Recognize Antique and Vintage Home Decor

Any item that is a maximum of 100 years of age is thought about an "antique." This is applicable to furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings, elderly farm equipment-you name it. If it is at least 100 (but no, you great great aunt does not count,) then it is an antique.

What is Antique, Anyway?
Plenty of Americans don't know the true difference between "antique" & "vintage" home accessories & decor. Whether it is furniture, wall art or a random knick-knack, not all home accessories can be classified as an "antique," even if it is at an antique store, nor is everything vintage, or even retro, for that matter. Here's the low down on the differences between "antique," "vintage," "retro," or "collectible" home decor.

The term collectible can refer to an item of any age between 0 & 99 years, as time it reaches 100 years of age, it is an antique for an intents & purposes. A variety of items can be deemed collectible from mid century modern styled furniture to a film figurine produced in the 1980s.

So, Then What is "Vintage," "Retro" or even "Collectible" Mean?

The actual definition of what is classified as vintage, retro or collectible can vary from individual to individual, from dealer to dealer. Fortunately, there is a gigantic group who feel the terms apply as follows:

Meanwhile, the term vintage refers to items that are usually less than 25 years of age. However, in some circles, vintage can also refer to items that have circled back in to fashion, including those that are more or less than 25 years of age. The term may even be used to document items from the 1960s in to the late 1970s, making an official, wide-spread definition of the term a bit difficult. Plenty of home accessories from the 1960s to the 1970s are re-surging in popularity, including wall art such as Andy Warhol prints.

The truth is, unless there is papers or some other kind of verification such as personal knowledge & a maker's mark, it can be difficult to know exactly when an item was manufactured unless you are looking for a specific item that you have thoroughly researched. Even still, it is simple to be fooled.

Finally, the word retro has also been thrown in to the mix. Retro is a bit more simple to define, as the massive majority of people think & accept that this particular term applies to items made in the work of the 1950s. Though some think that it refers to items that are between 50 & 99 years elderly, for example: it may also apply to items that are Art Deco in style, (which was in the work of the 1930s). Examples of retro furniture include mid century modern furniture & home decor.

So How Do I Select The Difference?

Look for reputable dealers, when looking for furniture or legitimate artwork & other wall decor pieces, as you needn't pay giant bucks for a gigantic fake. In case you are ever uncertain, get in contact with a professional to come & evaluate the validity of the piece before you buy.