Vintage, Antique, and Retro are terms used to describe items made in the past.  Though they are used interchangeably, there are differences between what is considered vintage, antique, and retro as each one is focused on a particular time period.  The definition of “antique”, for example, is not the same as “vintage” or “retro”.  So, what are the differences?  How old does an item have to be before it is vintage?  What is considered a retro piece?  Can items produced in the 1980’s be antique?

First and foremost, age and time periods are the key differences between the terms.  Antique refers to anything over 100 years old.  The word “antique” is an ancient French term that translates to “old” or “aged”.  The expression is used to describe objects that have special significance as a result of their age, design element, and rarity.  Antique items are known for their craftsmanship as they were produced by hand over a century ago, before the advent of factory manufacturing.  The style and design of a Chippendale dining chair produced in the 18th century, for example, will look quite different in style and substance from a Saarinen dining chair produced in the 20th century.  Since items considered antique are no longer produced, they tend to be rare and exceedingly valuable.  Not only do antiques give one a look at the past but they can provide a glimpse into what the next design style or concept will be.

Vintage refers to anything produced under 100 years.  The word derives from the French term “vendage” to describe the year and location of where a quality wine was produced.  The meaning used in collectible circles, however, refers to the time period in which an item was manufactured.  A vintage 1970’s Ford Mustang, for example, provides a specific understanding of an item’s year, design concept, and location.  Though most vintage pieces are not as rare or valuable as antiques, they are still valued for their originality and authenticity, and are important to collectors because of their design, quality, purpose, and sense of nostalgia as many vintage products are still functional, enabling them to be seamlessly integrated into modern lifestyles.

While vintage and antique refer to older items, "retro" is related to anything made in the present to mimic a vintage or antique piece of the past.  The term is an abbreviation of the French word “retrospectif” and is used to consider styles that have been produced in earlier time periods.  Retro items are deliberately made to look like older pieces that were popular 50 to 100 years earlier.  It focuses on products, fashions, and artistic styles of the 19th century up to the 1980’s.  Because retro products tend to be reproductions, they are not valued as highly as antique and vintage items.  A women’s gold sequin jumpsuit made in 2023 to mimic a Halston 1970’s Studio 54 silk disco jumpsuit, for example, is a retro item that may be popular in the present but not highly valued or collectible as it is not authentic.