The antique and vintage items that are worth becoming a part of your collection

There’s a unique appeal to vintage and antique items that makes them highly prized among collectors, many of whom are nostalgic for times when they weren’t even alive and passionate about the history associated with the items. Many also think that things were typically of much better quality in the past and were made to last over many years, compared to their modern counterparts that often break after a handful of uses and are usually impossible to repair. 

The appeal of the vintage style is, in fact, so enormous that many other well-known collector’s items have started adopting a more vintage aesthetic as well. For instance, Funko Pop, the company known for its vinyl figures depicting an endless number of characters from numerous films and series, recently released a Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney figurine depicting them on a vintage Disneyland fire engine. The design was inspired by an actual vintage photo made by Renie Bardeau at Disneyland, which captured a moment when Walt Disney was in such a vehicle with his emblematic character, who is depicted leaning forward and waving. 

So, if you’re searching for some inspiration for your new collection, here are a few of the items you can start with. 

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-table-topped-with-a-painting-next-to-a-chair-qn5NTyUK2fg 

Textiles 

If you love beautiful designs, ancient craftsmanship, and vibrant patterns, you should definitely look into antique textiles. The Suzani should definitely be on your radar, as these delicate items are instantaneously eye-catching and would look amazing in any collection. They originated in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, but their technique is also known and employed in Iran and other Central Asian countries. 

Very few of those made before the 18th and 19th centuries survive to this day, but the tradition is ancient as brides would make a Suzani for themselves as part of their dowries so that they could have something to present their grooms with on the wedding day. They were also used as protective panels for both belongings and yurts, and their aesthetic appeal has made them popular in homes from all over the globe. Some of these historic textiles have been repurposed as well and are being used as wall art. 

Or, if you’re a Disney fan and want to add an amazing item to your collection, consider searching for limited-edition Disney bags and backpacks. In this way, you will have something unique, with a modern touch.

Victorian Tumblers 

When you’re thinking of the characteristics of the Victorian style, you envision something highly ornate and intricate, focused on rich colors, complex designs, and a mix of different influences. These features apply to fashion, architecture, and interior design alike, and many items still survive from that time and can be found in antique marketplaces. The Victorian tumblers are both bohemian and feminine, having a whimsical appeal to them as a result of the blooms they’re decorated with. 

These tumblers were made in the 1800s, shaped out of colorful molten glass into delicate cups and containers. All the designs are hand-painted and unique, as well as incredibly sturdy, considering the fact that they have remained intact for well over a century. Some Victorian tumblers are adorned with additional features as well, such as gilded rims. Back when they were first created, these tumblers came in sets of six that also included pitchers or punch bowls, but the likelihood of finding a full original set nowadays is very slim. 

Porcelain enamel 

Porcelain enamel is created by fusing powdered glass through a substrate via firing. The technology is very old and has been widely adopted by people from all over the world, being used across the applied arts landscape since ancient times. One of the earliest undisputed objects using enamel is a collection of Mycenaean rings from Cyprus dating to the 13th century BC. In Europe, enamel was most important and enjoyed the most usage during the Middle Ages. Limoges enamel, developed in the French city of the same name, became famous from the 12th century onwards, being produced on a large scale. 

China and Japan used a lot of enamel as well. In the case of the former, enamelware remained highly prized until the 19th century, and many pieces dating from as far back as the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) survive to this day, albeit in sparser numbers than their younger counterparts. Japanese enamel reached perfection in the 1870s when new techniques were adopted, and distinctively Japanese designs were increasingly incorporated, allowing Japanese enamels to become highly prized for both their quality and aesthetics at both the national and international levels. A lot of the enamel that will be available to buy from secondhand marketplaces is much more likely to date from around the 1950s, and you’ll most likely be able to find a wide array of plates, mugs, and platters. 

Make sure to avoid modern replicas, though, as they are much more fragile and prone to denting. 

Egg cups 

Collecting egg cups might sound peculiar to some, but the truth is that this hobby actually has its own name: pocillovy. While most people no longer use them nowadays, the ones that can be found in stores tend to be quite simple and minimalistic. Vintage egg cups, on the other hand, are an entirely different thing. Many of them are quite sophisticated, being decorated with natural motifs or made to resemble animals (with chickens being the most obvious choice). 

There are also some that are simply bright and cheery, the perfect addition to a gloomy Monday morning breakfast. 

Regency furniture 

More and more art and history enthusiasts are looking for ways to bring bygone eras into their homes as well, and there is no better way to do this than by mixing new and old furniture pieces together. One of the most popular styles today is that of Georgian and Regency furniture pieces. Some of them will look dated to those who are not into antiques, such as secretary desks. But others, like dining chairs, side tables, and chests of drawers, can easily be integrated into modern home environments and even bring a unique charm to what could otherwise be a rather bland ensemble. 

While you may think that such items would be exceedingly expensive, the truth is that they can be pretty affordable at auctions. It’s all about doing your research and knowing where to look. 

To sum up, if you’re thinking of bringing more vintage and antique items into your home, there are an endless number of options out there, all ready to make your home more beautiful.