Antique and vintage pieces of furniture, understanding the difference.
The notion of antique typically refers to an original piece of furniture that is more than 100 years old and that was made by hand, even though some pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries may be considered as antique despite being produced by mechanised methods.
Vintage furniture for its part was produced from the 1940s until the 1990s. Hence, a simple way to differentiate between antique and vintage furniture would be to identify the period before the Second World War as antique while the second half of the 20th century applies to vintage furnishings.
Style or period furniture?
From the beginning of the French modern monarchy until the French Third Empire, each ruler endeavoured to leave his imprint on the aesthetics of his time and thus established his name to describe artistic, architectural, and furniture styles. Hence, period furniture is made during the period corresponding to the name of the appropriate style.
However, it is important to note that a particular style may last through several centuries allowing a piece of a particular style to be made after the period corresponding to its name. Even if considered as a re-interpretation, it may be classed as antique if it is more than a century old.
Louis XIII, King of France from 1610 to 1643.
Set of two armchairs in Louis XIII style, dating from the 18th century.
Master the mix of genres for an interior with character!
Antique furniture is timeless as it evolves and adapts to new fashions and trends. It conveys the atmosphere of a bygone era and brings uniqueness to a contemporary interior.
To achieve this ageless mixing and integration we provide you with the opportunity to own restored antique furnishings adapted to reflect your personality! Don’t hesitate to opt for bold colors and oversized pieces which will provide a striking contrast and a feeling of grandeur to complement modern furniture to create your uniquely special interior.
Adopt an antique or vintage style without limiting yourself to furniture. Expand your opportunity for individuality by adding other decorative items to your rooms such as picture frames, vases and mirrors which will bring elegant detail to your interior and create that something chic and special which we call “the French touch”.
Empire style mahogany desk dating from 1850.
Discover more about French antique furniture on French Atmosphere online boutique