Decorating With Framed Antique Prints: Antique Originals Or Reproduced Antique Pritnts

By Author: Joseph Borowy
Total Articles: 2
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Antique prints are a great way to create a vintage feel in any room. Adding framed antique bird and fish prints is a simple way to embellish a lodge-style atmosphere in a vacation house. Framing and mounting botanical prints, such as grasses and roses, is an easy way to give your kitchen a soothing and calming nature feel. While millions hang groupings of their own antique prints for decoration, all face the ineluctable decision of choosing to purchase original antique prints, or opting for antique reproduction prints. Although the predicament itself is hardly debated by decorators and designers, the decision made has important consequences.

While some claim that antique originals possess a splendid visual quality that just can't be duplicated, many aren't able to distinguish an original print from a parallel reproduced print. This discrepancy mostly depends on the physical condition of any given original print. The amount and quality of digital restoration done to a reproduced image prior to being printed can also have a significant effect on how the two match up. But some things, such as the vintage look of worn and ...
... faded paper, just can't be reproduced in entirety. Up until the early 1990's there was little question as to whether an antique original was visually more appealing than a corresponding reproduced antique print. Unless an antique print press was used to create the reproduced print, the visual details were nearly impossible to recreate. It wasn't until our age of sophisticated computer-based technology that antique prints were scanned (either by scanner or camera), digitally enhanced, and reprinted with such astounding detail that the reproduciton prints contend with the original sources they were derived from. In many cases, viewers find reproduction prints to have more visual appeal than their original antique counterparts.

Regardless of an individual opinion on how looks factor into the decision, there are very few who argue on the significant cost difference. Antique original prints, with very little exception, will be significantly more expensive, and, depending on the individual print, can be anywhere from 3-100 times the cost of a reproduced of the same image. many ponder this question - if many observers would have a difficult time telling the difference, one must wonder, is the cost difference justified? It really depends on the individual. For many do it yourself interior decorators and hobbyist home decorators, the answer is no (especially taking into accont that many will hang themed groupings in many rooms in their homes). Even so, to collectors of fine antique art, the vintage authenticity of an art print that is several hundred years old is extremely desirable, and the cost is justified. Another often forgotten aspect of antique originals is the investment value of select rare antique prints. Like many collectables, the values of original antique prints can potentially appreciate in the long run. For those who desire value and collectability just as much or more than they do decor, this is surely worth considering. Still, for many home decorators it is more cost effective to seek out quality reproduction prints that suit their individual needs.

Price isn't the sole advantage to decorating with reproduced antique prints. They also provide flexibility and customization options that assist in fitting a unique work of art into an already well-decorated room. Finding a desired print available in 8"x10" to fit in a wall display grouping, when the original from which it came was a 5x7, is a luxury made possible only through reproduction. If trying to stay on a budget, look for publishers that offer prints in standard-sizes: (11"x14", 8"x10", and 5"x7"). Because these sizes are widely used, one can aquire low cost framing and matting materials. The ability to order a print in Black & White or Sepia is also a decorating advantage. Although only some publishers offer these options, seeking out those who do may be an important factor to giving a room the desired effect without compromising the established theme.
Joseph supplies educational resources from http://www.ChartingNature.com - Charting Nature is an art publisher that specializes in antique art prints. Visit our Antique Prints page at http://www.ChartingNature.com/antique-prints.cfm to view our stunning antique reproductions!