Lately, I have been finding myself very drawn to vintage housewares, specifically circa 1970s. I love taking a few pieces and incorporating them with my own, newer, decor items. I have had many fruitful shopping trips at my parents house!! Thanks to those curio cabinets, and special-occasion-only crystal and china, many of my parents pieces were in spectacular condition.
One of the things I found confusing when I first started shopping for pieces, was the difference between vintage and antique and retro. In the most basic sense the difference is AGE.
Antiques are items which are at least 100 years old. So, based on today, an item would have to have been made before 1913 to be considered an antique.
Vintage items are not quite as old as antiques. And although the label is far more subjective, most dealers and shops consider an item to be vintage if it is between 40-99 years old.
Retro, short for retrograde, originally was used for items referencing the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia; but now also encompasses items from the recent past, around 20-40 years old.
These definitions apply to all man-made items: housewares, furniture, clothing etc. And, generally speaking, prices vary the same way: the older it is, usually the more it costs. But the fun is in the hunt!
Happy Collecting!!
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