Antiques and art post-pandemic trends
The last year has thrown huge challenges at the antiques industry. But antique dealers are optimistic for the coming year. Like anything, we need to adapt to the changing ways in which people buy. This includes more people leaning toward online shopping. This has been in place for a long time now but thanks to the pandemic, online shopping has taken precedence over actual in-person shopping.
There has been a rise in shopping for antiques and quality vintage dining and storage items that are functional as well as beautiful, such as silver utensils and large containers for kitchen storage. From a decorative view, there has been a huge increase in home office environments and decorative ornaments for inspiration in small workspace areas.
More time spent at home also meant more people were finally getting around to clearing out their attics and garages. The antique industry is waiting for people’s forgotten and unwanted antiques to hit the markets and auction houses.
Across all categories, auction prices surged during the pandemic and this looks set to continue through 2021. But what should you buy? If buying to invest, avoid currently hot areas such as Chinese and contemporary art and for the unfashionable, including 18th-century furniture and British and Victorian art. Be discriminating because it’s the condition that matters most.
Home is where the heart is and that was really emphasized in 2020.
Lockdown meant people spent enforced time at home and had weeks and months to nest and really get to know their homes. The desire to dress this home for the best and invest in quality objects from the past to aid in our comfort and joy has continued to endure. We have realized the importance of nostalgia and what home truly means to us.
Working from home has made people more aware of their surroundings, feeling the need for comfort, and spending time with family. It has led to an increased demand for dining tables, chairs, and benches. For home offices, antique lamps and lighting, bookcases and desks are in demand. Even antique books have seen a surge. Antiques truly are the ultimate in recycling.
2020 into 2021 has certainly been unforgettable and Covid-19 has been the catalyst for much-needed change in the antiques industry. We must adapt to new online technologies and ways of communicating with each other. With this change, however, people have seen the importance of the antiques world and that reusing things from the past help us and the environment in the long run.
While stores are now open to give you the opportunity to shop for antiques again, many stores and antique malls are keeping their online shops open. It’s been working, why change? This includes Antique Allure. We are open to the public and invite you in. Come and see all that we have to offer in the world of antiques. We also understand not everyone feels safe. That’s why our eBay store continues to stay open. Whichever shopping method you choose, we are here for you!
