What's the Difference Between Antique and Vintage? Experts Weigh In (2024)

While "antique" and "vintage" are often used interchangeably when referencing collectibles, knowing the difference between these terms is important for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts. Antiques are much older than vintage items, often reflect a bygone era, and have high cultural or historical value. Vintage items, on the other hand, are much younger and represent a specific period within the last century. Here, we explain the key distinctions between these terms, as well as how to tell vintage and antique items apart when shopping at flea markets, antique malls, and other secondhand shops.

What Is Antique?

The term antique refers to something 100 years or older, says Rebecca Rau of M.S. Rau Antiques. This criteria helps to distinguish antiques from more contemporary collectibles and decorative items. "The century-old benchmark is widely accepted by collectors, historians, and experts in the field, as it signifies the item was created in a different era, adding to its rarity, value, and historical interest," says Nicolas Martin, flea market expert and founder ofFlea Market Insiders.

What Is Vintage?

Vintage items are much younger than antiques. These pieces are typically defined as being at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old. The term "true vintage" is a sub-category for items that are at least 50 years old. "This range allows for the inclusion of items from recent decades that have developed cultural or nostalgic significance, reflecting the styles, trends, and aesthetics of the period from which they originate," says Martin.

What Is Retro?

You may also come across terms like retro and kitsch when sourcing vintage or antique items. While these terms suggest a vintage timeframe, it's important to be careful as they often refer to newer and vintage-inspired items rather than real vintage, says Martin.

How to Tell the Difference Between Antique and Vintage

There are some hallmarks that can help you determine whether a piece is antique or vintage. If you can't date an item yourself,seek out a reputable expert—like an antiques appraiser ora vintage retailer—who can pinpoint the time period when the item was most likely created. Internet searches can also provide a wealth of information, but make sure you check multiple sources before authenticating your collectibles, says Martin.

Indentify the Era Its From

To tell the difference between antique and vintage items, one must consider their age and the era they represent, says Martin. Since an item must be a century or older to be considered antique,these items typically reflect specific stylespopular through the ages, such as Victorian or Edwardian, says Rau. While vintage items also reflect past eras, they often highlight the fashion, design, and cultural trends of more recent decades, says Martin.

Look for Markings

While there are no universal markings that determine whether an item is antique or vintage, certain marks can provide clues about its age and origin. "Manufacturer's marks, hallmarks, and date stamps are often used to approximate the age of an item," says Martin. For example, dishes marked "microwave safe" are unlikely to be antiques. "Research and expertise are required to interpret these markings accurately and understand their implications for an item's classification," he says.

Consider the Material It's Made From

The material an item is made from can offer insights into its age. "Older materials and construction techniques are more commonly found in antiques, while vintage items might feature materials (like plastic or fiberglass) and methods that are characteristic of the 20th century," says Martin. "However, the age and context of an item, rather than the materials alone, are what ultimately determine its classification."

Consider How Difficult It Is to Find

While both antiques and vintage items are no longer in production today, antiques are typically harder to find than vintage pieces. "Being difficult to find adds to the allure and value of antiques, as their scarcity often reflects their age and the historical periods they have survived through," says Martin.