How Do I Get the Best Antique Products for Home Décor?

Antique products for home décor purposes are a relatively new concept to enter the realm of Indian home décor. I only say so because being reminded to collect antiques is quite a foreign concept for Indians. Also, coming from a South Indian family myself, I am proud to say that most of the antique pieces I own have been passed down through the generations. From radiant brass and bronze that sits on my kitchen shelves to the heavy urlis scattered about my home, very few have been bought by me.

Image Credit: Sairam

In addition to getting used to décor gurus urging us to buy antiques for décor, I also wonder how my grandmother would react, seeing how we are now using lotas as bud vases and brass tea kettle centerpieces in tablescapes. However, I must say that she has warmed to the idea over the last few years, and it is certainly refreshing to hear an unfiltered “antique décor” opinion from her.

What Is Antique Décor?

Antique décor refers to a décor style that includes pieces used from an era or a period long gone that can also use elements that replicate the styles and aesthetics of the said period. These days, numerous décor enthusiasts use a mix of authentic antiques or vintage pieces and newly crafted elements that are finished in an antique style.

White Brass Shell Plate

Antique décor extends into architecture, materials, color palettes, and even lifestyle integrations, not restricted to brass and bronze as many would consider it to be. Then again, brass and bronze pieces are critical to the Indian Antique Décor scene where tradition holds the upper hand. Much like the jewelry that accompanies a bride to her new home, she is also given vessels from decades ago to celebrate new beginnings under the valuable guidance of tradition.

What Is the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Décor?

A question I most often get asked is how one can discern between antiques and vintage pieces. Provided they have been procured under reasonable means and have genuine providence, both antiques and vintage pieces have immense value.

Bronze Vilakku – Vishnu Vilakku

By definition, antiques must be very close to or have crossed the 100-year mark of their lifespan to earn the tag. Vintage pieces, however, can be awarded the name at a few decades old. Most heirlooms fall under the vintage category but aren’t considered invaluable to collectors, more so to those that receive it from their elders.

As far as value goes, both antiques and vintage pieces make for a lovely addition to your collection, one far more expensive than the other, but no less beautiful. My advice to new collectors is this: Do not pay hefty sums for a single piece that is high maintenance. Instead, pick a few vintage products that you can cherish as your own to bring a bit of the past home.

 Using Antique Products in Contemporary And Modern Settings

Antique décor, primarily Indian Antique Décor, is one of the few décor styles that can be integrated into any space. So, while most Millennials might not be committed to transforming their 2BHK apartments into an Indian Antique lover’s dream, they can most definitely include golden-hued brass/bronze statement pieces into their brutalist décor themes.

Bronze Cashew Kooja

A radiant kooja as a console table accent, a beautiful brass tea kettle as a centerpiece in a tablescape, and even a large Kunda that radiates warmth when holding muddy planters- all have the potential to elevate even the most mundane of spaces.

How Do I Get the Best Vintage or Antique Products?

There’s no doubt that you can get the best. Numerous antique sellers, including ourselves, have started E-Commerce stores to make stunning pieces available in a way they couldn’t have been before. I have been on a long journey from when I first started collecting these radiant pieces of yore. It began with showcasing my heirlooms, and slowly, I branched out to buying from antique shops in the area and online. Here are a few things to look into before you make the jump into antique products:

1. I would recommend that you acquaint yourself with your likes and dislikes before jumping right into it. However, I must admit that some impulse purchases inadvertently find their way into your heart.
2. Never buy anything that you do not have space for or aren’t willing to care for in the long run.
3. A vintage piece has the potential to be a positive addition to your home décor, just like an antique does, which means that you don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket with every purchase.
4. Save the things passed down to you and make it a point to pass them down.

I hope you enjoyed reading this quick guide on Antique products for your home décor! So go on and decorate your space with all things old and beautiful!

Browse through a myriad of vintage pieces for your home, at The Ancient Madurai Studio!