Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between antique and retro?
1 Answer

The difference between antique and retro is the age of the pieces that the terms describe. Antique is the term for jewelry, furniture, home goods and decorative objects that are 100 years old or older. Anything between 20 and 99 years old is vintage, while things produced in the last 20 years are contemporary. Retro means that something looks like it's from another era. In some cases, an item described as retro may actually be an antique or vintage piece, or it may be a contemporary item inspired by the design styles of the past. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
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Shop for Furniture on 1stDibs
Il Viaggio di Nettuno Set of 4 Bread Plates by Luke Edward Hall by GINORI 1735
Located in Milan, IT
This elegant set of four bread plates a vibrant dance of colors and a stunning combination of classic and modern aesthetics. Designed by Luke Edward Hall, these pieces in porcelain i...
Category
2010s Italian Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
Oriente Italiano Malachite Ming Vase by GINORI 1735
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Oriente Italiano Collection, this Ming-style vase is crafted of porcelain and boasts the superb decoration. Its green background is adorned with a series of blue patterns...
Category
2010s Italian Vases
Materials
Porcelain
Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 52 crystal glass petals
By Mazzega
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 52 clear glass petal, brass plated metal structure. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do not do the beauty, luster of thes...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Art Glass
20th century design brown ceramic and leather decorative box by Longchamps Paris
By Longchamps
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Longchamps Paris
Decorative brown ceramic and leather box
Original perfect condition
Vintage decorative piece
Signed under the base Longchamps Paris
Height 20 cm
Large 11 cm
...
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Leather
Polpo Martini Glass by Simone Crestani
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Polpo Collection, the Polpo Martini Glass features the mesmerizing elegance of an octopus, seemingly climbing the glass stem. Crafted with remarkable precision, this piec...
Category
2010s Italian Glass
Materials
Glass
$299 / item
Murano Glass Pendant Lamps Pair Lantern Iridescent Blue Glass Lights, circa 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Murano Glass Pendant Lamps Pair Lantern Iridescent Blue Glass Lights, circa 1960, Italy- priced as a pair- 6.7" x 24.5" (light shade only, hardware bottom to top) overall height/drop...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass