![]() |
Interior Decorating Information |
|
|
Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?
The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference between an antique and collectible? Aren't collectibles and memorabilia really the same thing? In this month's column, I'll de-mystify these terms, so that you'll be appropriately armed for your next antique adventure. Antique Basically, an antique is something old that has value because of aesthetic or historical reasons. Generally, if a piece is over 100 years old, it is considered an antique. Although, I do know that some people use the 50-year mark for Canadian pieces; the rationale being that Canada is a young country relative to places such as Europe and Asia. However, I'm old fashioned and apply the 100-year definition to Canadian pieces. Collectible A collectible is something that is less than 100 years old that has value because of aesthetic or historical reasons. This term fills the gap for valuables that aren't quite old enough to be an antique. One category of collectible is items with intrinsic artistic merit. A stunning Art Deco table fits into this category. It was beautiful when it was made in the 1930s, is beautiful today and will still be beautiful when it hits the 100-year old mark. A second category is mass-produced collectibles. Beanie Babies, trading cards and Hummel figurines fit into this category. They don't necessarily have a lot of artistic merit. But manufacturers have created desirability by producing limited editions. Another category is items associated with particular people. For example, anything worn by the Beatles or Elvis Presley is collectible. Memorabilia There is a difference between collectibles and memorabilia. Collectibles are things that are ornamental. They never served an utilitarian purpose. A piece of memorabilia served a particular purpose. Movie posters, sports programs, cameras, television sets and musical instruments are all examples of items that fall into this category. Movie posters were used to sell movies. Sports programs were used to communicate information. And, cameras, television sets and musical instruments all serve a function. Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Interior-Decorating - Google News |
RELATED ARTICLES
Home Interior Design Tips on Decorating your Space with Wall Art How to Decorate your Space with Wall Pictures If a room in your house lacks character, by simply placing some fine art prints on the walls can actually make quite an impact. Wall pictures are a necessary accessory in your home and are great to tie in with the room's style and color accent. Summers Unexpected Outdoor Candelabra For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are using an unusual source of candle lighting. Fireplace candelabra-those candle holders intended for fireplaces-have moved outside for the summer!Fireplace candelabra were originally designed to hold candles in your fireplace when you want the glow of flickering flames but not the heat or hassle of wood or gas fires. Decorating With Lights and Shades Candlestick, lamp and fixtures for electricity must accord with the lines of your architectures and furniture. The mantelpiece is the connecting link between the architecture and furnishing of a room. Looking for a Butcher Block Table? Butcher Block Table - A Working Piece Of FurnitureA butcher block table combines the light and versatile design of a work table with the traditional look and durable practicality of a butcher block cutting surface.Many kitchen islands are essentially free-standing cabinets. The Benefits of Pre-finished Hardwood Floors Pre-finished floors come with an extended factory finish warranty unlike unfinished floors. The heavy duty finishes are urethane-based. Why Silk Plants Instead Of The Real Thing? Should I buy silk plants and flowers for my home or office or go with real ones? You should take into account a few factors that may help make your decision an easier one. Along with todays technology making silk plants look more lifelike than ever, below you will find ten reason to pick silk plants and flowers over the real thing. Keep Things In Order With A Written Home Decorating Plan Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start with. This helps keep you and your budget focused on the project. The Benefits of Ceiling Fan Lights One of the first improvements that ceiling fan inventor Philip Diehl made on his invention was the addition of an electric light. Back in 1882, when the ceiling fan was first created, this was a big deal. How to Choose Kitchen Sink Faucets Choosing appropriate faucets for your kitchen sink is as important as choosing the shape and size of the bowl. Faucets come in all shapes and sizes. Pass the Salt - Its a Hot Collectible Part of the attraction of any collectible is the story that surrounds it, and salt-cellars have a tale to tell. Here's what you need to know about this condiment collectible. Home Decorating & The Smaller Place "Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with this quote, it's normally associated with gifts not home decorating, but it should be.A one or two bedroom house, apartment, condo or townhouse can be just as impressive and grand as something with fifteen bathrooms, Wow, imaging having to clean all those, I have enough trouble with two. Home Décor for First Timers (no matter what your age) If you're like most people home décor is a puzzling subject. Unless you are innately artistic and have an eye for color and texture, home décor can become quite a challenge. Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space? Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most overlooked areas in most households interior design layout. In this article we'll discuss how to double the functional space in the bedrooms of your house. Kitchen Island Ideas for Great Custom Kitchen Islands Use kitchen island ideas to better understand how to create a more functional and comfortable kitchen. Using custom kitchen islands means having the most appropriate island for your home and kitchen area based on your kitchen space and your needs. Black and White Themed Teen Bedroom Decorating Ideas When we found out we were having twins, our teenage daughter volunteered to move into a smaller bedroom so that the twins could have the bigger one. It was definitely time to come up with a new bedroom theme! We also didn't have much space to work with or a lot of money to spend. Carlton Ware: A Colourful Collectible These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were when they were first introduced.OriginThe company Carlton Ware was formed in 1890 due to a partnership between J. How to Choose a Sofa for a Family with Kids If you have children in your home, what sort of sofa should you choose?With kids in the house, you probably need more seats. A 1 seated sofa is not as cost effective as a 3 seated sofa. Aluminum Mini Blinds Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a window treatment. They remain durable and easy to maintain regardless of humidity. An Introduction to Massage Chairs A comfortable recliner is the prime parking spot for many-a-man. Try plopping down in your dad's recliner and see how long it takes for him to make you move. Decorate Your Home for Joy Using Design Psychology What Is Design Psychology?Design Psychology exceeds "traditional" interior design practice by considering the effects of design elements on our five senses, as well as our emotions. Rather than decorating to impress or to follow a certain style, you can choose specific lighting, color, patterns, and other design elements to support your happiness and well-being. |
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |