Antique & Vintage Americana Is Back... Thanks Millennials!

Old School Becomes New School Cool

American Flag Quilt

New York - It's definitely not your grand parents Bicentennial dining room, but it may just contain a few of those long treasured nationally themed items. At least according to a rising group of dealers, interior designers and emerging collectors who say that Americana is experiencing a revival not seen since the mid-1970s. Many of these industry insiders claim that in recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among millennials towards embracing the early American and Bicentennial style as part of a shift away from post-war modernism and the Mid-Century motif. This surge in interest has not only revived appreciation for these historical pieces, according to experts, but has also significantly impacted their market prices.

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Simple Sells - Tavern Table

One of the key reasons behind this trend is millennials' growing appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship. "Millennials are drawn to items with a story and a sense of history," says Susan Palmer, owner of Palmer Antiques. "The handmade quality and unique designs of early American antiques resonate deeply with their desire for individuality and sustainability." This generation, often characterized by their preference for experiences over possessions, finds a unique connection with antiques that have stood the test of time. "There's a tangible connection to the past that you just can't replicate with modern, mass-produced items," adds Palmer. Items such as authentic ladder-back chairs, simple tavern tables and even period correct Shaker baskets are all selling well says Palmer. 

The sustainability aspect also plays a crucial role. As awareness about environmental issues grows, more millennials are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. "Antiques are inherently sustainable," notes Jane Smith, a historian specializing in American decorative arts at the Heritage Preservation Society. "By purchasing and repurposing these items, millennials are making a conscious choice to support sustainable practices." This shift towards ethical consumption aligns with the values of many millennials. Instead of contributing to the demand for new, resource-intensive products, they are choosing to invest in pieces that already exist and carry a sense of history.

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American Themed Cast-Iron Doorstop

For Nancy Shier, who owns and operates an antique and vintage collective in downtown Nashville, that sense of repurposing, combined with a curiosity about the nation's past is part of what's driving up sales of early American and rustic pieces. Shier says when she first opened her doors almost two decades ago, millennials were only interested in vintage items, but over the years that's changed dramatically. Today, whirligigs (even reproductions), framed woven American flags, doorstops, handmade quilts, along with twig-and-stick style furniture are all in high demand says Shier, "Ten years ago, I would've discounted these items heavily," she says, "but today, they're becoming some of my best sellers."  

Nostalgia and a connection to heritage are also significant factors. Many millennials feel a sentimental attachment to the styles and aesthetics of earlier generations. "There's a romantic notion of returning to simpler times," explains David Thompson, an interior designer at Colonial Interiors. "These antiques evoke a sense of nostalgia and continuity that is very appealing." For some, this connection is personal, tied to memories of grandparents' homes or family heirlooms. "There's something incredibly special about owning a piece that your ancestors might have used," says Thompson. "It creates a tangible link to your own history and heritage." Bicentennial Chic, as it's sometimes called, says Thompson, can include such items as Benjamin Franklin inspired rocking chairs, butter churns and crocks turned into table lamps, to actual spinning wheels being used once again as decorative items. 

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1970s Ethan Allen Colonial Revival Style Dining Table and Chairs

The growing demand for early American and Bicentennial style antiques has inevitably affected their market prices. "We've seen a significant increase in prices over the past few years," reports Michael Andrews, an auctioneer specialising in antique furniture at Andrews & Co. "Items that were once considered relatively affordable are now fetching near premium prices at auctions." Andrews attributes this price surge to the combination of limited supply and increasing demand. "These pieces are finite; once they're gone, they're gone. As more millennials enter the market, competition for high-quality items has intensified, driving prices up." Andrews also notes that even reproductions from companies like Ethan Allen, who released a wave of nouveau Colonial Revival designs during the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations are now also bringing high dollar values at many sales.

Michael Diaz-Griffith, a New York 'Antique Winter Fair' alum, and author of 'The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors,' says that he's been anticipating a renewed interest in the Bicentennial style for a number of years. "Millenials aren't minimalists," he says. In his book, Diaz-Griffith profiles young collectors who have decorated with funky Americana pieces rather than striving to create period correct historical rooms. During his years working at the Winter Fair is when he first started noticing his own generation beginning to eschew post war moderismn in favour of very old, and very quirky Americana pieces. 

For many in the industry this trend appears to be showing no signs of slowing down. With millennials continuing to prioritise sustainability, authenticity, and a connection to the past, a good number of dealers believe that early American and Bicentennial style antiques will likely continue to be highly sought after for the foreseeable future. "It's more than just a passing fad," concludes Palmer. "It's a reflection of deeper values and a shift in consumer behaviour that seems to be here to stay." Colonial Interior's, David Thompson is also bullish on the trends staying power and believes that the millennial embrace of early American and Bicentennial style antiques is a natural progression from the younger 'post-modernist' years to something more mature and traditional. "It's a heritage-trend that not only enriches their living spaces with historical significance," says Thompson, "but it's also helping to revitalise the antique market, ensuring that these treasured pieces continue to be appreciated and valued by future generations."

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
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NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. 

Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.

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