Is it vintage? Is it antique? Is it just Grandma's? Let's sort it out.
These words get tossed around a lot, and not always correctly. Here's what they mean, so you know exactly what you're looking at when you shop.
Antique: 100 years or older
An antique is generally a piece that is at least 100 years old. That's the rule most dealers, auction houses and collectors follow, and it's the line U.S. Customs uses too. As of today, that means pieces made in the 1920s or earlier. The line moves every year, so a 1926 piece becomes an antique in 2026.
Vintage: about 20 to 99 years old
Vintage usually means a piece that is at least 20 years old but under 100. Some sellers draw the line at 25 or 30 years. Either way, vintage pieces clearly belong to the era they came from. Today that covers roughly the 1930s through the early 2000s.
Retro: a look, not an age
Retro describes a style that looks back to an earlier time, especially the 1950s through the 1970s. A retro piece can be truly old, or it can be brand new and made to look old. When you see "retro style," check the listing for the actual age.
Other words you'll see
- Mid-century: pieces from roughly the 1940s to the 1960s, often with clean lines and atomic or modern designs.
- Victorian: made during Queen Victoria's reign, 1837 to 1901.
- Edwardian: about 1901 to 1910.
- Art Deco: the bold, geometric style of the 1920s and 1930s.
- Collectible: anything people actively collect, whatever its age.
- Reproduction: a newer piece made to copy an older one. Reproductions aren't bad, but they shouldn't be sold as originals.
Quick cheat sheet
- 100+ years old: antique
- 20 to 99 years old: vintage
- Any age, old-fashioned look: retro
How we use these words at Oddly Darling
When we call something antique, we believe it's at least 100 years old. When we call it vintage, it's at least 20. When we're not sure of the exact date, our listings give an estimated era and tell you what it's based on, such as marks, materials or style. Want to learn to date pieces yourself? Try our guides on reading pottery and porcelain marks, dating vintage costume jewelry and dating antique photographs.
See it in person: true antiques in the shop
Each of these is 100 years old or more. Each one is a single piece, so when it's gone, it's gone.
Keep browsing:
Antique photographs →Mid-century jewelry →New arrivals →
Keep reading: Georgian vs. Victorian · How to Date Vintage Costume Jewelry · Start Here: All of Our Vintage Guides
What's the oldest thing in your house? Is it truly antique, vintage, or just retro at heart? Tell us in the comments.