rather than forming part of a fixed suite.

When choosing a piece, consider how it will be used within your space. Their smaller scale makes them ideal for adding function without overcrowding a room, while their often intricate designs bring visual interest and detail.

Placement and Styling

Occasional furniture works well in a variety of settings, from living rooms and bedrooms to hallways and studies. A well-placed stand or rack can fill an otherwise unused corner, while also providing a practical surface or storage solution.

Because of their size and versatility, these pieces can be repositioned easily, allowing interiors to evolve over time without major changes.


Frequently Asked Questions

Occasional furniture refers to smaller pieces designed for flexible use, such as whatnots, canterburys, plant stands and similar items that can be moved and used as needed.

While often decorative, most occasional furniture was designed with a practical purpose in mind, offering storage or display space alongside visual appeal.

These pieces can be used throughout the home, including living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. Their compact size makes them particularly useful in smaller spaces or as supplementary furniture.