WHAT ARE WORDS

Let’s set the bar straight with these variables: most of us get mixed up with these three terms when it comes to architectural and decor jargon.

What is antique?

Most authorities consider the actual definition of the term ‘antique’ to mean an age of at least 100 years. If an item is not definitively datable to 100 or more years in age, it should not be directly referred to as an “antique.”Additionally, according to  Merriam Webster, an antique is “a relic or object of ancient times” or “a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago.”

What is vintage?

So if antiques are things that are 100 years old or older, what are vintage pieces? The definition of vintage is a little complicated. The term vintage relates primarily to cars, wine and is an altered form of the French word ‘vendage’, meaning “the grapes picked during a season.”  Well, we are not about wine but in a nut shell, according to Robin Lane  “an item described as ‘vintage’ should speak of the era in which it was produced. Vintage can mean an item is of a certain period of time, as in ‘vintage 1950’s’ but it can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality, or qualities, associated with or belonging to that specific era. In other words, for the term vintage to accurately apply to it, an item should be somewhat representational and recognizable as belonging to the era in which it was made.” Ruby Lane also suggests that ‘vintage’ should not be used in reference to objects less than 20 years old. 

What is Baroque?

Baroque is a style characterized by rich embellished detail. “Baroque Art” originated in Rome at the beginning of the 17th Century. This style favors’ higher volumes, exaggerated decorations, colossal use of huge sculptures, huge furniture and deep rich colors on soft furnishings. Architects, sculptors, painters and interior designers use Baroque style to express emotion, movement & variety. The rich and famous see this extravagance and use it as a means to impress and express power and affluence. Baroque style is also popular with the Catholic Church in order to communicate religious themes.

There now you have content for a conversation over some vintage wine.