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Asheford

Institute of Antiques

2019 Survey Results

for the

Antiques &

Decorative Arts

he Decorative Arts Trends survey was conducted from January retirement affect those levels. And, just because two age groups have Toys
2019 to December 2019 by the research staff at the Asheford listed does not mean they are the same toys. This survey is very general
TInstitute. The survey consisted of a sampling of over 2,057 current and is meant to give an overview of trends that took place over the course
students and past graduates that are actively employed or working within of 2019.
the antiques, collectibles, and vintage marketplaces within the United
States and Canada (both urban and rural areas). All those who participated One big observation to note as you look through the lists is the impact
in the survey operate their own antiques/vintage/estate sale/appraisal the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing had on collectibles as a
businesses (including online concerns) and are listed as, “proprietors” in whole. The question is whether or not it will continue past this historic
the survey. mark into 2020 and beyond.

Age Grouping: 20 – 40 Age Grouping: 40 – 60 Age Grouping: 60 – 80
1. Textiles 1. Space-Related Collectibles 1. Space-Related Collectibles
2. Space-Related Collectibles (NASA & Apollo Moon Landing) (NASA & Apollo Moon Landing)
(NASA & Apollo Moon Landing) 2. Mid-Century Modern 2. Chairs
3. Mid-Century Modern 3. Textiles 3. Mid-Century Modern
4. Costume Jewelry 4. Costume Jewelry 4. Chinese Antiques
5. Toys 5. Early Americana/Canadiana 5. Georgian-Style Furniture
6. Vinyl Records 6. Automobilia/Petroliana 6. Automobilia/Petroliana
7. Memorabilia/Ephemera 7. Lighting 7. Victorian
8. Lighting 8. Victorian 8. Paintings
9. Western Collectibles 9. Dinnerware 9. Mirrors
10. Paintings/Sculptures 10. Jewelry 10. Western Collectibles
11. Early Americana/Canadiana 11. Paintings 11. Lighting
12. Glass 12. Architectural 12. Garden Antiques
13. Art Nouveau 13. Folk Art 13. Architectural Elements
14. Art Deco 14. Glass 14. Silver

Here are a few categories that made significant shifts in desirability or
were defined differently according to the age range buying and selling
Survey Mission Statement
The focus of the survey was directed towards interests found in from this group.
current market trends within the antiques, vintage and collectibles
community, based on sales and requests for particular items/genre/ Textiles – This is the
periods from customers and clients. The survey was informal in nature biggest single move we’ve ever
and therefore did not employ any standardized or measurable scientific seen in one year for the 20-40-
practices or criteria in obtaining results. Survey results were categorized year-old range. From worst to
by the age groups of the “proprietors,” indicating item/genre/period first in twelve months, and it’s
specific preferences most popular to each of these groupings. The all due to one particular area of
item/genre/period listings, and their relative popularity with consumers, the genre – clothing. Vintage
were represented by a potential numerical scale of 1 to 14 – with 1 being clothing has exploded all over
the most popular and 14 being the least popular. the world. Even major cloth-
ing retailers are opening up
their own vintage stores under their own brand.
Overall
The lists of items sought-after by three different age groups (20-40, Dresses and gowns from American designer
40-60, and 60-80) show some categories of antiques and collectibles that James Galanos, whose high-end work matched
are popular specifically to one age group or another and can outline what the best of Europe’s elite couture, are examples
is working its way up in popularity over time as generations shift. of pieces that can command handsome sums,
Another factor to consider is the income levels of each age grouping and with many dealers reporting a three-fold
looking at their disposable income levels as career development and then increase in price and demand over the last year
in the 40-60 age range.

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