Hello, it's Monday once again and that can mean only one thing! It's blog post time!
Being a new year, I always think of how to approach my buying game. In doing so, one must monitor trends within the industry and so, this week, I have been trying to do just that. Many hours of research later, I think I have managed to come up with a few areas where I see growth continuing or potential for new upcoming trends. And because I love you all I thought I'd share my findings with you. Of course, I'm not a professional trend forecaster, this is simply my own thoughts compiled from my own research, so please take from it what you will, but more importantly, please tell me in the comments below if you have your own thoughts...
So, as always, get that brew on and settle in for my top antique and collectible trends for 2021...
Image: Antique Home & Vintage Fair York
Mid-Century Modern
We've all witnessed it over the past few years. Yes, the mid-century modern boom is set to continue for a while and we're not just talking furniture. Almost anything related to this period is now of interest to collectors and dealers. There are no signs of this slowing any time soon.
Image: Photo by Sandra Plataz Hernandez
Vintage Fashion
No doubt fuelled by the young environmentally conscious, sites such as Etsy and Depop are reporting an increased demand. Millennials have started snapping up cheaply priced one-off pieces as an alternative to buying new. Pieces from the later periods of the 1980's, 90's and even the 00's (feeling old yet!!!) have become particularly popular.
Image: Courtesy of Ewbank's Auctions
Memorabilia
Travel posters from the 1960s and 70s and all things "Space" related (especially anything to do with Star Wars and the early Star Trek series) continue to be popular.
Demand for pop memorabilia and pop-culture items from the 60s, 70s and 80's have also moved upward, with old cameras and vinyl records, games and film posters continuing to gain traction.
Image: Available to buy here
Toys
Always a favourite, no matter what age you are! We've seen a steady increase in demand over the last few years as more and more young collectors have started buying their own childhood toys from the latter half of the twentieth century. Items from the 1960s all the way up to the 1990s are particularly desired.
Image: Courtesy of my friend over at www.wrenandrust.etsy.com
Antique Engagement Rings
This comes as no surprise having worked in an antique centre. Stylish brides-to-be are becoming more and more drawn to the old world charm and uniqueness of an antique engagement ring. Not only that, we are all (I hope) becoming more environmentally conscious and are discovering that you can get a damn sight more for your money, while saving the planet at the same time!
Image: Courtesy of Antiques Trade Gazette
Victorian
Apparently, according to a few pieces I have read, no other category has had such a dramatic increase than items from the Victorian period. According to reports, millennials have started snapping up cheaply priced Victorian pieces as an alternative to buying new, and again, with an eye to helping the environment. Furniture and the more quirky decorative pieces are apparently starting to sell quite well.
So, Ladies and Gentlemen, you can see exactly what is going to happen in the not too distant future. The mid-century modern boom, at some stage, will give way to the old brown antique furniture that you can pick up right now for next to nothing! So, investing in it now might just be a very shrewd move!
Chinese Antiques
Both buying and selling within this area continues to be strong, certainly within the international market. Recent sales of bronze figures and porcelain objects from dynasties such as the Ch’ing are setting record prices. Virtually anything that can be shown to have a connection to the mainland's past continues to sell quickly.
Silver and Gold
In the light of world events, we witnessed a record gold price last year and with continued uncertainty surrounding financial markets, people continue to look to invest their money in something more secure, and both gold and silver are proving popular choices.
So, there you have it, take from it what you will. I've shown you mine, now you show me yours... your PREDICTIONS... in the comments section below.
That's it for this week folks. I hope you've enjoyed this little prediction for 2021. Remember, if you like my blog, please show your support by subscribing to it.
Until next week, stay safe, keep buying those antiques and keep spreading that Source Vintage love!
Cheerio!
Stephen
Owner Source Vintage
Shop from Source Vintage here
Hi Brigette,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It’s so nice to hear what other people’s opinions are. You could well find yourself at the forefront of the brown furniture renaissance very soon! Good on you! People’s shopping habits are already changing and I’m almost certain that in the not too distant future, we will all be a part of a booming industry! Fingers crossed! I will check your website out and I’ll give you a shout if I ever need some chair restoration! Best of luck for the coming year. Stephen
Afternoon Julian,
I am a newcomer to your blog, I find I am agreeing with most of what you are saying.
I’m a professional re-seater based in East Devon, of antique and modern chairs with split cane and rush (and other materials!) (since 1985!!)
How I long for the return to fashion of “Brown” furniture.
It is well made, and can be restored to its former glory.
I often don’t get the commission to reseat a ‘brown’ chair because (unless the chair has sentimental strings) the owner says the cost of restoration does not justify the value of the chair.
I have a shed full of ‘brown’ chairs that I have rescued, I am hoping the general public come to realise that flat packed furniture will not last for decades as the older styles has.
www.canecorner.co.uk
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks so much for commenting. It’s great to hear your thoughts and experiences. I’m convinced there’s going to be an antiques and vintage boom just around the corner! I’m very excited about the future, I think it’s very bright for the trade, we just need to get through this difficult patch… I’m a fan of Scandinavian jewellery, it’s such fantastic design. There’s definitely been an increase in demand for 70’s modernist / brutalist pieces. I think you’re right, I’m certain people will move towards upcycling older pieces of furniture. Thanks so much for your kind words of support, it really does mean the world to me that people are getting some enjoyment out of my blogs, it makes it all worthwhile! All the best to you for 2021!
I agree with you on the Victorian pieces and especially jewellery I recently sold a few Victorian paste and rolled gold on brass ive never had so many views and bidders ive also notice a trend towards the silver charms they are being bought a lot, the complete charm bracelets that is in auction,and being a collectors of charms im not seeing a lot of or if any of the ones ive collected in the past. I’m all for second hand,and giving a piece of furniture a good home as with all my jewellery ive notice the modernist fetching huge prices for a while as with Danish jewellery it always fetches a great price, I think in the lock down it will make people think twice about throwing somethings away and buying second hand or even upcycling things we live in a terrible throw away society. I love your blog well done 👍♥️♥️♥️
Hi Julian,
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and I’m pleased you enjoyed my post. It’s funny you should mention this, I read something similar during my research. It’s so very interesting to hear different dealer’s experiences and what they predict for the coming year. I really hope more dealers comment here with their thoughts. Thanks again. All the best, Stephen