What's the difference between antique and vintage?
A household name from the World’s most popular Antiques show, Eric Knowles works alongside our team of experts.
Here he tells us more about the important distinction between vintage and antique.
What's the difference between antique and vintage?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction between antiques and vintage items.
Generally speaking, an item is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old. This can include furniture, jewellery, ceramics, books, clocks, and many other collectible objects. Antiques are often valued for their age, craftsmanship, rarity, and historical significance.
A vintage item is typically younger than an antique, usually between 20 and 100 years old. Vintage pieces often reflect the style and design trends of a particular era, such as mid-century furniture, retro advertising signs, vinyl records, or fashion from the 1960s, 70s, or 80s.
It's important to remember that age alone doesn't determine value. Some vintage items can be worth significantly more than older antiques if they are rare, highly sought after, or in excellent condition. Likewise, not every antique has a high market value.
If you're unsure whether an item is antique, vintage, or potentially valuable, a professional appraisal can help identify its age, origin, and current market demand. Even items that appear ordinary can sometimes prove to be surprisingly collectible.
At Antique Buying Collective, we provide free, no-obligation valuations and can help you understand exactly what you have and what it may be worth.
