When we watch TV, we subconsciously notice everything from the location to the colour of the set walls. The furniture used on these sets can make the difference between watching a show and feeling like you’re part of it.
Whether it’s a worn sofa or a slightly crooked coffee table, all of these props add different aspects of character and charm to the scene. This blog explores two of the world's most famous TV shows and how they used antique furniture to transform the feeling and the look of the set.
The appeal of antique furniture in TV Shows
Antique furniture is often on the top of the shopping list for set designers because not only does it look ‘one of a kind’, but these pieces also have a lived-in quality that makes the set feel more real for the audience. These authentic pieces of furniture create an immersive experience for viewers, especially when it comes to period dramas. They also add a bit of quirk and personality to spaces that reflect the characters, enhancing the setting and storytelling.
Iconic TV shows featuring antique furniture
Friends
A great example of a series that incorporates antique-style furniture in numerous scenes is Friends. The iconic ‘Central Perk’ cafe featured a lot of vintage and antique furniture, mainly used to create a quirky 90s theme. Although these pieces weren’t featured to set the time period, they added a lot of personality to the space, creating a cosy atmosphere and ultimately became one of the most iconic sets of all time.
The cafe’s infamous orange mid-century sofa became a symbol of the show that fans have spent years trying to emulate. In fact, a replica of the sofa was auctioned at the 30th anniversary of Friends for $29,250. This style of sofa remains very popular, and many attribute its enduring appeal to its iconic use in the show.
Downton Abbey
Antiques in TV shows also help establish the time period, as seen in Downton Abbey. Set during the post-Edwardian era, Downton Abbey features a vast range of antiques. Whether it’s family heirlooms or everyday furniture, these antiques help build the family's prestigious reputation. Downton Abbey was filmed in a variety of locations, but the majority of interior filming took place in Highclere Castle in north Hampshire. This country house, built in 1679 and then renovated in the 1840s, has a clear antique aesthetic, and therefore became the perfect location for the program.
Add a unique touch to your space with antiques
Many versions of the furniture used in both of these series can be found in antique shops. Whether you’re trying to recreate a certain time period, or find a piece of furniture that adds a unique personal element to your space, then antiques are the way to go. Not only do they have character, but each piece comes with a story and offers a great conversation starter.
