Antique, Vintage and Retro are all popular buzzwords when it comes to speaking of, ironically enough, current trends in the fashion and décor industries. But is there a difference between a retro chair and an antique chair? Say the phrase retro-style furniture and we immediately conjure up images of funky and original timepieces, circa the 1950’s. But when we think of antique furniture, something more along the lines of Queen Elizabeth the First’s bedroom furniture would probably be more accurate. And where does vintage come into play?

According to the modern definition, antique is defined as anything that is over a hundred years old, so that’s pretty straightforward. But what about ‘retro’ and ‘vintage’? This is where things get fuzzier than the shag carpet in an upscale New York apartment.

To simplify, ‘vintage’ is a term that is usually used to refer to something of quality from a certain time period. ‘Retro’ can be used in a similar context, but it usually just refers to something from a past time, without implying the quality of the particular item. Using this information, all purses from 1970 are retro, but only the high quality ones (designer) can be accurately labeled vintage.

These words are actually pretty important. You could try to decorate your bachelor pad with a 1970’s retro theme but unless you use quality pieces, it will just end up looking like you’re a suffering student whose main shopping haunts include the alley dumpster and the Salvation Army Thrift Store. But, if you decorate your apartment using vintage timepieces circa 1970, you just might be able to pull it off. Unfortunately, your great uncle’s worn sofa just isn’t going to cut it.

But now you know. So next time you pick up a fashion magazine and they talk about wearing ‘vintage’ Gucci to achieve that ‘retro’ look, you will know exactly what they are talking about.

Alana Morgaine