The Decorative Fair has been a landmark event in the interiors calendar since 1985, bringing together designers, collectors and dealers in celebration of antiques. Here, we look at the event’s origins, the rise of decorative antiques, its role in promoting sustainable interiors, and its ongoing partnership with The House Directory.

The Origins of The Decorative Fair
Since it first opened its doors in September 1985, The Decorative Fair has been at the forefront of connecting interior designers with the world of antiques. As the sales booklet for that inaugural fair explained, “to a certain extent, interior designers have been neglected. There has until now been no specialist setting in which they can meet dealers, or where their particular needs are understood and catered to.”

The Rise of Opulent Interiors
During the 1980s, interior decorating was gaining real momentum and there was a growing appetite for opulent, traditional interiors after decades of post-war modernism. Designers were on the lookout for antiques that might not be rare collectors’ pieces but had real visual impact and could fit within a reasonable budget. Unknowingly, they were sourcing what would come to be celebrated as ‘decorative antiques’.

The launch of The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair as it was originally known answered that demand perfectly. Exhibitors were encouraged to create inspiring displays on their stands, and designers quickly embraced the event. Clients followed suit, eager to explore the fair for themselves. Unlike other events, this fair allowed decorators to buy items for their aesthetic appeal rather than original condition, making quality pieces accessible without the premium price. Repainted furniture was welcomed, as were textiles such as shawls, cushions, fabrics, tapestries, and costumes.

Today, The Decorative Fair is held three times a year at London’s Battersea Park, giving designers and enthusiasts a regular chance to explore fresh collections and connect with leading dealers. It has become a favourite destination for the UK interiors trade, attracting well-known names such as Nicky Haslam, Veere Grenney, Nina Campbell, Rose Uniacke, Rita Konig, Flora Soames, Beata Heuman, and hoteliers including Kit Kemp and Olga Polizzi from Rocco Forte Hotels.

Antiques: The Original Sustainable Interiors Choice

The ethos of the event aligns seamlessly with the principles of sustainable interiors. By championing the reuse of existing items, The Decorative Fair has long been an advocate for a more sustainable approach to interior design. Antiques, with their enduring quality and craftsmanship, are the original sustainable choice. Pieces not only tell a story, but also reduce the demand for new manufacturing, which in turn conserves resources and reduces waste.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Since its launch in 2001, The House Directory has been an advocate for quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability in interior design, and recognising synergy with The Decorative Fair, the two formed a longstanding partnership that has flourished over nearly a quarter of a century. This collaboration was marked by the launch of The House Directory LIVE at The Decorative Fair in May 2024, a dynamic event that brought together leading brands, key industry figures and design experts to showcase a range of high-quality products and bespoke home services from specialist suppliers, craftspeople, and professional restoration companies. The 2025 edition featured an even more impressive lineup of curated talks, workshops and demonstrations.

Looking Ahead
As The Decorative Fair celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to lead the way in promoting sustainable interiors through the appreciation of decorative antiques, and its ongoing collaboration with The House Directory offers design professionals and enthusiasts alike an invaluable set of resources to draw from.

Of the three yearly editions of The Decorative Fair, Battersea Park’s Autumn edition stands out as a highlight. Visitors can explore over 130 specialist dealers offering a curated selection of traditional and decorative antiques, modernist 20th-century design, classical and contemporary artworks and unique creations. On the mezzanine, guests will find the Tribal Art London Fair – the UK’s premier event for collectors of original tribal and ethnographic art, which adds a unique dimension to the Autumn experience. The 2025 fair also celebrates a creative collaboration with architect George Saumarez Smith, whose recent publication, Sketchbooks provided inspiring backdrops for the event’s marketing campaign

Find out more and book tickets here. The House Directory will be exhibiting on Stand A28, so please do come along to say hello! For more information on upcoming events and to explore the resources available, visit The Decorative Fair and The House Directory