What is Vintage Style Furniture? June 03 2019
There are plenty of trends that come and go in the world of design, but vintage style is one that seems to be here to stay. Whether you’re browsing mid-century modern decor or flipping through the pages of a lifestyle magazine, you’re likely to see no shortage of eclectic rooms that exude a special kind of charm thanks to vintage style. But what is vintage, and what makes it different from antique and other types of furniture?
We’ve put together a short and simple guide to help you decide how to incorporate vintage style into your favorite spaces.
What Qualifies Something as Vintage?
Though there are no “official” qualifications for calling something vintage, most people agree that vintage furniture describes something that’s anywhere from 30 to 100 years old. Often, pieces made between the 1950s and 1980s are specifically categorized as “retro.” Mid-century modern pieces, which have been widely popular since the early 21st century, are typically labeled both retro and vintage.
However, age isn’t the only qualification for vintage furniture. Usually, to earn the title a vintage, a piece should also be an example of a defining style from a specific design period. The piece doesn’t necessarily have to be from a famous design or well-known manufacturer, it should simply demonstrate key design characteristics from an era.
Vintage furniture is an excellent way to add personality and style to your space, giving it a unique look that can’t come from the shelves of a big box store. Shopping for vintage is a one-of-a-kind experience in itself, and with the right approach and a few key tips, you just might discover your very own stylish treasures.
What is the Difference Between Antique and Vintage?
While vintage furniture is typically between 30 and 100 years old, antique furniture is considered anything that dates back more than a century. Often, antique pieces are very valuable, particularly if they demonstrate a unique design element or historic period.
What is Vintage Style Furniture?
If you see furniture or décor labeled as “retro style,” it’s important to know that you’re probably not looking at something that’s truly vintage. Usually, vintage-style décor and furniture are modern-day pieces simply inspired by vintage design, featuring elements such as colors, shapes, and styles that are reminiscent of actual vintage pieces. While there are some good options for vintage-style furniture, much of it is unfortunately made with a focus on quantity rather than quality. Unlike true vintage furniture, these pieces may not use high-quality materials or solid construction that will stand the test of time.
However, if you’re shopping on a tight budget, vintage-style pieces can be a good way to balance the cost of furnishing a space. Try investing in a few true vintage pieces, focusing on spending your budget on items that are truly unique, sprinkling in a few vintage-style, modern décor items if needed.
Shop the Best Selection of Vintage Furniture LA and Long Beach Have to Offer
Whether you’re shopping for vintage décor, art, or vintage outdoor furniture, Los Angeles is the perfect place to be. Located in the Long Beach area, Urban Americana is a massive warehouse where you can find one of the city’s largest varieties of vintage furniture and décor. Here, you can enjoy browsing stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces from the best eras of vintage design, making it easy to add a unique touch to every room in your home.
Visit Urban Americana today and find the perfect vintage furniture to bring charm, style, and personality into your space.