From stamps to glass animals to novelty teaspoons, many grandparents have a collection or two displayed around the home. And when special thimbles were created by British manufacturers to commemorate the 1851 Great Exhibition, they quickly became a popular collectors’ item too. Despite the fact that no-one really needs more than one thimble, these quirky displays still add a certain je ne sais quoi to a living room or hallway.

One of the most charming aspects of older houses is the prevalence of homemade and hand-sewn furnishings. Long before the days of IKEA and Pottery Barn, many women spent months laboriously cutting, sewing and basting patchwork squares to make quilts. The result was these beautiful bedspreads, destined to become treasured family heirlooms.

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Derived from the Hindi word chīnt meaning ‘spotted’ or ‘variegated’, the term originally referred to heavy calico fabrics printed with intricate floral designs. In the 20th century, the definition widened to include any kind of dense, floral decoration. From the tasteful to the gaudy to the downright florid, you’re sure to have spotted the odd chintzy furnishing at your grandparents’ place.

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As tea parties faded into obscurity, so too did the humble tea cosy, superseded by flashy electric kettles and coffees to go. However, this quirky knitted accessory can still be found at your grandparents’ house, primed and ready to keep your teapot hot and your tea hotter. From novelty knits to cosies with bobbles on top, these insulating covers will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling.

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Whether or not your grandparents are partial to the odd glass of whisky, a set of crystal glassware is often a permanent fixture on the sideboard or on top of the drinks cabinet. Consisting of a cut-glass decanter with a faceted stopper and at least six whisky glasses, this set only really makes the rounds at Christmas, but remains surprisingly free of dust. Bonus points if your grandparents have their names or anniversary date engraved in the glass.

The pelmet is an interesting invention, a furnishing devoid of almost all practical usage save the task of hiding unsightly curtain poles and blind mechanisms. Made of or covered with fabric that matched that of the drapes, these decorative features often boast intricate tassels, ruches or braiding. The pelmet is no longer a common household item due to the fact that it does, well, nothing.

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Last but not least is one of the most bemusing furnishings to ever grace a grandparent’s home. Transforming your lavatory into a comfy and enticing seat, these fluffy covers are equal parts entertaining and perplexing. Whilst no-one really seems to know why they exist, the fact that they can still be found hugging the toilet seats of grandparents across the globe can really only be a cause for joy.

No living room would have been complete without one of these retro magazine racks tucked away somewhere to hold the TV guide and Women's Weekly. Frankly, this is one retro trend we wish would make a comeback as we could definitely put it to good use!

Before the internet and the advent of Wikipedia, there was another source of knowledge. No matter what question you might have about the world, your grandfather would be able to answer it by turning to his prized collection the Encyclopedia Britannica. You'd have been hard-pressed to find a house without one! 

Roof needed mending? Broken down car? Looking to buy a TV? From French polishers to specialist bookshops, this trusty telephone directory was the place to find anything and everything you might need. Our grandparents would always have kept a copy next to the phone.

From dolls dressed as fancy ladies to woodland creatures and everything in between, no Nanna's bathroom would be complete without a handknitted cover to hid the toilet paper. No one knows why they they were deemed necessary; nor why they have disappeared from our homes. 

What's orange, weighs a ton and is covered in knick-knacks? Well, if you're talking about our grandparent's living room then it must be the TV display cabinet. Not only somewhere to house the entertainment system (by that we mean the VCR!), it held family photos, your granny's porcelain figurines and probably old bills and board games stuffed into the cupboards.

Fancy some upcycling? Check out these 30 ideas to transform your old furniture