1. The super long Scottish-made table
Many people assume ‘antiques’ will be expensive…
However, when you shop at Edinburgh Furniture Initiative (EFI), you can find the best prices – making your money go further!
Antiques can add real character to a home. They are steeped in history, spark joy and generate conversation.
Furthermore, they are often more sturdily made than new items, making them a sustainable choice.
From antique dressers to walnut cabinets and from vintage tea sets to Victorian bureaus, we always have antique items in stock. Here are some top antique picks with some interesting history.
Please note: These items were in our Gorgie Road showroom the 24th of June 2026. Our stock of affordable used furniture, including antiques, changes daily so come by, give us a call, or follow our regular video walk-throughs on Facebook & Instagram to see the latest arrivals.
We couldn’t believe our eyes (or our measuring tapes) when this 12 foot table – when extended – was donated to the store.
A solid wood blonde table that oozed history. A quick peek underneath showed a badge attributing it to A. Gardner & Son, one of Glasgow’s most famous cabinet makers. Founded all the way back in 1803, the firm operated out of their iconic iron-and-glass “Crystal Palace” warehouse at 36 Jamaica Street for over 150 years.
They were renowned across Scotland for making incredibly high-quality, durable furniture, and some of their cabinets have sold in Sotheby’s.
It even includes the original mechanical crank to fully extend it.
After a few shout outs on social media – it found it’s new home!
£395 (Now Sold)
2. The 19th Century Davenport Bureaus
Can you imaging the stories that these desks could tell us. The letters that were written there…
At least 150 years old, you have to see them to believe them.
For modern living, they are a compact way to add an item which will soon be only found in museums to your home. An investment piece that is also the perfect place for a laptop.
£445 (left) and £295 (right)
3. The Historic Edinburgh Serving Bowl
Smail and Co operated on George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Old Town, around the 1850s making this bowl potentially 175 years old!
On the back you can see ‘375’ hand-painted in red. This was the design identifier number. These were often painted by “paintresses”, young women whose job it was to add details to designs. We wonder who she was…?
We love the pattern but if you want to achieve a more modern table setting, pair it with plain white plates (4 for £1 in our bric-a-brac section) and leave it to be the show stopper!
£15
4. The Future Antique – The Smart Investment
Ok, if you classify an antique as over 100 years old, this beautiful teaset isnt quite there yet.
However, we are putting it on your radar as, in our opinion, it could be a gorgeous, smart investment and not long before these are antiques.
Officially debuted in 1962 and famous for its bright flowers and gold rims, the massive success of the “Old Country Roses” revitalised the Royal Albert manufacturer.
You can find these second-hand individual teacups on sale for £8 to £12 each.
£60 for 23 piece set.
Every purchase you make helps us continue our vital work supporting homeless services, so thank you for giving these items a new life.
We depend on the generosity of our community for donations. Book a free furniture uplift here.
