A boom in antique sales has been driven by eco-conscious millennials who are rejecting “fast furniture”, auction houses have said.

While the enduring image of a young person in their first home is the assembly of cheap flat-pack tables and wardrobes, many members of the younger generation are rejecting this stereotype and filling their houses with antique finds from auctions.

And with auction houses setting up special sales for first-time bidders, featuring lower-cost items, some pieces are even cheaper than what can be found in IKEA.

Benedict Winter, a specialist in furniture and works of art at Christie’s auction house told The Telegraph: “We've definitely seen a growing trend in young people who are interested in our sales at Christie's.

"It definitely helps that people care about green furniture, and this combined with the history and the craftsmanship really appeals to 21st century people.

"The trend is towards sustainability and less of a throwaway culture and that's definitely been reflected in our auction sales.

"We have so many sales a year with low starting points for beginner collectors. The lowest lots start at £300 which is entry level stuff."