Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the difference between antique and retro?

1 Answer
What is the difference between antique and retro?
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
Shop for Furniture on 1stDibs
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office. ...
Category

2010s Turkish International Style Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office...
Category

2010s Turkish International Style Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

White Surfer Bookcase, Bookshelves, Design object
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
"Add a Touch of Contemporary Artistry to Your Space with the White Surfer Bookcase Bookshelves Design Object Elevate your interior decor with the White...
Category

2010s Turkish Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Office Chair, International Style Wooden Office Chair
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom sp...
Category

2010s Turkish International Style Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, Walnut

ONIX Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Dedar Velvet Tiger Mountain
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, Onix pouf exudes quiet luxury and natural beauty. Onix is upholstered with Tiger Mountain, an opulent and luxurious jacquard velvet fabric from italian...
Category

2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Jacquard, Velvet

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Sconce in Brass and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Italian wall sconce from the 1950s, made of brass and solid opaline glass, exemplifying the refined elegance of Mid-Century Modern and Italian modernist design. The overall compositi...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Shop All