Renaissance Antiques in Dublin's Capel Street has been a 'best-kept secret' for some time among those looking for antique crystal chandeliers, decorative mirrors, and gilt-framed furniture. At the end of November, the three-storey antiques emporium announced it was to close, although the good news was that prices would be reduced significantly.

Owner Anthony Cudlipp has now been given an extension in his rental contract with the landlord of the period building, and plans to trade for at least a further three months. With almost 18 years' experience in the antiques business, he has acquired the skill of second guessing what people are interested in collecting.

The store mainly attracts keen bargain hunters, but also interior designers looking for that 'signature' piece, and theatre set designers to whom Cudlipp will loan props for free. It's a great place to browse, squeezing past Indian tables, ornate screens, bookcases – and Cobey, the shop's friendly terrier. With its soaring ceilings and decorative plasterwork, the building's vintage is an apt backdrop. "It dates back to the early 1800s. I've been told so many different accounts as to what it was used for previously and I'm not sure which is totally accurate. But at one stage this was home to the Torch cinema, then it was a lighter factory. Later it was the original premises of Siptu."

The first items to greet visitors are the massive gilt, Georgian-style mirrors stacked outside the shop. As well as the gilt-framed designs, there are also very pretty Venetian-style mirrors with crystal-cut patterns. Almost all of the mirrors are reproduction, says Cudlipp, with the benefit being that people can order the size they specifically want. Mirrors are priced from €80 for small sizes and rise to around €400 for a 6' x 6'.

It's impossible to ignore the cascades of antique crystal chandeliers inside. "They are either French or Italian," says Cudlipp. "The electrified designs are from around 1920, but I do have some pre-electric ones with candleholders, and also some gas lit, from around the 1880s."

You can chart the history of early 20th century design through the chandeliers, which range from very ornate art nouveau to the geometric lines of art deco. Prices for chandeliers start from €195 and rise to €15,000.

Can a chandelier look right in any style of home? "Yes, but the one mistake people often make is suspending the chandelier too high and then it 'shrinks'," says Cudlipp. "Ideally, they should be allowed to hang low enough to appreciate their beauty."

The store can arrange for someone to hang either the chandeliers or mirrors, while delivery throughout Dublin is free.

renaissance antiques

114-116 Capel Street Dublin 1

01 887 3809