About Us

Reclaim - Restore - Rehome

We specialise in period lighting and a selection of architectural pieces and unusual and interesting decorative items.

For over twenty years we have been finding and restoring antiques from châteaux, barns and brocantes all over France. 

The French love antique hunting so much they have a verb for it: chiner.  We are lifelong chineurs who spend months each year in France finding and then restoring wonderful treasures from the past. 

Inside Department 4

The name “Department 4” is a nod to the grand old department stores of Paris and London, where customers could explore the “Department for” Lighting, for Furniture, for Crockery and more (you get the idea!).   

Simon started his design career in graphics and print, before becoming a restorer of high-end antiques.  Jo worked in publishing before founding an e-commerce business.  All the while, both of us were keeping an eye out for beautiful, quirky and unique vintage items for the home.  

Today, we work full time in the industry we love the most: decorative vintage and antiques.

New Homes for Old Treasures

Every item in our store was sourced, reclaimed, cleaned and (when necessary) restored, by Department 4.  Each piece is unique or, such as the glass light shades, from a very limited and dwindling supply. Once an item finds its new home, it will be difficult (if not impossible) to find a replacement. 

We hope you enjoy browsing our collection, and welcome any questions or messages from fellow chineurs!

Best wishes, 

Simon & Jo