Yes, There's a Difference Between Vintage and Antique—Here's How to Use Each in Your Home, According to Designers

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There’s something really special about walking into a vintage or antique store—or even exploring one online—and snagging a unique piece of furniture or objet d' art. Plus, many times, you’ll find that vintage and antique items have been exceptionally well made, and can really stand the test of time. “Vintage and antiques are our records of cultural history,” says Ksenya Malina, principal at Time & Place Interiors. “They're often constructed better than modern furniture, which explains why so many of them have survived.”

While the words "vintage" and "antique" are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two—not to mention, there are some instances when you may want to purchase one type of furnishing over the other. Here are a few things you should know about looking for the best vintage and antique pieces, straight from designers.

So, what’s the difference between antique and vintage?

The short answer? Age. “For an item to be considered vintage, it needs to be at least 40 years old,” explains Benoist F. Drut, owner of Maison Gerard, an antique store based in New York City. “On the other hand, for an item to be classified as antique, it must be at least 100 years old.” He adds that this is regardless of what the item is: “This rule applies across all disciplines—books, ceramics, glass, pottery, or furniture,” he adds.

It’s also worth noting that neither one is better nor worse than the other: In fact, it all comes down to need and the type of item you’re looking to source. “If a piece is to be incorporated into a collection or shown on its own because you love the shape or the patina, then the look should influence and determine the purchase,” Gerard adds, stressing that depending on the style you’re going after, you’ll likely choose different items that could be vintage or antique.

However, some general guidelines do apply when it comes to choosing between vintage and antique furnishings. Here are some insider tips for picking the best items for your home.

Which items should you always buy vintage?

“I’m a big proponent of following your intuition and buying what you love,” stresses Drut. “A piece doesn’t need to be expensive to be beautiful, either. If you truly love it, it will shine in your home.” Still, if you’re looking for items that will last, these are the items designers recommend choosing vintage over antique.

Lamps and Lighting

“Vintage options with lamps and lighting are going to be easier to rewire if necessary,” says designer Hattie Collins, owner of Hattie Sparks Interiors. “They also feel more appropriate when mixed in with contemporary furnishings.” It’s important to note, however, that you can’t put newer, higher voltage light bulbs in vintage lamps, as they will cause the wires to short—or even burn. Instead, look to 60-watt light bulbs or lower.

Artwork

Another item to consider buying vintage? Artwork—but specifically oil paintings. “They’re not cheap—but they’re cheaper than antique paintings, and can be absolutely beautiful if you buy them from an era you adore,” says Malina. You can find stunning landscape paintings, portraits, and lively contemporary art when it comes to vintage finds, and they can often be restored by a great art collector if the color or quality isn’t as perfect as you’d like.

“Art restoration can help, and it won’t be expensive either,” she says. “Or, you could always embrace the nicks!”

Rugs

While antique rugs can be beautiful, Collins adds that vintage ones will probably last much longer—as long as you know what to look for. “The resale value of antique rugs may be higher, but they’re also likely more worn,” she says. Vintage rugs, however, are usually very tightly woven, so even if they’re a little damaged, you’ll still get major use out of them—and their imperfections add some time-worn character and patina to your home.

Which items should you always buy antique?

If you think most vintage items are sturdier just because they’re not as old, think again: “There are so many antique items that are of better quality than vintage,” emphasizes Malina. Below are the items that you should always look for antique over vintage—and why.

Wood Furniture

“Antique furniture—especially pieces made before 1900—are almost always solid wood,” says William Cullum, senior designer at Jayne Design Studio. “That may mean it is veneered with a finer wood, but the body of the piece is solid and durable.” Translation?Solid wood furniture lasts much longer than modern furniture, which if often made from laminate, veneer, or other synthetic materials that don’t hold up as well.

Also consider looking at the dents and scratches in your antique furniture as character markings rather than flaws, since they’re a sign of a furniture piece being lovingly used and adored before it made its way to you, stresses Cullum.

Decorative Accents

“Antiques make great style additions for decorative accents like side tables, display cases, entryway consoles, or mirrors,” says Malina. “In fact, they're often underpriced in comparison to more popular vintage styles like mid-century modern.” Even though they can be a little on the eclectic side, Malina believes that having accents like these can really add “a dash of older character into your home.”

Glassware and Silverware

“I find that antique glassware is so much sturdier than vintage options, and they come in incredibly fun and playful colors and styles,” says Collins. In addition, antique silverware is often made of very high-quality silver, and they’re also pretty inexpensive if you look in the right place.

“There were huge amounts [of silverware] made in the 20th century,” stresses Cullum. “Thanks to places like Replacements and eBay, they are pretty easy to add to if you need more.”

Both designers also emphasize that you absolutely shouldn’t be concerned about having perfectly matching sets: The fun is in the mix, and the more eclectic, the better. After all, isn’t that part of the fun of buying antique—to have something no one else does?

Love adding character to your home with vintage and antique furnishings? Check out these stories next:

• The 6 Hottest Antiques to Collect Right Now, According to Dealers and Designers

• 7 Items You Should Always Buy Vintage Instead of New

• How to Flawlessly Style Antiques and Vintage Pieces Throughout Your Home

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