There was a time when it was all so simple. An antique mall was just that, a building where you purchased antiques.
In the antique malls of 2014 you will still find ample antiquity (objects that are 100 years old or older) but, on an ever increasing scale, you will also find a large percentage of the merchandise being described as retro, vintage and Mid-Century Modern (MCM).
Not certain what these terms mean? Let me see if I can help.
The terms retro and vintage are often used interchangeably, but each of them have a definite meaning. Vintage refers to objects that were produced during a certain time period, while retro refers to objects that have the appearance of coming from a set era whether they were constructed then or more recently. The easiest way to remember the difference is that vintage refers to construction, while retro refers to appearance.
Retro items run the gambit of collecting, from mod 70′s style clothing and 1960′s kitchen gadgets to Hot Wheels and movie posters. Price ranges for retro items vary, depending on age, with original pieces running 2-3 times their more recently produced counterparts.
Objects are considered vintage if they are more than 30 and less than 100 years old. Current popular items in this category include, 1970′s art glass, bar ware 1950-1970, luggage from 1940-1960, sports memorabilia from 1930-1950 and jewelry and clothing from 1940-1970. Note to the those who are budget conscious — many of these items are still available at thrift shops sales and flea markets. However, I would not count on that lasting.
In 1983 book Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950′s, author Cara Greenberg introduced furniture collectors to MCM furniture design and it continues to trend in 2014. You will most commonly hear it used to describe furniture and home decorator pieces from 1945-1965.
Mid-20th Century America was a time of experimentation for furniture designers who used plywood, fiberglass and molded plastic in their creations. The simplicity of Scandinavian design was a heavy influence during this era, reflected not only in furniture but also in ceramics, glassware and table ware. Armless chairs and sectionals, amoeba shaped tables and pencil leg credenzas and chests are popular MCM furnishings. Light fixtures from this era include pendant lamps, Sputnik chandeliers in chrome and chain suspended hanging lamps. For the walls collectors watch for abstract paintings and string and metal art.
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com.