Unlocking Antique Furniture’s Charm: A Guide for E-Commerce and Editorial Photography

29 July 2025

A vintage metal key in a keyhole on a textured beige wallpapered surface with a patch of wood flooring and a metallic rod or pipe nearby.

Antique furniture holds more than just functional value — it carries stories, patina, and craftsmanship that modern pieces often strive to emulate. At Packshot Bureau, our approach to photographing antique furniture is grounded in respect for the object’s age, detail, and material richness, while also addressing the technical demands of e-commerce and editorial presentation.

In this article, we share key techniques and considerations that elevate antique furniture photography.

A vintage wooden sideboard with metal handles against a plain white wall.

1. Honouring Age and Texture Through Lighting

Antique pieces often feature distressed wood, oxidised metalwork, or naturally aged upholstery. These surfaces demand soft directional lighting that brings out texture without harsh glare.

We use large diffused sources (like octaboxes or scrimmed daylight) to wrap light gently across surfaces, emphasising depth in carvings, marquetry, or turned legs. Where appropriate, raking light helps define worn edges and surface imperfections — what we call “the fingerprint of time.”

Elegant beige and wooden daybed with multiple pillows against a plain cream-colored background.

2. True-to-Life Colour Accuracy

For online listings, colour accuracy is non-negotiable. Mahogany, walnut, oak—each wood has its own warmth and grain that needs to be captured faithfully. Our studio workflow includes colour-check cards and calibrated monitors to ensure clients receive images with accurate, consistent tone — especially vital for presenting high-value antiques online.

A black vanity table with a large mirror in the center and two small cabinets on each side, standing on beige floor and wall.

Close-up of a wooden drawer with silver knobs, part of a black and wooden dresser, against a beige wall.

Black vanity table with a large mirror and small drawers.

A black mid-century modern cabinet with three drawers and one door, set against a plain beige wall.

3. Choosing the Right Backdrop and Context

While modern furniture often suits bright white backgrounds, antique pieces benefit from a more tonal, characterful backdrop — think textured greys, warm plaster, or subtle painted finishes that echo historic interiors without competing with the object.

For some clients, we go further. Crosta Smith Gallery, for example, commissioned a series of images where we introduced a soft, filtered effect in post-production — muted tones, gentle contrast, and a light patina overlay — to complement the romantic, timeworn quality of their collection. The result is a set of images that feel more like stills from a film than standard product photos — perfect for press, web, and catalogue use.

That said, e-commerce platforms like 1stDibs or The Decorative Collective still require clean, white cut-outs. We often deliver both: a pure packshot for selling, and an editorial version that elevates the piece in a way that’s aligned with the client’s aesthetic and brand.

A wooden box with a lid, made of dark and light wood, placed on a plain light background.

Clear glass vase with a red top and red accents, set against a plain white background.

A clear glass paperweight with iridescent speckles is placed on a plain white background.

A transparent glass vase with red and clear swirls, placed on a plain white background.

4. Shooting for Scale and Detail

Antique buyers want to know the scale, condition, and craftsmanship of a piece before purchasing. We address this with:

Full-length shots at natural perspective (around chest height for seating, or waist height for tables)
Macro details of joints, carvings, and wear
Angles that reveal construction—undersides, backs, drawer joinery, and foot design

This allows buyers to make informed decisions, reducing returns and increasing confidence in the product.

Close-up view of the wooden leg and underside of a wooden table, showing the curved leg joined to the tabletop with visible screws.

Final Thoughts

Photographing antique furniture is a nuanced craft that blends technical control with aesthetic sensitivity. At Packshot Bureau, we specialise in capturing the soul of each piece — making it easy for designers, collectors, and retailers to appreciate the craftsmanship from screen to sale.

Whether you're a dealer looking for white-background product photos or a designer wanting evocative campaign imagery, we’d love to work with you. Our Hackney-based studio is set up for everything from fine antiques to contemporary design.

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