Antique vs. Vintage - What's the difference?

How do you know exactly which category that dining table, painting, or vase you have in your home falls into? Is it antique or vintage? The Merriam-Webster definition of antique is "existing since or belonging to earlier times." The definition of vintage is surprisingly similar: "dating from the past." Since both terms are similar Rebecca Rau, of M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans, clarifies "The term antique refers to something 100 years or older." Furniture, jewelry, works of art, carpets and rugs, and everyday objects—such as housewares and accessories—can all potentially be antiques.

Age is the key difference between vintage and antique. While goods must be at least 100 years old to be considered an antique, there is no set age for vintage wares. The meaning of the word “vintage” is simply “of age,” making it more difficult to set a specific age requirement. However, many say vintage items are at least 20 years old. So, generally speaking, something can be considered vintage if it is between 20 and 99 years old.

Many vintage items are more than simply outdated. They often bring nostalgia and fond memories to individuals as they think about years past. Many old vintage goods are still functional, allowing people to incorporate them into their daily routine. Clothing, jewelry, accessories, houseware, and furniture are all extremely common vintage items. Some vintage items may also be highly sought after and collectible. More popular vintage items with collectors' appeal are also other forms of media, such as postcards, photography, vinyl records, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, and even electronics like cameras and gaming systems , explains Rau.

It's a relatively simple difference, but Eric Silver, an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow, says isn't necessarily as essential as you think it might be. Silver further explains that the age of a piece doesn't always correlate to value. In fact, a vintage ring from the 1930s could be worth much more than a similar piece from a much earlier time period. With that said, antiques in excellent condition usually garner a higher value due to their age and history—especially if they are from a renowned maker or artist and have a record of previous ownership or authenticity.

It should be no surprise that over the past several hundred years there have been a number of different antique periods. For example, the style and design of an antique desk from a century ago will look quite different from a classic antique desk that’s 250 years old. Below is a brief timeline of the various antique periods, dating from the late 15th century. Note that some of these periods overlap.

• 1685-1720: William and Mary

• 1720-1760: Queen Anne/Louis XV

• 1755-1790: Chippendale

• 1790-1810: Sheratone

• 1790-1815: Federal/Hepplewhite

• 1805-1830: Empire

• 1830-1901: Victorian

• 1845-1870: Rococo Revival

• 1850-1914: Naturalist/Aesthetic

• 1855-1890: Neo-Greek/Eastlake

• 1895-1915: Arts and Crafts

• 1896-1914: Art Nouveau
  

Pieces that are at least 300 years of age can also be referred to as antiquities or artifacts. These much older items may be discovered through archaeological work, land development, or even in the attic or basement of an older home.

If you have any antique furniture, or are looking to purchase some, preservation is important. Storing antiques in a room with optimal humidity and temperature levels, keeping the pieces away from direct sunlight, and dusting with a clean, soft brush will help maintain the piece. In most cases, you’ll also want to try to maintain the original appearance as much as possible. For example, try to avoid painting or changing the finish of the piece.

Age is the key difference between vintage and antique. While goods must be at least 100 years old to be considered an antique, there is no set age for vintage wares. The meaning of the word “vintage” is simply “of age,” making it more difficult to set a specific age requirement. However, many say vintage items are at least 20 years old. So, generally speaking, something can be considered vintage if it is between 20 and 99 years old.

Many vintage items are more than simply outdated. They often bring nostalgia and fond memories to individuals as they think about years past. Many old vintage goods are still functional, allowing people to incorporate them into their daily routine. Some vintage items may also be highly sought after and collectible. Some of these more popular vintage goods include:

• Trading cards

• Concert t-shirts

• Comics

• Toys

• Board games

• China sets

• Jewelry

• Clothing

Vintage items are typically seen as a representation of the period they are from. For example, a poodle skirt can be seen as a representation of the 1950s, while a tie-dye shirt would speak to life in the 1970s. Items following a particular design aesthetic and crafted from 1920 to 1945 are often called “art deco,” while those designed from 1945 to 1970 are referred to as “midcentury modern.”

But what if you're not entirely sure of the origin and age of the piece in your possession? Since an item must be a century or older to be considered genuinely antique, discerning collectors are typically familiar with the hallmarks of styles popular through the ages, such as Victorian versus Edwardian, says Rau. If you can't date an item yourself, seek out a reputable expert—like an antiques appraiser or a vintage retailer—who can pinpoint the time period when the item was most likely created.

In general, whether shopping or looking for antique items, check out the bones, or structure of a piece. Make sure the piece feels sturdy, and don’t worry about chipping or small flaws — often a piece can be professionally restored, fixed, or refinished. You can assess quality by looking for markings or branding on an item, which can provide a jumping off point for you to do some research on a given manufacturer. Any kind of dovetailing or advanced joinery, as well as original hardware or fine detail work, can also provide signs of a piece’s finery.