Antiques are old objects made in days gone by, technically 100 or more years ago. They could be old furniture, decorative items, paintings, prints, dresses, textiles, etc. Their design and style generally do not fit in today’s modern world, yet they are still sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Why, then, do people love antiques?
- Their beauty. Antiques are generally hand-made and are the result of skilled artisans’ craftsmanship. They are beautiful, well-made and pleasing to look at. They could evoke feelings of joy, amazement, awe and even wonder. Antiques could add elegance, character or a personal statement to a home. For people who have artistic inclinations, repairing even a broken antique is a way to build on the original design of the antique and convert it to something unique, functional and equally beautiful.
- Their historical and cultural significance. Antiques connect people to a time period long gone – the historical events during that period, the particular culture at that time, how the artisan made the antique object, the materials he used to make it, the time it took him to make it, who originally used the object and how it was used. How many other people used it after the original owner, who were they, how did it end up in this current generation? In short, antiques educate and tell a story. Because they are a symbol of the time period when they were created, they remind us how it was to live during that period. The buyer of the antique may use it in a way that is different from what it was intended to be used for which, in a way, continues the antique’s story to the present and, who knows, to another use in the future.
- Their value. It is precisely the old age of antiques that draw people to them. If an antique could survive 100 years or more and still retain its beauty, quality and utility, then it’s worthwhile to have them. Having an antique at home could also be a status symbol. Antique sellers and dealers love antiques because of their monetary value. Rare, unique and well-preserved antiques could command a high price in the market. But the value of an antique does not only lie in its monetary value. Heirlooms, passed down through generations, have a sentimental value that cannot be measured in money.
- The “thrill of the chase” and personal enjoyment. Looking for a particular antique would be like bargain hunting and finding it gives pride and joy to the antique collector who collects particular antiques, not because of their monetary return, but because he enjoys antique collection as a hobby.
- Their usefulness. Some antiques may not be whole objects but used to be parts of a set. They could be antique doorknobs or stained glass that used to be part of a window. These antiques could be sought after and used as a component of modern furnishings or a house part, giving a unique flair to the home.
As mentioned, real antiques are very expensive. For people who don’t quite have the funds, another option in the market for them can be getting the replicas. Antique Reproduction Shop makes amazing antique furniture replicas which have the same feel and look that a home can have without making a dent in the bank account.