As young adults navigating their 20's, many are faced with decisions about how to allocate their burgeoning financial resources. While tech gadgets, trendy fashion, and travel usually top the list of enticing expenditures, there’s a compelling case to be made for directing some of that spending towards antiques. I still remember buying a 19th c painted blind panel from Istanbul and it still has price of place in my home. It's given me so much joy over the years I thought I should write a blog post about why I think investing in antiques in your 20s can be not just a nod to nostalgia but a savvy financial move and a step towards sustainable living.

1. Financial Wisdom: Building for the Future

Investing in antiques is a form of financial diversification. Unlike new, off-the-shelf items that depreciate the moment they leave the shop, quality antiques can increase in value over time. As you grow older, certain pieces you acquire now might become rare or more in demand. The antique market can be unpredictable, but with the right purchases, you may find yourself sitting on a surprisingly valuable collection by the time you hit your 40s or 50s. Investing in an antique piece is also a testament that you can save to buy something that you truly love, that stretches your budget but by seeing it in your space it will help navigate the ups and downs of life.

2. Sustainable Choices: Eco-Friendly Living

Purchasing antiques is a form of recycling on a grand scale. Instead of buying new items, which often use significant resources to produce and transport, buying antiques utilises what’s already been made. This reduces waste and the demand for new production, aligning with a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. For young adults passionate about reducing their carbon footprint, buying antiques is a step in the right direction.

3. Aesthetic and Cultural Appreciation

Antiques bring with them a slice of history and tradition. Owning pieces from different eras can serve as daily inspiration and a reminder of the past’s craftsmanship and design. For those in their 20's, a time typically marked by rental apartments and temporary living situations, antiques can provide a sense of permanence and personal history that new items lack.

4. Quality and Craftsmanship

Antiques were often built to last, made with craftsmanship that can be hard to find in today's market of mass-produced goods. Investing in a piece of furniture or a decorative item from the past often means acquiring something built with care and intended to stand the test of time. As young adults move from place to place, having furniture that withstands the rigours of multiple moves can be both practical and economical.

5. The Joy of the Hunt

For many, part of the appeal of antiques is the hunt itself. Exploring antique shops, auctions, or online marketplaces can be a thrilling pastime. It’s a hobby that involves research, patience, and a bit of luck. The sense of achievement when you find that perfect piece at a great price can be incredibly satisfying.

6. Creating Unique Spaces

In an age of Instagram and Pinterest, creating a space that stands out can be a challenge. Antiques offer a chance to design a living environment that is both unique and reflective of personal style. They can be excellent conversation starters and showpieces that add character and distinction to your home.

7. Learning Investment Skills

Navigating the world of antiques can teach valuable skills in bargaining, assessing value, and making investment decisions. These are transferrable skills that can benefit other areas of life, including career and other types of investments.

While antiques might not be the typical choice for young shoppers, they offer a host of benefits from financial to aesthetic. Starting in your 20s, you have the advantage of time to grow and curate a collection that not only appreciates in value but also contributes to a sustainable, stylish, and unique lifestyle. Whether it's a stunning piece of wall art, a beautiful object or a sturdy piece of mid-century modern furniture, the right antique can be a cornerstone in the foundation of a thoughtful and eclectic adult life. For me what I bought in my 20's is now something that reminds me of those times and these pieces have great significance and add a warm feeling to my home. I would love to hear your stories of something you have collected in your 20's that you still love today.