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How old does an item have to be for it to be considered vintage?

Pabio October 31, 2024

The word “vintage” gets thrown around a lot and is very often applied to furniture and decor, but you may be wondering how old something has to be before it’s considered vintage.

Rather than simply meaning that it was not made recently, the word “vintage” refers to an age that a piece of furniture or an object should have reached. There is, however, a complication. For some experts, vintage begins a little further back in time than for others.

Furthermore, even if decorate with vintage and introducing antiques into your interiors both involve pieces of a certain age, there is a generally accepted division between the two.

So, how old does something have to be before you can call it vintage, according to those in the know? We asked the experts to explain – and share the secrets to buying real vintage furniture and items.

How old is the vintage?

Moody kitchen with a vintage glass-fronted wall cabinet

(Image credit: deVOL)

You might – depending on your age – be surprised how recently vintage items were made.

“In general, items must be at least 20 years old to be classified as vintage,” explains Alex Bassfounder and CEO of art consulting and interior design studio Salon 21.

“This is a gray area, however, as some people might extend this to 30 years or more, depending on the context,” she continues. “I feel like so many pieces are labeled ‘vintage’ when they technically aren’t, but it’s more of a concern about clothing and accessories.”

Shane Bastianowner and operator of Sparklebarn, a vintage furniture store in Seattle, WA, agrees on the general point but has a more specific definition of what vintage is. “Some consider vintage anything that is more than 20 years old, but we generally assign this status to furniture created before 1980,” he explains.

And according to experts, the word vintage can mean a little more than just age. “Vintage pieces convey a sense of nostalgia and often represent a specific era, whether mid-century modernbohemian 1970s, or 1990s minimalismsaid Becky Shea by Becky Shea Design. “Vintage objects have this unique ability to tell a story, providing a connection to the past while adding personality and depth to a space.”

When does vintage become antique?

living room with golden curtains and red vintage carpet

(Image credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg/Styling East & Lane)

If we start the vintage period with objects and furniture that are at least 20 years old, you may wonder what the difference is between them and antiques.

The answer is another number. “By standard definition, ‘antique’ is an object that is at least 100 years old – whether it’s a watch, a car or a chair,” explains Shane Bastian.

Using these ages as a guide, there can be some overlap, as Alex Bass explains. “While all antiques can be considered vintage, not all vintage items are considered antiques,” she says. And this is where the idea of periods that we have already mentioned comes into play. “Vintage often refers to styles and trends from specific eras, while antiques have historical significance,” explains Alex.

Is vintage different from retro and kitsch?

living room with retro color palette and accessories

(Image credit: Jonathan Adler)

Their age also generally distinguishes vintage furniture and objects from those that are retro.

“Vintage pieces were created in a vintage era, while retro generally describes a new piece of furniture designed to resemble those designed in a vintage era,” explains Shane Bastian. “Popular retro-inspired styles include mid-century, space age and art deco.’

As for kitsch designs, there might be some middle ground. “Kitsch is a style that has a garish, playful, or ironic design sense – whether created in the era it resembles or as a retro nod to that era,” explains Shane.

However, as Alex Bass points out: “While all of these elements may overlap, vintage is more about age, while retro and kitsch focus on style and cultural significance. »

Which designs from the vintage era are the most desirable?

dining room with mid-century modern table and chairs, rug, critical doors to outside, Brintons

(Image credit: Brintons)

Mid-Century Designs stand out for many experts. “Great designs have come out of every decade and every generation, but I think the late 1950s and early 1960s were a real sweet spot for the intersection of form and function,” says Shane Bastian. “Post-war innovation, ambition and enthusiasm paved the way for iconic designs in furniture, cars, fashion and homes. Designers paid real attention to the balance between aesthetics and quality at this time.

Alex Bass agrees. “It often comes down to personal taste, but mid-20th century items, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s, are very popular at the moment,” she says. “The design aesthetics of these decades have a lot of appeal, especially with the resurgence of mid-century modern styles.”

But another vintage era is also popular. “I also feel like there’s a resurgence of interest in art deco and people really appreciate that type of craftsmanship and ornate detail,” says Alex.

How to check if a piece is truly vintage

Living room with vintage armchairs and vintage sideboard

(Image credit: Cory Alisa Fine Arts & Interior Design)

We’ve established that a vintage piece is at least 20 years old, but you need to be as sure as possible that what you’re buying is authentic.

“To verify authenticity, always look for maker’s or artist’s marks which are usually seen as signatures, stamps or logos on the bottom or side of the piece,” advises Cory Alisa Ferrisdesign director of Cory Alisa Fine Arts & Interior Design, which also sells vintage items.

“Use websites like Chairish and 1stDibs to do research to determine if it’s authentic. If you can locate your exact item or something quite similar on one of these platforms, you probably have the real deal. Weight, finish, texture and condition will help identify the quality of the item.

“Another tip is to ask for provenance if possible,” adds Becky Shea. “Knowing where the piece comes from, its history or previous owners can provide further confirmation that it is something authentic.”

Vintage items have a distinctive style typical of the era in which they were made – and range in age from 20 to 100 years old. But what’s also important is that, like antiques, they can add character. “When you layer these elements in a room, they add texture, warmth and a sense of soul, creating a timeless quality that makes the design look effortlessly chic and personal,” says the interior designer Becky Shea.

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