Shipping Policy

Chaos Cottage Shipping Policy Last updated: 12th February 2026

Sending old things safely into new homes.

Where Orders Are Placed

Purchases are made securely through our Etsy shop. Shipping options, pricing, and delivery times are shown at checkout via Etsy.

All transactions, payments, and consumer rights follow Etsy policies and UK law. Once an order is placed, we prepare each item carefully by hand before sending it on its way.

Dispatch Time

Most orders are dispatched within 2–3 working days.

Very large, fragile, or specialist-delivery items (such as furniture) may take a little longer to prepare. If so, we will always keep you informed. Please note that Etsy estimations are often incorrect.

Packaging

We pack every item carefully and thoughtfully.

For smaller items (homewares, art and books):
We use recycled and reclaimed packaging materials wherever possible, in keeping with our ethos of reducing waste and being kinder to the planet. All reused materials are clean, safe and chosen to protect your item securely. They are sometimes hard to open, as we try to make them as "courier-proof" as possible!

For furniture:
Furniture is generally not wrapped for delivery as couriers need to take photographs when they collect from us, and when they deliver to you, in order to comply with their own insurance and quality standards. These items are carefully transported by specialist couriers or trusted independent local delivery teams.

Furniture Delivery

Furniture is delivered via:

Proovia (specialist furniture courier), or
Trusted independent local delivery teams

To ensure a smooth and convenient delivery, we require a mobile telephone number for all furniture orders and CANNOT deliver without this. Your number will be passed securely to the courier so they can:

Arrange a suitable delivery time directly with you
Call ahead on the day of delivery
Contact you if there are delays, access issues, or difficulty locating the property.

Your number is used only for delivery purposes and handled in line with our own Privacy Policy, Etsy requirements and the Privacy policies of the couriers.

Delivery

Delivery is arranged using appropriate, trusted services depending on the size and fragility of the item.

Please note:

Delivery times are estimates and may vary slightly
Once dispatched, delivery is managed by the courier
Tracking is provided where available
Furniture deliveries may take longer due to specialist handling and route planning but is arranged directly with you and the courier.

If a signature is required, please ensure someone is available to receive the item.

On Arrival

When your parcel arrives, we recommend:

Opening carefully and keeping packaging until satisfied
Checking the item gently
Contacting us promptly if anything is not as expected.

We are always happy to help and will work with you calmly and fairly if any issue arises.

Caring for Vintage & Antique Items

Older pieces deserve a little tender loving care (TLC). A few simple tips:

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners — mild soap and a soft cloth are usually best
Keep wooden furniture away from strong heat and direct sunlight
Expect signs of age — these are part of the story, not flaws
Handle delicate or decorative items with care
Wooden furniture may benefit from occasional waxing or gentle polishing.

If you would ever like specific care advice for your piece, just ask, we are always happy to help.

A Gentle Note on Vintage Character

Many Chaos Cottage pieces are vintage or antique. They are not factory-new and may show wear, marks and character earned over time. We also sell pieces that require restoration - complete or partial - which is always stated in the description.

Antique and vintage porcelain/china is never perfect. Kilns were coal-fired, and this means that china can have some firing specks from rogue particles. British makers are particularly known for their experimentation, and sometimes this resulted in technically imperfect results. Due to the shrinkage in the kiln, items can have small firing lines or develop crazing over time, which should not be seen as damage but as an imperfection of the maker's recipes, probably unknown at the time of making. We reflect any damage, repairs, obvious stress marks, crazing or heavy wear in the item description but some minor scratches, nicks, stains and gilt disintegration can be normal for vintage items and need to be taken into account.

We always describe honestly and photograph carefully so you know what to expect.

Questions

If you have any questions about delivery, packaging, or caring for your item, please contact us:

Email: info@chaoscottage.co.uk
Location: United Kingdom

We are always glad to help.

From Our Cottage to Your Home

Packed with care.
Sent with kindness.
Made to be enjoyed for many years to come.