Are you on the hunt for some unique furniture pieces for your home?
If so, both vintage and antique furniture are great options. But, what’s the difference between vintage vs antique furniture? Which one is right for your home?
Check out this guide to discover everything you need to know about vintage vs antique furniture.
Antique Furniture Definition
Let’s first start by discussing what makes a piece of furniture an antique. The US States Custom Service actually has a clear cut definition for what makes an item an antique.
An antique piece of furniture (or any other item for that matter) isn’t used to designate just any old object. For an item to be considered an antique, it needs to be at least 100 years old.
Of course, this means that the scale slides each year, as more and more items fall into the antique category. It’s important to understand, however, that not all sellers are aware of this stringent definition. There are also some out there that are just plain dishonest about what they’re selling. Therefore, it’s very important to do your research before buying an item to make sure what you’re really purchasing is an antique item.
Tips for Buying Antique Furniture
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when buying antique furniture:
• Try to find a signature, stamp, or label
• Don’t forget to inspect the hardware
• Remember to check for damage
• Understand the difference between a repair and a replacement
• Learn the history of the item
• Make sure to find a dealer you can trust
By following these tips, you should be able to find a great piece of antique furniture.
Vintage Furniture
Okay, so we know for an item to be considered antique, it needs to be of 100 years of age or older. So, what makes a piece of furniture vintage?
The term vintage doesn’t have a stringent definition like the term antique does. While the definition has changed a bit throughout the years, vintage is pretty much a blanket term that’s used to describe older items.
This means that a piece from the 1930s or the 1970s could both be considered vintage.
Tips for Buying Vintage Furniture
Vintage furniture, like antique furniture, can add a unique and stunning element to your home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying vintage furniture:
• Search for sturdy items that have been gently used
• Research before you take the plunge and learn about the background of the piece
• Search for relatively unknown brands
• Don’t let surface scratches scare you, as these can be fixed
• Use defects to bargain for a better price
• Consider repurposing a piece for additional style
By following these tips, you should be able to find some excellent vintage pieces, like this Charles Eames chairs.
Vintage vs Antique: Are You Ready to Go Furniture Shopping?
Now that you know the difference between vintage vs antique furniture, it’s time to start shopping!
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more home styling tips and tricks.
