What Is an Antique?
An antique is an item that is typically 100 years old or more. Antiques can include furniture, jewellery, artwork, ceramics, collectibles and household objects from past centuries. These pieces hold historical value, craftsmanship and rarity that make them desirable to collectors and design enthusiasts.
Antiques are distinct from vintage items, which are generally younger and come from the 20th century. While vintage is associated with style and nostalgia, antiques are valued for their age, history, craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Antique Meaning
An antique is an object that is usually at least 100 years old and valued for its craftsmanship, historical significance or rarity.
Most antiques come from the 1800s or early 1900s, although the exact threshold can vary slightly by country or category.
How Old Does Something Have to Be to Be an Antique?
The widely accepted definition is:
At least 100 years old
Some categories (like vehicles) may use slightly different cut-offs
Anything younger than 100 years but older than 20-30 years is usually classified as vintage, not antique
For example:
A table made in 1890 = antique
A dress from 1960 = vintage
A reproduction piece made in 2020 in Victorian style = retro
Age is the determining factor.
Examples of Antiques
Antiques can include many types of items, such as:
Victorian or Edwardian furniture
Art Nouveau or Art Deco pieces (older examples only)
Porcelain, ceramics and pottery
Fine jewellery and watches
Silverware and cutlery
Persian rugs
Old books and manuscripts
Paintings, prints and sculptures
Clocks and barometers
Collectibles like coins or military items
Antique shops, auctions, flea markets and estate sales are the most common places to find these pieces.
Antique vs Vintage vs Retro
These terms are often mixed up, so here is the clear distinction:
Antique
around 100+ years old
valued for age, craftsmanship and rarity
often handmade
historically significant
Vintage
usually 20-99 years old
from a specific decade or era
valued for style and nostalgia
Retro
newly made
inspired by older trends
imitates a past look
An antique is genuinely old. A vintage piece is relatively old. A retro item only looks old.
Why Antiques Are Valuable
Craftsmanship: Older pieces are often handmade with techniques rarely used today.
Rarity: The older an item is, the fewer examples remain.
Historical interest: Antiques offer insight into past eras, cultures and lifestyles.
Character and patina: Age adds a sense of depth and authenticity.
Investment potential: High-quality antiques can increase in value over time.
Sustainability: Buying antiques is a form of slow, circular consumption.
Where You Can Find Antiques
Antiques appear in several places, including:
antique shops and markets
estate sales
auctions
house clearances
specialist fairs
online marketplaces
charity shops (occasionally)
flea markets and car boot sales
Luck plays a role, and some of the best finds appear in unexpected places.
Tips for Identifying Antiques
Look for age indicators: Joinery, screws, materials and construction techniques can reveal the period.
Check for maker's marks: Stamps, signatures or labels can help date an item.
Examine patina: Natural wear on wood, metal and fabric often indicates authenticity.
Research the style: Understanding the era helps verify whether a piece is antique or reproduction.
Ask for provenance: Information about previous owners or original purchase can be valuable.
Antiques in the Second-Hand and Thrifting World
While true antiques are often sold through specialist markets, you can occasionally find them in:
charity shops
vintage boutiques
flea markets
yard sales
car boot sales
estate sales
Shoppers love antiques not only for their value but also for the stories and history they carry.
Related Terms
Discover vintage shops, charity shops and second-hand markets near you with the Ganddee app - your guide to unique and historical finds.