Shopping for vintage and antique goods is truly an art form. It takes a very special skill set to be able to master the art. Most don’t realize the dedication it takes to spot the best piece. When it comes to shopping for the finer things in life like vintage and antique goods, Kate Hartman Interiors invites you to learn how to properly pick and distinguish between vintage and antique. This will ensure you get the best quality of what this world has to offer when it comes to vintage and antique.  

How To Shop For Vintage And Antiques 

Vintage and antique shopping takes a very particular approach. The skill set that it takes to be able to master the art of antiquing and vintage shopping requires:

1. Research 
2. Practice 
3. Patience 
4. Training Your Eye 

With all of this, the ultimate aspect to realize is that it takes time to learn this skill. So do not rush the process or be too hard on yourself. Even the greatest of experts still strive to expand their knowledge because things continue to evolve. 

What Is The Difference Between Vintage And Antique

Before you begin your quest for vintage and antique goods you must know the difference between vintage and antique. An antique item is defined as something that is about 100 years old or older. This can include anything such as wooden furniture, paintings, and decor. Vintage items, however, have a broader age range. Vintage things can be anywhere from 20 to 99 years old. They must reflect a different era, but most importantly vintage goods bring back certain feelings of nostalgia. Vintage items can also be collectibles more so than antique items.   

Where To Find Vintage Furniture

When looking for vintage furniture there are a few reliable online sources where you can find good quality antique pieces. The first one is Chairish which has extensive vintage sections where independent sellers offer a broad range of vintage items. Sometimes it comes down to just browsing until you come across the perfect item. ETSY is another hotspot for vintage furniture shopping. Etsy houses specific shops that are dedicated to vintage and selling quality vintage items. There is a wide variety of items to choose from on Etsy. 

If you’re looking in person, local vintage boutiques often have the best finds. Specialized vintage boutiques curate a collection of high-quality vintage pieces. They are usually more expensive, but you can find well-preserved and stylish items. 

Don’t forget about estate sales and garage sales. They are often the best way to find vintage pieces, you just have to keep an eye out. Estate sales and auctions can be treasure troves for finding unique vintage items, especially if you’re interested in furniture, artwork, or collectibles. Garage sales, while hit-or-miss, you can stumble upon some hidden gems. It’s worth exploring local listings; you never know what you might find.

How To Decorate With Antiques In A Modern Way

It’s easy to think that just because an item is antique that it can’t be styled in a modern aesthetic. Technically, antique items are 100 years old or older so how could that be cohesive with modern, right? Decorating with vintage pieces in a modern way offers a unique blend of past charm and contemporary aesthetics. Start with a neutral base, allowing vintage items to stand out as focal points. Mix and match different styles, using key statement pieces as center stage. Repurpose and upcycle vintage finds for added character. Incorporate vintage art, textures, and accessories while balancing with minimalist touches. Consider vintage lighting and create gallery walls with vintage artwork. Personalize with modern decor for a cohesive and inviting space that reflects your style. Striking the right balance ensures a harmonious fusion of old and new, resulting in a stylish and timeless home.

How To Mix Modern And Vintage Decor

There are a few things that you have to think about when it comes to mixing modern and vintage decor. Vintage items were made to fit a certain time period, so the items might not fit what we typically look for today. Because of this, you must consider the rules of proportion and scale. Most vintage items were made from materials like:

1. Wood
2. Leather
3. Iron

Achieving a harmonious blend of vintage and modern elements requires careful consideration of proportions and flow. Given that older materials often tend to be heavy and thick, introducing sleek metals and furniture with sharp lines can add a sense of lightness to the space. Additionally, grouping similar items, regardless of whether they are vintage or modern, on shelves or within the room’s layout creates a cohesive and unified look, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Stand The Test Of Time

There is something special about an item that can stand the test of time. The age or era of an item should not hinder its ability to enhance the present. Embracing vintage and antique pieces in a modern home can be achieved through various methods, resulting in a timeless and captivating ambiance. At Kate Hartman Interiors, we are dedicated to assisting you in this process, enabling you to create the classic modern space you desire.