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Why People Love Antique Style Furniture

January 04, 2018

Why People Love Antique Style Furniture - English Georgian America

Can you name the most expensive antique in the world?

It was the 18th-century Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase, which sold in 2011 for a staggering $80.2 million.

While most of us can't afford such a rare and expensive item, there's no denying the allure of antiques. Even with the endless array of new styles and designs, antique style furniture continues to be popular around the world.

Why has antique style furniture (quite literally) stood the test of time? And why should you consider adding it to your home?

Read on to learn more.

Antique vs. Vintage or Retro

First of all, let's clear up a common misconception.

People often use the words antique, vintage, and retro interchangeably. We know they all refer to "old" stuff but are they all the same?

Not exactly. Here's a quick run-down of the differences:

  • An antique is at least 100 years old.
  • A vintage item is between 20 and 100 years old.
  • Anything retro is generally an imitation of a vintage or antique style.

This means that a chair or desk from the 18th or 19th century would be an antique. A lamp from the 1950's would be considered vintage. Any modern piece styled to look like it's from the past is retro.

Got it now? Good. Let's move on.

3 Types of Antique Buyers

People who love antiques and retro items generally fall into one of three categories.

1. Sentimental

For sentimentalists, buying antique style furniture is all about nostalgia. For them, these pieces evoke feelings, emotions, and memories of a by-gone era.

Some collectors are history buffs who have studied a particular era in detail. Others have researched their family origins and seek pieces that speak of their heritage.

Still, others seek out vintage or retro items because of fond childhood memories. Perhaps they recall the furniture in their grandparents' home and they hope to replicate that environment in their own home.

2. Trendsetters

Because antiques never go out of style, some are drawn to it simply because it's trendy.

Hipsters dread and avoid anything that everyone else has. The last thing these trendsetters want is the same IKEA coffee table that all their neighbors have.

This is why unique one-off antiques hold such a powerful appeal. In fact, some believe that hipsters are going to be key motivators in keeping the antique industry thriving in the future.

3. Quality

The third group of people who love antique style furniture is those who love it for the quality.

After all, antiques weren't rolled off a modern assembly line. They didn't come sold in boxes with DIY instruction manuals.

Antiques were handmade, often painstakingly, using the highest quality woods available. And many woods actually get better and more valuable with age.

3 Reasons to Buy Antique Style Furniture

Now that you know what antiques are and why people love them, let's discuss why you should add a few antique style pieces to your home.

1. Always in Style

Modern furniture trends come and go. One year it's bold colors, the next year it's neutrals. One year it's oversized items, the next year it's miniatures.

In contrast, antiques are always in style. They hold a special place in history that no modern piece can compete with. They always have been and always be in high demand.

Whether you purchase an authentic antique or a piece of antique style furniture, it's sure to add elegance and class to any room in your home. You can also mix and match antique style furniture to create your own unique decorating style.

Perhaps you want to furnish your bedroom, dining room, or guest room fully in antique style. Or you may opt for a single standout piece among otherwise modern decor.

Either way, your antiques are sure to be a great conversation starter.

2. Exceptional Quality

We touched on this briefly, but we'll say it again.

Antiques are not your standard run-of-the-mill items. They weren't slapped together on an assembly line and shipped off to the nearest Walmart.

No, antiques were made in an era where master craftsmen took pride in the quality of their work. They used the best wood and the best tools available to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces by hand.

Unlike much of today's furniture, which falls apart after a few years of use, antiques were made to last.

The good news is that you don't have to scour the antique markets to find such quality items. We make our antique reproductions using the same care and craftsmanship they used hundreds of years ago.

Why would you choose a product of inferior quality?

3. Showcase Your Historical Interests

Most people with an interest in antiques love history.

Some love all types of classic styles, while others are drawn to a particular era. Many antiques (and antique style reproductions) can be traced back to:

  • Classicism (16th-18th century Europe)
  • Age of Enlightenment (18th century Europe)
  • Industrial Revolution (Europe and United States, 18th-19th centuries)
  • Romantic era (1770-1850)
  • Napoleonic era (1799-1815)
  • Victorian era (United Kingdom and British Empire, 1837 - 1901)
  • Edwardian era (United Kingdom, 1901-1914)
  • First and Second World Wars (1914-1945)

Each of these eras featured distinct trends in art, architecture, and decorating styles. Like all history lovers, you undoubtedly have your favorites.

Want to bring a taste of a bygone era into your home? Choose an antique reproduction from your favorite historical period and let the past come to life.

Ready to Shop?

Whatever your reasons for buying antiques, one thing is for certain: antique style furniture will never go out of style.

From rustic designs to provincial styles, we have antique style furniture you're guaranteed to love. Our reproductions are made of the highest quality and are sure to make a wonderful addition to any room in your house.

We invite you to browse our extensive collection. You can also get in touch to discuss any questions or concerns.