What is the difference between ANTIQUE and VINTAGE?

We at La FOSSE believe it is important to know the nuances.

Antique and vintage are terms commonly used to describe old objects, but they have different meanings.

Antique refers to objects that are over 100 years old. Antiques are often rare and valuable pieces because they have survived through the centuries. They can include furniture, jewelry, artwork, books and other items that have historical or cultural value. Antiques are often associated with specific periods of history, such as ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, the Renaissance or the Baroque.

Vintage, on the other hand, generally refers to objects that were produced between the 1920s and the 1980s. Vintage items are often considered collectibles, but they are generally less valuable than antiques because of their relative newness. Vintage items can include clothing, fashion accessories, electronics, toys, cars and other items that reflect the fashion and lifestyle of the time. Vintage objects can also have historical or cultural value, but they are more often associated with fashion and design trends.

In general, antiques tend to be more expensive than vintage items because of their rarity and age. Vintage items, on the other hand, can be more accessible and affordable for collectors and hobbyists. Vintage items can also be more easily found on the market, as there are often more of them than antiques.

In terms of conservation, antiques are often treated with more care than vintage items. Antiques may require special treatment to preserve their original condition, while vintage items can be restored or refurbished to give them new life. Furniture restorers, for example, can restore antique furniture using traditional techniques to maintain the integrity of the piece, while vintage furniture can be repainted or refinished to give it a new look.

Finally, antiques and vintage items often have cultural and emotional significance to people. Antiques may represent periods of history that have special meaning to a person, while vintage items may evoke childhood memories or moments of nostalgia for a past era. Antiques and vintage objects can be sources of inspiration for artists, designers and creators, who can draw from these sources to create new objects or works of art.

In conclusion, although the terms antique and vintage are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. Antiques are old and valuable items that often have significant historical and cultural value, while vintage items are collectibles that reflect the fashion and design trends of a particular era.