Décor Dictionary: Vintage vs Antique

With the current Nostalgic trend words like “Vintage” and “Antique” gets thrown around regularly. Often confused, its definition boundaries have become seriously blurred and vague. So here, to relieve you of all confusion are the most acceptable definitions of Vintage and Antique we could find…

Vintage 60s Sideboard - The Design Tabloid — Vintage 60s Teak Sideboard

Vintage: is defined as something that is 20 years or older. The term “vintage” is actually a wine-making term used to define a season’s harvest at a specific vineyard. Like wine, a furniture item described as “vintage” should also speak of the era in which it was produced. Vintage can mean an item is of a certain period of time, as in “vintage 1950’s” but it can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality, or qualities, associated with or belonging to that specific era. (Defined with a little help from Ruby Lane)

Chippendale Chairs - Antique - The Design Tabloid — Exquisitely-made antique Chippendale chairs, Circa 1770

Antique: applies to an object or piece of furniture at least 100 years old. Its rarity, condition, utility, or other unique features plays a big part in whether it is desirable as a collectors’ item. Well looked after antique pieces often appreciate in value over time and is seen as an investment, unlike the mass-produced contemporary furniture pieces of today.

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