EIGHT REASONS TO BUY ANTIQUES…

18 Apr

If you have only ever bought new, you might be wondering why buy vintage now?

Buying new is convenient after all…but is it the most cost effective or way of enhancing your home or buying a gift for a loved one?

What might you be missing out on…?

Many people want to know how old an object is. What draws many is that the object is probably older than them. It’s a great way to feel connected to the past, especially if you have an interest in a particular time period. To be an antique, an object has to be aged over 100 years of age, vintage can be newer. Fashions and tastes change. Mid-Century, for example, the 1950s and 1960s is currently in vogue and can be very sought after. Older generations who remember this period often feel bemused to hear this; every day furniture or objects that they grew up with now seemingly valuable? Younger generations, however, are increasingly keen to track down and buy these ‘vintage’ pieces to add the ‘cool’ into their homes. Thus the antiques and vintage trend is perpetuated as new generations discover the next design trend.

Whatever era you are into, the following are a few reasons why you might be persuaded to venture into buying something a bit older and a bit different.

Greater choice

If you need to liven up your home décor, or buy something special for a gift, there is so much choice out there with an antique find. Antiques and vintage make the best décor for homes. Whatever the era of your home or building, you can have fun selecting some unusual antique items and experiment with introducing different styles and ages. Antique vases can display fabulous floral displays; eye-catching modern art can grace any wall of any age to add colour, texture or design; unusual vintage mirrors can bring a room alive, bring in more reflective light, or set the tone of a room above a fireplace. You don’t have to go with the trend, you can have fun mixing and matching all types of antiques with any room.

More Individual

No one else will have one! This applies to décor for an interior or even better, for a gift for a loved one. You can feel rightly smug and will receive kudos points as a result!

It’s Greener

Buying antiques and vintage ultimately means less landfill; lower Carbon Emissions and is more sustainable than buying new. Fast fashion is harmful to the environment as mass-produced objects get routinely thrown away. It can also be a waste of money. Repurposing an item, is being more creative whilst being greener, especially if it is quality and well-made in the first place as it’s likely to last longer.

Legacy & nostalgia whilst preserving history

Many antiques hold wonderful memories of the past or remind us of positive thoughts about happy times, such as our grandparents. Buying an antique means that we are preserving history, re-using an item that has been handled for generations. Antiques have a rich history and can add character and personality to your home. The patina that has resulted from use over many years is unique to that piece, it adds a wonderful decorative touch that buying new cannot match. Antiques are a great conversation starter. Owning and appreciating antiques is a great way to connect with the past and share the stories behind them.

Supports small and local businesses

Buying antiques can be a positive way of supporting small businesses and the local economy. Many antiques shops, vintage dealers, antique restorers and specialist conservators are small, independent businesses that rely on the sale of antiques to survive.

The Thrill of the Find

It’s fun! You never know what you might find! Buying and collecting antiques is a lovely, satisfying, experience. The excitement of finding that special piece can make your stomach jump for joy, especially if you have been searching for something like this for years. Discovering the history of the piece simply feeds the desire to find out more. It’s wonderful to find friends and family who share your interest. They will understand the thrill of finding something special, valuable or unique. Once you start collecting, you learn so much about that particular artist, maker or genre. The excitement when you come across something you love, only fuels the fire for more fun times foraging and searching!

Good investment

Buying antiques can be a profitable hobby. It is a great way to invest for the future, adding character to your interior whilst learning about the past.

Craftmanship

Almost all items pre-industrialisation were hand-made or hand-crafted, which is a great way to connect to an object and its maker. The idea that someone, somewhere, took the time using their expertise to create a beautiful and unique item without the help of a machine is quite incredible, especially as it still survives. Many crafts and techniques have sadly been lost forever, so to find something stunningly intricate and beautiful can be a heart-stopping moment. Finding something original, unique, even quirky can be a fabulous experience. Such a find can add a touch of glamour, style or class to any interior or make a thoughtful gift.