Vintage or Antique?
You already know there’s no greater thrill than scoring that one-of-a-kind find, but once you’ve acquired it, you might find yourself wondering—vintage or antique?
As your go-to source for the design community when only the perfect storied piece will do, we take pride in offering the best of both. Our Boutique and Atelier dream team is always on hand—ready to point you in the right direction or assist with an upholstery glow-up, featuring your favorite CB textiles and performance fabrics, of course.
Everything else? Anything newer on the secondary market is simply pre-owned or secondhand. Add “retro” to the mix, and you might have a recipe for confusion. Most often, it refers to vintage-inspired reproductions, so be sure to check manufacturer details, materials, and dates when available.
If you’re on the ground scouring Round Top, Brimfield, Les Puces, and beyond, identifying a piece on the spot isn’t always easy—but that’s part of the fun! Need a second opinion? We’re here to help. Talking it through while you search for the perfect Casa Branca vintage or antique find to complete your moment is one of our favorite parts. If the perfect piece proves elusive—try us! We love a sourcing challenge.
In the meantime, here are a few gold-standard guidelines to help show the way:
✤ Construction & Materials ✤
ANTIQUE
Handmade, often with dovetail joints, mortise-and-tenon construction, and rich hardwoods like mahogany, oak, or walnut.
VINTAGE
Some machine production but still solid craftsmanship—think mid-century modern teak, rosewood, and even the occasional Formica or metal.
✤ Hardware & Joinery ✤
ANTIQUE
Hand-cut dovetails, wooden pegs, hand-forged nails.
VINTAGE
Machine-cut dovetails, metal screws, newer adhesives.
✤ Style & Design ✤
ANTIQUE
Victorian, Edwardian, Rococo, Baroque, Chippendale—ornate, intricate, and steeped in history.
VINTAGE
Mid-century modern, Art Deco, Danish Modern, Postmodern—sleek, chic, and sometimes a little groovy.
