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Vintage or retro? Why origin matters
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Imagine you discover two tables. Both in the style of the 1960s. One made of heavy walnut, with a patina and an old engraving under the top. The other: smooth and flawless – but somehow without a history.
The difference? The first is vintage. The second: retro.
And this difference is not a detail, but it decides whether you buy substance – or just the look.
Vintage vs. Retro – the clear distinction
The two terms are often confused, sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes intentionally.
But if you want to decorate sustainably and consciously, it's good to know the difference.
| Expression | Meaning |
|
Vintage |
Genuine pieces of furniture from past decades (mostly 1920–1990) – originals with history |
| Retro | Newly produced furniture in the style of earlier times – visually similar, but without historical substance |
Vintage lives – retro plays. Both can look good – but not both last.
Why real vintage is more sustainable
A real vintage piece of furniture doesn’t have to be built – it already exists.
This alone saves material, energy, and emissions. And they were usually made of wood, steel, leather, or glass—materials that last for decades.
Retro furniture, on the other hand?
- Often lightweight construction, MDF, foil instead of veneer.
- Newly produced
- Rarely lasts longer than the trend it cites.
For us, sustainable living means not buying something new that has already been well built.
How to tell the difference
You don't have to be an expert in design history – but you should develop an eye for the real thing.
Pay attention to:
- Material: Vintage is often heavier, more grippy, and of higher quality.
- Traces: scratches, fading, patina – not defects, but character.
- Construction: Screws instead of staples. Solid parts instead of foil on chipboard.
- Labels: brand stamps, serial numbers, origin – often an indication of design classics.
More tips: How to recognize real vintage furniture →
And what exactly is “antique”?
A third term that often comes up in this context is antique . This refers to furniture that is over 100 years old—i.e., made before 1920.
Let’s think of the Wilhelminian period, Biedermeier or classic farmhouse furniture.
They can also be sustainable. But stylistically, they are often less compatible with modern interiors. Vintage is more directly compatible.
Conclusion: Retro imitates – vintage remains real
Retro can be pretty. But true vintage carries weight—literally and figuratively.
It tells a story. It ages gracefully. It's not made to look old—it's made to grow old.
If you want to decorate consciously, origin matters. And attitude.
That's why at 2nd home we only curate genuine originals – tested, transparent and ready for their next chapter in your home.
