Good news for antiques in a bad market
Everyone knows by now that the value of antiques has plummeted over the past decade. It’s no secret. Antique Chippendale style secretary breakfronts that once sold at auction for thousands of dollars can now be had for a couple hundred. And antique china sets sell for less than $100 at estate sales, if they sell at all.
Despite the overall depressing news about the antique market, there are always exceptions to the rule that capture our attention a second time around. Here are some of the more notable new and continuing antique trends that you can find at your antique dealer, like Antique Allure.
Mid-century modern furnishings
This may be old news but it is still the choice of millennial minimalists. Its resurgence may be attributed to the hit TV show Mad Men and it’s 1960s Manhattan swagger but it wouldn’t have lasted this long if it didn’t meet the needs of a growing urban population with no space for hand-me-downs. It’s lightweight, clean, edgy, and functional. Retail giants and boutique stores alike have caught on to the trend. However, savvy collectors will still pick the originals over mass-produced, contemporary look-alikes every time.
Art deco furnishing
These 1920s and 1930s items are about to rise to the ranks of true antiques and their newly acquired popularity will rise with it. Still true to a sleek minimalist style, their rich surfaces, high-contrast materials, and upholstered seating adds both statement and comfort to the utilitarianism of mid-century modern.
Newer Asian antiques
A shift in focus is on the rise with Asian antiques. Intrigue over the ancient Han tomb figures and Tang horses are giving way to a new appreciation for Chinoiserie Chic, decorative items produced in the 18th-20th centuries. Fine examples of this era are porcelain, bronze, jade, enamel and lacquer decorative objects, furniture, silk textiles and works on paper.
Vintage natural ethnic textiles
Vintage, hand-woven textiles from around the world using natural materials, vegetable dyes, and traditional techniques are in high demand right now. Leading the way are Persian rugs, African tribal artifacts, folk art, and Native American weavings. Their textures, colors, and patterns create a perfect marriage between our interest of unique tribal cultures, our love of blending design styles in our décor, and our desire to be better global citizens.
Old metal, rustic, and farmhouse items
This trend may be inspired by the rising cost of metals in general and the growth of men as a buying segment in the antique marketplace (think of the popularity of American Pickers). Cast iron pans, advertising signs, knives, fishing lures, lanterns, and buckets, are all hot right now.
1980s toys
Nostalgia never dies. It just changes from generation to generation. So what toys are hot right now? The ones that make a good Millennial’s nostalgic heart go pitter-patter. Think Star Wars, Power Rangers, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Vintage gaming systems like Atari and Nintendo are also making their first appearances in the collectibles scene.
