There are a lot of vintage inspired homewares out there on the high street and I mean A LOT. Now you may say this is a great thing, as it is a great entry into vintage for the masses, or you may well be firmly in the camp that says stop copying the originals.
Whatever you think about it, it is important we are all aware that they are modern, with some being very, very similar to the originals so be careful when you are searching for collectables in the future as you may just be buying a reproduction. I personally say keep to the originals where you can!
Here are some examples of items out there right now!
This is a great clock for the price and is by Marks and Spencer, as an original would set you back, in great condition, well over £150. But it doesn’t have that Metamec finish that the originals do, and it doesn’t have the history. Our starburst clock has sat on our wall since the late 1960s and we will not move it! I say, go original!
This gold pineapple from John Lewis will set you back £40 and is a good size. You can also find similar in Sainsbury’s for a mere £12 compared to nearly £100 for a pristine Art Deco one.
But you just can’t beat the originals, made from quality brass they just ooze quality. I simply love my original pineapple.
Then what about these ceramic bulls, so very similar to the Bitossi bulls. Now I want the original (please someone buy me one…yes I know they are £300 but pretty please!) but this reproduction will only set you back £40 from Habitat and the black version is currently reduced to £28.
Separated at birth?
For anyone wondering the blue is the original.
To be honest every shop has their reproduction piece and this list could go for ages. There are candle holders in TK Maxx that resemble Holmgaard. There are lights in Next that could be from the 1960s (more on that to come) and so many things in Ikea that I don’t have time to share.
So what do you think? Is this a good thing? Or have shops looked to the past too much? Are the copies too near the originals? Or do you even care? Do let me know!
Kate x
Thanks for a very thought provoking post. It’s a “nay” from me, Kate. You can pick up the real thing so cheaply still if you trawl charity shops and car boot sales. No need to spend more on a modern repro.
I too prefer vintage. But these pieces mentioned aren’t easily found as they’ve designed something very like the top end vintage. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a Bitossi bull though! Some people don’t have the time or patience to trawl: maybe us vintage lovers are blessed with the latter!! Kate