From statement Tiffany lamps to brass ornaments and antique oak side tables, vintage interiors are having a major moment.
With Google searches for “vintage homeware” up 52% and Pinterest naming Opera Aesthetics as a key trend this year, it’s clear the appetite for vintage-inspired interiors is gaining momentum.
However, over the past two years, 32% of buyers have been scammed, most commonly by receiving incorrect or counterfeit goods, on second-hand marketplace apps.
Why are vintage items becoming popular?
Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, shares why more people are investing in vintage and antique items and rejecting the once popular modern minimalism.
She says: “Vintage and antique décor has an unmatched ability to completely transform a space when styled thoughtfully. Vintage elements instantly inject a sense of character, charm, and storytelling to a room, making a space feel more curated and intentional rather than just buying furniture for a functional space.
“We’re seeing many more trends lean into vintage aesthetics. This year especially, we can expect to see more of a rejection of modern minimalism and see people embrace characterful interiors through the opera aesthetic and curated clutter trends, both of which embrace eclectic maximalist spaces.”
Natalia Willmott, Vintage and Antique Expert, adds: “There’s also a strong sustainability angle. Buying vintage is one of the most responsible ways to furnish a home, because you’re extending the life of something already beautifully made. But just as important is the story element. A few small vintage pieces on a coffee table can spark conversation and connection.”
How can people distinguish between genuine vintage items and reproduced pieces?
Whilst 32% of people claimed to have been scammed buying second hand in the past two years, Magdalena at Barker and Stonehouse fears that these will only but increase amid the rise in vintage popularity.
Although buying online and through marketplace apps can make research more difficult, Natalia shares advice on spotting genuine from counterfeit.
“Weight, materials and finish are often the biggest clues, along with hallmarks and signatures. Taking time to look at objects and slowly learn about them is essential. Visiting museums and auction houses is invaluable because you can handle pieces and train your eye.
Vintage ceramics, for example, usually feel heavier and more substantial, with glazes that have depth rather than uniformity. Signs of age — wear, patina and small imperfections — are usually reassuring, not something to be afraid of. I’d also encourage people to buy from trusted dealers who are transparent about age, origin and condition, rather than relying solely on visual cues.”, she says.
Sally Vickers from Banwell’s adds: “Spotting genuine vintage is all about craftsmanship, wear, and subtle details. Genuine pieces show natural signs of age: worn edges, patina, slight asymmetry, or oxidation.
Look for quality materials and construction. Marks, labels, or maker’s stamps can confirm authenticity. Lastly, trust your senses: the feel, weight, and even smell of a vintage item often reveals its age in ways reproductions can’t replicate.”
Magdalena concludes by encouraging the second hand and reclaimed movement within the interiors space. “Buy better, buy once has always been at the heart of our brand, and it’s great to see people putting more thought into their furniture purchases. Whilst scams can be common, adhering to expert advice will dramatically reduce homeowner’s chances of falling victim to scammers. Research is critical.”
