When it comes to home interiors, the terms antique and vintage are often used interchangeably. Yet there is a real distinction between the two, and understanding it can help you buy with more confidence and style. Antiques are traditionally defined as items that are at least 100 years old, while vintage pieces fall between 25 and 99 years old. Knowing the difference not only makes you a more informed collector, it also gives you the freedom to mix eras with intention.
At The Blue Loft, I believe the most characterful interiors rarely come from one category alone. The real magic happens when antiques sit alongside vintage treasures and even the odd contemporary piece. That layering of styles and ages creates depth, personality, and a sense of authenticity in a home. After all, life itself is a mix of influences, stories, and memories collected along the way, so why shouldn’t our interiors reflect the same?
What makes an antique?
An antique is an item that has passed the 100-year mark. It might be a Georgian chair, a Victorian mirror, or an Edwardian silver teapot. Antiques are prized not only for their age, but also for their craftsmanship, provenance, and rarity. These pieces connect us directly to history, often carrying details and materials that are impossible to replicate today. Buying antiques is like holding a fragment of time in your hands, with all the patina, stories, and marks of use that come with it.
What counts as vintage?
Vintage homeware refers to items that are at least 25 years old but less than a century. This makes vintage a broad and exciting category, spanning everything from 1930s art deco vases to colourful 1970s glassware or bold mid-century modern furniture. Unlike antiques, vintage pieces are often chosen for their style, nostalgia, and individuality. They allow you to experiment more freely, adding pops of colour, texture, or humour into your home.
Why does the distinction matter?
Understanding the difference between antique and vintage matters because it influences how you shop, style, and value each piece. Antiques are typically investment items, holding or even increasing in value over time, while vintage is often more affordable and playful. Together, they strike a balance: antiques ground a space with depth and heritage, while vintage brings energy and personality.
It also matters in practical terms. Auction houses, dealers, and collectors use these definitions when cataloguing items, which affects pricing and how pieces are marketed. Being clear on the distinction helps you shop more confidently, whether you’re browsing a local antique fair or scrolling through online listings.
Final Thoughts
The difference between antique and vintage homeware may be simple, 100 years or more for antiques and 25 to 99 years for vintage, but the joy they bring to interiors is equally powerful. Antiques connect us to the past, while vintage brings playfulness and style from more recent decades. Together, they add colour, contrast, and character to a home in ways that mass-produced decor never can.
Personally, I love mixing antiques and vintage with the odd contemporary piece as well. I believe the richest interiors come from blending different styles and ages, creating a tapestry that reflects a life well lived. After all, isn’t that what home is really about? Collecting things you love along the way, whether it is a trinket from a market in Marrakesh, a ceramic found in Madrid, or a fabulous painting found in Miami. Some of my most cherished items are simple things I picked up on a day trip or while walking on the beach, even seed pods collected for their sculptural beauty. These pieces need not be expensive to hold meaning. What matters is that they remind you of happy moments, beautiful places, and the stories you carry with you. That is the essence of a home: turning a building with windows, doors, and a roof into a comforting, nurturing space that feels truly yours.
At The Blue Loft, we love helping people discover pieces that feel authentic and personal. Whether antique, vintage, or something new that simply speaks to you, it is about creating homes with heart, history, and hue.
Anna Rowsell,
The Blue Loft
