With the excitement of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee still fresh in our minds, why not keep the celebration going by bringing regal-themed antiques into your home? Whether you’re sipping a cup of Earl Grey from a royal-crest mug, or hanging a coat of arms above your fireplace, these regal-themed antiques will bring a sense of occasion to your dining table and décor for the bank holiday and beyond.
Special occasions in the British royal family are often cause for celebration in the UK, with weddings, coronations, birthdays and jubilees bringing out a party atmosphere around the country. As such, many commemorative pieces are produced for each event – such as plates, china cups and even tea towels – making it relatively easy to find vintage memorabilia featuring members of the current royal family.
The compact size of these collectables makes them easy to incorporate into your interior so keep an eye out for these display-cabinet-friendly pieces in antique emporiums, online and they occasionally turn up in charity shops. Modern memorabilia to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee are the antiques of the future so purchase pieces from the official range commissioned by Royal Collection Trust.
For standout interior pieces, a carved shield or antique crest makes a strong feature above a fireplace. Often gilded, ornately decorated and featuring rich colours of red, royal blue and purple, these pieces work particularly well in maximalist interiors and really pop against dark walls. Visit antique shops and reclamation centres to search out wall art with a regal feel.
Pamela Shaw of interiors Instagram account @housemouse_farmhouse found hers (above) in a local reclamation yard, propped up amongst some old doors. ‘I loved it at first sight and I knew it would be perfect as a centrepiece in my newly renovated kitchen,’ says Pamela. ‘I do love a mix of old and new in an interior space.’ For a quirky, contemporary take on the royal theme, it is possible to have a photo of yourself (or even a pet) turned into a regal portrait with Make Me Royal. Display your canvas in the hallway for a tongue-in-cheek way to welcome visitors into your ‘manor’.
For bedrooms or children’s rooms opt for something a little less ornate and a touch more whimsical with a castle-themed piece. This will bring a fairy-tale feel to help children drift off to sleep while dreaming of princesses and knights. Anona Foley from antiques and vintage treasures business Peggy & Wilf Vintage (@peggywilfvintage) puts the popularity of regal items down to their aspirational nature; ‘I think castles and royal-themed items have an eternal appeal as you just can’t shake off the hope that one day you might be living in one as a princess!’
Anona confirms that she has also had several customers looking for purple and gold themed items for the Jubilee this year. ‘One lady has challenged me in finding dinner plates and platters for a sit-down Jubilee dinner for 50!’ Whether you’re enjoying the bank holiday with your family or taking to the streets for a community party, why not add a little extra regal flair to your celebration with some vintage pieces from royal events gone by?
If you can’t fit a large crest or royal-themed artwork in your home, even the smallest antiques can inject a regal feel to your interior. This Victorian Staffordshire ceramic castle pastille burner (below) from Peggy & Wilf Vintage has a flat back, which makes it easy to fit onto bookshelves or a mantlepiece.
I hope today’s blog post has given you some ideas of how you can incorporate regal themed homewares into your interior and perhaps keep the jubilee spirit alive in your own home. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been inspired by the Queen’s platinum jubilee to decorate your rooms with a royal flair – I’d love to see your photos so please tag me in your pics on Instagram @Cassiefairy.
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