Sydney has a rich antique scene — but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Whether you are looking for a statement dining table, an original oil painting, or a curiosity to sit on a shelf and spark conversation, this guide will help you find pieces you will actually love.
What makes a good antique store in Sydney?
The best antique stores carry pieces with genuine provenance — things that have lived somewhere, been used and loved. Look for dealers who can tell you where a piece came from, roughly when it was made, and why it matters. If everything in the shop looks the same, it is probably mass-produced reproduction, not the real thing.
At Liddy Home, we buy everything ourselves in France, at village brocantes, country markets and the dealers we have come to know there. Every piece we bring back has been chosen because it stood out. We don't fill the shop with volume; we buy one of each thing.
Antique furniture in Sydney: what to look for
Good antique furniture is built to last centuries — and often already has. When buying antique furniture in Sydney, look for solid joinery (no staples or glue), natural patina on wood, and signs of honest repair over the years. These are marks of a piece that has aged well, not badly.
We specialise in French country antiques: farmhouse tables, old chairs, earthy pottery, forged iron candlesticks and quiet paintings that will outlast anything you can buy new. Pieces from the collection are listed in our Furniture section online.
Where to shop for antiques in Sydney
Sydney's antique scene is spread across several suburbs. Woollahra and Queen Street are the traditional heartland, with established dealers who have been trading for decades. Rozelle markets run on weekends and can turn up unexpected finds. Newtown and Marrickville are worth exploring for vintage and mid-century pieces.
Liddy Home operates online, which means you can browse and enquire about pieces from anywhere in Australia. We also welcome visits by appointment — get in touch if you would like to see something in person before committing.
Ready to start your search?
Browse the Liddy Home collection online and enquire about any piece that catches your eye. Every item ships within Australia, and we are happy to discuss international arrangements. If you have a specific style or era in mind, get in touch — we can let you know when something matching comes through.