Vintage or retro: is there a difference and how does it affect your interior design choices? These are the questions we’ll cover in this article.
What is Vintage?
There are many nuanced definitions of the term, but they generally agree that overall vintage is anything produced at least 20 years ago up to 99 years ago. Something 100 years old or more is the common definition of antique. More specifically, vintage tends to encompass the period of the 1920s to the 1980s. This timeframe is broken into uniquely named concurrent and consecutive design eras, the most well-known being Bauhaus (1919-1933), Art Deco (1920-1939), Midcentury Modern (1933-1970), and Modern (1940-1980s). You also often hear of Contemporary Style, which is exactly what it sounds like: the current prevailing style.
What is Retro?
It is generally accepted that retro refers to a reproduction of the original. It is not a fake. That is, it is not manufactured with the intent to defraud. Retro conveys a vibe – the feeling of a particular time. The most popular tend to be the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Formica kitchen tables with vinyl-covered chairs and refrigerators in the styles and colors of the 1950s are extremely popular, as are furniture pieces and accessories created in the styles of Midcentury Modern.
How to Use Vintage or Retro or Both!
Vintage pieces are often sought after not just because of the design but the attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship. But as with anything, there are good and bad examples of each. This is true of retro pieces as well. It is important to know what is real and what is a poor imitation of the real thing when choosing pieces for your interior design. And consider that within each era, there are overlapping and decidedly different styles. The clean lines and bold colors of Bauhaus (1919-1933) are a strong contrast to the curved lines and jewel tones associated with Art Deco (1920-1939). There are significant differences even within the Midcentury Modern era.
It is quite possible to mix all of these in a pleasing way, curating an inviting design for your home. An overall theme and color palette are the foundation for choosing furniture and accessories that complement each other.
For example, Bauhaus Movement and Midcentury Modern pieces are quite compatible. Both emphasize furnishings manufactured from wood or metal, or wood and metal. Functionality is a design philosophy in both. Integration with nature was integral to both. And bold colors feature prominently in both Bauhaus and Midcentury Modern design.
Finding Vintage or Retro Pieces
Actual period pieces can be expensive, but with the rise in interest in them, so has the opportunity to purchase them from vintage shops. There are also estate and farm sales that often have pieces that, while not the most select pieces, are well built and good representatives of the time. These sales often include inexpensive decorative pieces that evoke the sentiment of a bygone era. With a little research on what details to look for, a person can find all manner of treasures. There are also many outlets for well-made reproductions at a wide range of price points.
There are many ways to incorporate vintage or retro design into your personal style. You can go all out if the style you embrace is almost a way of life. Layers of furniture, accessories, artwork and accents can create a tableau that reflects the era that resonates with you. Or you can add a few pieces compatible with the rest of the design that form a focal point in the room to suggest the era you’re after.
Interior designers are experts in assisting clients with melding design elements with the feeling they want to impart in their homes. Along with their expertise in design, they often have resources for locating authentic items or sourcing reproductions. The good news is you don’t have to make a choice between vintage or retro to achieve the results you desire!
Decorating with Vintage – 10 Ways to Add Character to Your Home
