What’s on-trend in the antique world and why
One of the biggest issues antique sellers and decorators face is knowing what’s in or what’s hot at any given moment. Hopefully this list of antique and vintage trends will help dealers and buyers alike. If you are an antique or vintage collector, knowing what is popular will help you when you are out hunting for great finds. Some people collect specific things because they like them, others collect for the sheer joy of the hunt that they may perhaps be able to turn into treasure. Whatever your reasoning, check out what’s on trend right now!
In general, vintage and antiques are trending toward small, functional, and nostalgic. Small because millennials (born 1981-1996) prefer smaller spaces and are often on the move. Functional because owning something that is solely decorative doesn’t work with “small.” Finally, nostalgic because every generation arrives at this stage of finding comfort in the memories of their childhood, whether it’s a toy, something mom used in the kitchen, or some other item that hits an emotional cord.
Something that touches on all three of these factors promised to hold enormous interest for everyone. Let’s take a look at some trends that are hitting on these factors.
Industrial lighting
Investing in lighting offers a relatively cheap way to add some industrial flare without breaking the bank. These touch on the functional factor and are a great way to “recycle” an old item. And they are very on trend these days.
Farm tables
Farm tables are another favorite. Don’t be turned off by chipping, worn spots, dents, or scratches, because they don’t bother most people at all. In fact, they are considered benefits since they add to the character and charm of the piece. Because the kitchen table often serves as the center of one’s home, going for a well-loved farmhouse-style piece contributes to the warmth of the room and subtly speaks of longevity in family relationships.
Vintage Christmas
The vintage/antique trend for decorating with true vintage and antiques at Christmas will continue into the new year. People just can’t get enough of bottle brush trees, Santa-anything, vintage lights and everything Christmas. With vintage Christmas decorations, nostalgia often comes into play because our memories of holidays and the emotions attached to them are often very strong. We like to have mementos of those sweet times and if none were passed down to us, then we need to buy a few to admire throughout the season.
Garden related
With the strong interest in using one’s outdoor spaces for entertaining (and thanks to the pandemic, vacationing and relaxing) has come an equally strong interest in decorating them attractively. What better, more appropriate source to turn to than vintage and antique gardening supplies? Think terrariums, tools both large and small, and interesting statuary. They all remain right on trend, along with succulents and macrame plant hangers.
Vintage barware
Vintage barware has been hot for several years and people continue to enjoy setting up bar carts in their homes. Look for shakers, cocktail glasses, and glass swizzle sticks.
1980s toys
Like each generation before it, Gen Xers and millennials look for and buy vintage toys they played with during their childhood. Whether to enjoy as a collectible or to gift to their own children, they will scoop up vintage gaming systems like Atari and Nintendo, along with iconic toys like Transformers, Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Star Wars figures.
