Antique Furniture vs. Modern

When people hear “antique furniture,” different images come to mind.

It could be a mid century modern dining room table, a sturdy chest of drawers, or elegant Queen Anne bedroom furniture.

Each idea can trigger an emotional response. That leads to the formulation of opinions, which leads us to make decisions on how we want to decorate our homes. 

For some, antique furniture has a plethora of other negative connotations. They might hear the term and immediately think of old, outdated, worn out, or tacky.

But there’s something special about antiques that newer pieces sometimes lack. 

In particular, one-of-a-kind, hard-to-find 18th, and 19th century pieces have the prestige that it is impossible to capture with contemporary furniture.

There are so many reasons why people should buy antique furniture, rather than new or mass-produced pieces. 

Antiques Have A History

Yes, antiques are old, but like anything that’s been around for a while, it has a richness worth appreciating. 

Antique furniture gives us an insight into the way things were, especially customs and fashions. 

Take the courting chair, for example. 

This Baroque piece, designed in the 1750s, was a way for two people to talk intimately while still maintaining a level of decency. 

Looking at one leads you to wonder about those who sat in them, what they shared, and what led courting chairs to fall out of style.

History tells a story that contemporary furniture cannot.

Buying High-Quality Antique Furniture Is Eco-Friendly

While it’s natural for what’s in fashion to continuously evolve, it isn’t always what’s best for the environment.

More often than not, furniture produced en masse is made to be as inexpensive for both the company making it, but for the consumer as well.

That means it is often made from cheap materials that can quickly become damaged and need replacing after a short time.

On the other hand, handcrafted pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries are often made from sustainable hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, and kingwood.

Take a look at this Louis XVI style fall top desk. It was constructed in France in the 19th century, yet retains its beauty and function nearly two centuries later.

When expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials come together, the result is a piece that can withstand the test of time.

Choosing vintage furniture, rather than newer, mass-produced pieces, isn’t just an environmentally-conscious choice. Antiques often have a quality and longevity that more modern pieces lack, making them a better investment overall.

Antiques Are Fade-Resistant

Not every style of antique will age like a vintage wine. Some trends are made to last, while others are not.

Just take a look at some of the wild, burnt orange and brown patterns of the ’70s, and you’ll see that some pieces are more timeless than others.

But for the most part, vintage furniture has features that can stand the test of any trend.

A particular piece may not be in style, but it could have elements that save it from being out of style, too. 

The craftsmanship of antiques transcends current or ongoing trends in interior design, giving them qualities that make them fit in many designs regardless of which decade they were made.

Take, for example, the marquetry of an 18th century German Baroque cabinet with secretaire or a Louis XVI card table from 1780.

To offer some perspective, the United States was barely in its infancy when these pieces debuted. Yet they remain prominent and remarkable pieces that would fit in nearly any home.

Vintage Has Character

Antique furniture is remarkable because each piece has its own personality, making it as individual as your home.

The unique elements that give vintage furniture its charm also provide a pleasant contrast in a room with otherwise modern pieces. 

A genuinely exclusive furnishing, such as an 18th century German baroque cabinet, will spice up any room and make a great conversation piece or focal point. 

Plus depending on the item, scuffs and imperfections can add to the piece’s existing character, rather than take away from it. 

In the same vein, antiques play up the more contemporary features in your room, and vice versa. 

It’s fun to play around with different furniture styles when decorating. Check out the best ways to mix furniture styles for tips to easily create the design you’ve always wanted.

Antique Furniture Is An Investment

You don’t need an interest in flipping to appreciate this aspect of antique furniture. Just like buying a new car, it doesn’t take long for new furniture loses its value. 

Well-cared-for vintage pieces that remain in good condition are sure to become even more valuable as time goes by. 

Shopping for Antiques is Fun!

Choosing vintage means you’re getting a unique piece that not many people own or have seen.

Unlike mass-produced items, antiques are some of the highest quality furnishings on the market.

Pieces like the ones mentioned above are refined, distinguished, and one-of-a-kind–all while being built to last.

They offer a polished touch to your home that can’t be matched by contemporary furniture.

The rarity of antiques makes finding the perfect one feel like a real-life treasure hunt.

Finding a piece that speaks to you will give you a thrill that shopping in a big box store can’t.

There are so many reasons why you should choose to purchase antique furniture. Just take a look at our store today to find yours.