Tuesday, 28 May 2013

The difference between Vintage, Retro and Antique

The truth is I never felt completely comfortable using the word Vintage because I wasn't truly certain what made something vintage.  I still used the word, but to do this day I am waiting to get called out on it.  Today after a little bit of research,  I *think* I've got it somewhat narrowed down for all of us.  Let me start by saying this though - there doesn't seem to be a very strict rule book on these words.  Although I am certain an antique connoisseur would completely disagree with me on this.  However, I'm going to go with the following from now on when it comes to all things weddings and social events:

Retro doesn't necessarily have to be an old item.  Its just something that looks like its from a different time period.  Basically, if it isn't something created with todays themes/styles...its retro. So if you had those cute little glass bottle cokes at your wedding- those are retro because they're new.  Well, at least I hope they aren't from the 1970's!  Also, I noticed that when using the word Retro, you should include the decade you're establishing, "1950s Retro"

Vintage can be narrowed down to anything 50-100 years old.  But I did come across some sites that mentioned "New Vintage".  These seemed to be in the 20-50 year old range.  No matter what though, it seems the easiest way to make sure that you aren't breaking any rules is to just say "vintage inspired" when you're trying to evoke the feeling of an item from a era gone by.
Antique is 100 years old or older.  This is the one that seemed to be the most well defined.