16 Antiques Millennials Inherit But Don’t Need
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It is an unspoken rite of passage: at some point, most of us are gifted or inherit something ‘precious’ from our parents or grandparents. Whether it is the over sized furniture, porcelain figurines or all the ornate china sets that have been collecting dust for decades. All of these items carry a heavy dose of nostalgia and obligation. Who wants to offend Aunt Carol and refuse her Victorian tea set, but where does it go in a 600 square foot apartment?
The fact is most millennials’ lifestyle don’t fit the mold of the heirlooms of yesteryear. Many antique treasures from the past tend to become burdens under the banner of minimalism and multi functionality. But now, let’s take a lighthearted, but honest, look at some of the most common hand me downs many are ready to graciously say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Grandfather Clocks
Ah, the age old ‘statement piece.’ These towering clocks might look regal in a mansion, but in a modern apartment…? They take up an obscene amount of space. For those with compact living arrangements, wall-mounted options that double as art or tech savvy smart clocks that do more than just tick are a good thing.
China Sets
The dishware that only comes out for Thanksgiving is officially old news. They’re practical, but a mismatched set of microwave safe plates from Target feel more relatable than Grandma’s gilded porcelain. And, there is a lot fear of breaking one of those fragile pieces.
Heavy Wooden Furniture
Who doesn’t recall that massive oak dining table or armoire that, if it were designed to withstand an apocalypse, would have been perfectly suited for the job? Built to last, they’re simply too bulky and outdated to fit into today’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Also, moving them is a full body workout that no one asked for.
Silverware Sets
Fancy is the sound of that word, sterling silver utensils, until you realize that they need to be polished to keep their shine. Stainless steel is what millennials value the most – they are durable, dishwasher friendly, and much easier to manage. The hill isn’t worth dying on for a tarnished fork.
Porcelain Figurines
These were once the height of collectible chic, from ballerinas to farm animals. Now? They’re dust magnets. These tiny treasures don’t make the cut, and Millennials are choosing out clean, uncluttered shelves.
Needlepoint Wall Art
Back in the day, the “Home Sweet Home” cross stitch might have been cute, but millennials prefer to dress their walls with bold prints or digital artwork. On top of that, those muted colors and rustic frames make you think “grandma’s house,” not “Pinterest aesthetic.”
Fine Crystal
From goblets, decanters and candy dishes, fine crystal is a classic gift that’s lost its luster. Today’s millennials are more likely to sip wine out of a mason jar rather than risk chipping a crystal glass worth more than their monthly rent.
Doilies
Officially replacing these lacey table protectors are these sleek, washable placemats. In the modern ‘less is more’ approach to home decor, doilies seem out of place. No, layering them on furniture doesn’t make them any trendier.
Collector Plates
Decorative plates topped with pastoral scenes or commemorative images have found their way into the past: Once proudly displayed in curio cabinets, they’re now nothing but dusty relics. Millennials are going for open shelving with oh so neatly stacked everyday dishes and ditching the knick knacks.
Velvet Armchairs
Vintage furniture has seen a slight resurgence lately, but most millennials aren’t scrambling for those heavy, plush armchairs that exude Victorian parlor. The upkeep and space requirements are deal breakers, and they’d make a quirky thrift store find.
Antique Rugs
Undeniably beautiful, those ornate, handwoven rugs are also fragile and difficult to clean. Anyone with pets or kids knows the inevitable fate of anything that lands on the floor: spills, fur, wear and tear.
Mahogany Dressers
Massive dressers are better suited for sprawling estates than city apartment. Modern, compact and modular storage options are a boon for millennials who are looking to fit storage options into their lifestyles and spaces.
Vintage Sewing Machines
Chances are, unless you’re an Etsy seller or DIY enthusiast, that antique sewing machine is just a glorified paperweight. Modern sewing machines might be undeniably cool to look at, but they’re lighter, faster and more functional.
Hummel Figurines
In the 20th century, these chubby cheeked, pastel painted children, known as Hummel figurines, were a collectors dream. Today, however, they’re not the cool, modern millennial’s idea of style. They’ve been the poster child for “clutter.”
Crystal Chandeliers
Crystal chandeliers can be stunning, but they also require a level of maintenance that most millennials simply don’t have time for. Moreover, they generally don’t complement the clean, modern lines of today’s interiors.
Piano or Organ
A family piano or church organ might have been the pride of the household in its day, but not everyone has the space for such a chunk of an instrument. You probably know a person or two who own a piano but rarely play them. This makes them impractical for modern homes.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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