Investing in antique furniture can add personality, charm, and depth to your home. A piece that’s lived a previous life possesses a certain special "they just don't make 'em like they used to" quality—a true relic of the past. Even though antiques have been all the rage lately (and with no sign of letting up), it seems that in many instances buyers don’t know exactly what they’re investing in. In fact, many items they’re purchasing—thinking they’re antiques—actually are not.
So how old does something have to be to be vintage or antique or retro? Below, we asked some top interior designers to help shed light on the difference between vintage and antique and retro, as well as insight on how and why to purchase items for your home.
How old is an antique?
Interior designer Lexi Brandon, founder of Brooklyn-based design firm Lex & Hudson, says, “When purchasing an item, it’s important to know what category it falls under, both simply for your own knowledge and also to help its resale value in the future."
She adds, “By definition, an antique is an item that is 100 years old or older.” Whether it’s a book, vase, glassware, or a piece of furniture, the 100-year-old rule of thumb remains the same.
What's the difference between antique and vintage or retro?
The question of vintage vs retro vs antique is actually pretty clear. Generally, vintage items are much younger—think a minimum of 40 years old—while antiques are much older at around 100 years old. Retro furniture isn’t actually old, but is simply new furniture that’s designed in a style from the past, like a replica of a 1950s Eames chair or a throwback velvet couch inspired by the '70s.
Inspired by antique and vintage styles, retro pieces are a more affordable way to get a classic look for less. It's important to note that retro value will not appreciate the same way a true vintage item or antique will. And according to designer Arielle Mizrahi of Short Hills, New Jersey-based firm Arielle Mizrahi Design, especially if bought from a big box store, they likely won’t be created with the high-quality materials you'd expect from vintage or antiques.
Why is it important to buy antique?
“Buying antiques is important because you’re literally taking home a piece of history,” says Mizrahi. “Antique pieces have a legacy and serve as a design record of a point in time. Some styles of antiques were regional, too, so even more unique, and it's fun to spot the differences among them.” Essentially, by investing in antiques, you’re honoring those time periods by keeping the design alive in your home, and you’re likely procuring something with better construction.
“Most antique pieces were created with solid woods (as opposed to plastics and plywood) and original brass furnishings (instead of simply having the fixtures pleated over)", adds Mizrahi. "They were designed to be passed down between generations and last a long period of time.” So even if you feel like you’re spending significantly more for an antique, remember you’re also paying for quality—and the item you purchase will likely last a long time.
And don’t ignore the environmental implications when it comes to buying antiques, too: As opposed to fast fashion pieces that end up in landfills quickly (because they don't last as long), a solid antique piece will cut down on environmental waste and last for decades to come.
Does age matter when it comes to the antique you choose?
Given that the whole appeal of antiques is, in fact, their age, you might be thinking that the older an antique is, the better. However, Mizrahi is quick to note that you should be focusing on quality instead. “Age and maker can add value to an antique, but nothing is as relevant as the condition and scale of the item you're considering taking home,” she says. “Does it need further restoration? At what cost? You can fall in love with a sideboard, but if it's 1,000 pounds heavy or a foot too large for your dining room, it really doesn't matter what someone else thinks it's worth. Buy what works!”
In terms of specifics when it comes to age, there are four main eras of antiques: Victorian (1837-1901), Arts and Crafts (1895-1915), Art Nouveau (1890-1910), and Art Deco (1920-1935). Each era has its own valuable pieces, and if an item is older, that doesn’t actually mean it’s worth more. “An appraiser can look for quality, definitive markings, and rarity, which will give you a much better idea of what the antique item is worth,” Mizrahi adds.
How do you find the best antique for you?
Finding the right antique for you comes down to personal preference, wants, and needs. The designers we talked to suggest a simple approach to shopping for antiques—hunt for what speaks to you: Do you need new glassware to up your entertaining game? Is there a blank wall that's begging for a one-of-a-kind antique painting? Perhaps you need furniture to fill a new home?
“Once you figure out what category of item you’re pining after, you can narrow things down,” adds Mizrahi. “Some of the best antique finds are at flea markets and estate sales, and you can even find out about them through your local community if you do a little research in your network or Facebook groups. You can circumvent the crowds at an antiques fair, and usually discover items that may be priced to sell quickly without a true assessment of their value.”
Are there any rules to follow when decorating with antiques?
“I love to mix and match, so I don’t personally think there are any rules,” says Brandon of decorating with antiques. “You can mix different eras if they have similar materials, add in some vintage pieces for a pop, or even just use your antiques as statement pieces—even just one is enough.”
At the end of the day, the designers we talked to say to focus on the piece itself (cautioning for quality, of course!) and the joy it brings to you—once you figure that part out, the rest is, well, history.
