What is an antique?

Noun: A collectable object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its age and quality. What is an antique? It is that item of furniture, garden item, decorative item that has provenance and is over 100 years of age.

A collector’s item: an object valued by collectors, because it is rare, beautiful, or has some special interest.

The customary definition of antique requires that an item should be at least 100 years old and in original condition.   Antique definition is as simple as that but it is important to get that right when importing items over from Europe these days because of customs’ rules so it is important to be aware of that.

Vintage: whilst this isn’t by any means a new word in the English dictionary, it has become a popularly used description for items of furniture, artefacts, decorative items and jewellery, as well as cars, for an item that is at least 20 years old. So, therefore that is a very different world to that of antique collecting. Vintage is not classified as antique.

The value of an antique can vary depending on a variety of factors – such as what age is the antique, its rarity, condition, and demand. Antiques that are in good condition and have a clear provenance are typically worth more than those that are damaged or have an unknown history. Antiques that are from a popular period or that are associated with a famous person are also typically worth more; the demand for antiques can also affect their value. If a particular type or period of antique is in current fashion, particularly with the influence of interior decorators, its price is likely to go up compared to less sought after pieces. So, in fact if you like a certain style that is not necessarily in fashion, that’s a great time to buy in to your favoured look.

Whilst lifelong collectors may aspire to own antiques with high rarity and value, collecting can also simply be about finding pieces that resonate with you and work in the space that you have. Or perhaps you are fond of a certain period in history and wish to gather all you can associated with that era. Antique collecting is a popular hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to learn about history, art, and craftsmanship, and to acquire beautiful objects that can appreciate over time.