From cars to watches, handbags, clothing and furniture, vintage has experienced a real boom in recent years. But what exactly does the term “vintage” mean and how does it differ from “retro”? In this article we would like to not only explain to you what the vintage trend is all about, but also show you how you can recognize real originals and why it is worth investing in these timeless treasures.
What is the difference between vintage and retro?
The term “vintage” refers to pieces of furniture that are at least 20 years old and mostly come from the 1920s to 1980s.
"Retro", on the other hand, refers to pieces of furniture that were newly manufactured but whose design is reminiscent of bygone eras. For example, retro-style furniture may be inspired by the 1960s but only produced in recent years.
Image 1: Vintage and retro sideboard comparison
Why is vintage furniture becoming more and more popular?
Vintage furniture is not only timeless, but also more sustainable than newly manufactured furniture. When you buy vintage furniture, you help reduce waste and save resources. In addition, vintage furniture is often of higher quality than newly produced furniture. In the 1920s to 1960s, more solid and durable materials were often used than today. The craftsmanship was also often of a higher standard.
Why is it worth investing in vintage furniture?
Vintage furniture is not only sustainable and stylish, but also an investment. The value of vintage furniture increases over time, especially when it comes to rare or unique designer pieces. When you buy a piece of vintage furniture, you should not only think of it as a piece of furniture, but also as an investment in the future.
How do I recognize originals?
When buying vintage furniture, it is therefore important to distinguish originals from replicas. Here are 3 features to look out for:
Materials & execution
Original pieces of furniture were often made from solid wood or high-quality materials such as leather or steel. When you hold a piece of furniture in your hands, you should pay attention to whether it feels heavy or solid. This can be an indication that it is an authentic original. In addition, elaborate veneer work such as inlays or a detailed construction, for example through the use of dovetail joints, can be an indication of the authenticity of the piece of furniture.
Image 2: When buying, pay attention to the feel and design of the piece of furniture.
Trademark
Often original pieces of furniture have a trademark or plaque that confirms their authenticity. These are often somewhat hidden, for example on the back or bottom. They may be notes attached with glue, plaques or burned in. If you buy an unbranded piece of furniture, you should have it inspected by an expert first.
Image 3: Examples of different versions of a trademark
patina
Many vintage furniture have a unique patina that comes from age and use. When purchasing, make sure that the signs of wear and tear are in places that show how the furniture was used. They will therefore not be uniform everywhere. A consistent patina spread across the entire piece of furniture can be an indication that it is artificially aged retro furniture. A patina However, in the right places there can be an indication that it is an original.
Image 4: Comparison of an artificial and a natural patina
Literature, photo credits & sources:
Noa Christina Pötter (2022). Retro vs. Vintage: The Difference Explained. Retrieved on July 24, 2023 from https://praxistipps.focus.de/retro-vs-vintage-der-differential-erklaert_150522
Image 1: Tandlas and Antoni Shkraba
Image 2: Tandlas
Image 3: Tandlas and Bernd Schwabe in Hanover Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image 4: Image of Tom