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Database of Classic Things (270 Entries)

A classic is a historical thing that has endured over time to remain relevant in the present day. These are elements of culture and technology that outcompete newer alternatives again and again to survive into the future.

All (272)

Fashion (35)

Jewelry (13)

Home Items (29)

Decor (20)

Furniture (39)

Culture (17)

Technology (31)

Tools (21)

Collectibles (20)

Toys (29)

Stationery (24)

Other (3)

A-Line Dresses	Action Figures
Adirondack Chairs	Alarm Clocks
Armchairs	Armoires
Ashtrays	Ball Gowns
Ballet Flats	Balloons
Ballpoint Pens	Balls
Bar Stools	Barometers
Baseball Caps	Baskets
Beach Balls	Beer Steins
Belt Buckles	Bicycles
Binoculars	Black Pumps
Blazers	Bookcases
Bookends	Bookmarks
Bottle Openers	Bow Ties
Brooches	Brooms & Dustpans
Bubbles	Buckets
Buffets & Sideboards	Building Blocks
Bunk Beds	Bureaus
Business Cards	Cabinets
Cake Stands	Calendars
Calligraphy Pens	Candlesticks
Candy Dishes	Canopy Beds
Cardigans	Chaise Lounges
Chalkboards	Champagne Flutes
Charm Bracelets	Chess Sets
Chest of Drawers	Chesterfields
Chests	China Cabinets
Chinos	Chisels
Christmas Ornaments	Class Rings
Classic Board Games	Classic Books
Classic Candy	Classic Cars
Classic Hair Styles	Classic Movies
Classic Music	Classic Snacks
Coasters	Coat Racks
Cocktail Shakers	Coffee Pots
Coffee Tables	Coin Banks
Coins	Comic Books
Cookie Jars	Crystal Chandeliers
Crystal Decanters	Cuckoo Clocks
Cufflinks	Cushioned Benches
Dart Boards	Denim Jeans
Diamond Engagement Rings	Diamond Studs
Diaries	Dice
Dining Tables	Doilies
Dollhouses	Dolls
Doorknobs	Drapery
Electric Fans	Entryway Benches
Envelopes	Evening Clutches
Fainting Couches	Famous Art
Figurines	Film Cameras
Fireplaces	Flashlights
Flasks	Folding Chairs
Folding Fans	Folding Screens
Footstools	Fountain Pens
Fridge Magnets	Garden Statues
Globes	Grandfather Clocks
Graphic T-Shirts	Greeting Cards
Hairpins	Hammers
Hammocks	Handsaws
High Chairs	High-Top Sneakers
Hope Chests	Horseshoes
Hourglasses	Index Cards
Invitation Cards	Jewelry Boxes
Jigsaw Puzzles	Jump Rope
Kimono & Obi	Kites
Lace Tablecloths	Ladders
Lamps	Lanterns
Lapel Pins	Lawn Mowers
Leather Jackets	Letter Openers
Levels	Lighters
Literature	Little Black Dress
Lock & Keys	Lockets
Loveseats	Lunch Boxes
Magnifying Glasses	Mailboxes
Mallets	Maps
Marbles	Martini Glasses
Mason Jars	Matches
Maxi Dresses	Memos
Microphones	Microscopes
Mirrors	Model Kits
Model Trains	Mops
Music Boxes	Musical Instruments
Napkins	Neon Signs
Nightstands	Notebooks
Ottomans	Overalls
Oxford Shoes	Paper Clips
Paper Maps	Paperweights
Peacoats	Pearl Necklaces
Pedestals	Pencil Cases
Pencil Sharpeners	Pencils
Persian Rugs	Photocopiers
Photographs	Pianos
Picture Frames	Playing Cards
Pliers	Pogo Sticks
Postcards	Protractors
Pruning Shears	Puppets
Push Pins	Quilts
Radios	Rakes
Recliner Chairs	Record Players
Ribbons	Rocking Chairs
Rosary Beads	Rubber Duckies
Rulers	Safes
Sandboxes	Scales
Scissors	Scooters
Scrapbooks	Screwdrivers
Sewing Machines	Shovels
Signet Rings	Silverware
Sketchbooks	Snow Globes
Soda Bottles	Spades
Speakers	Spinning Tops
Sport Coats	Stained Glass Windows
Stamps	Stickers
Stools	Stuffed Animals
Suspenders	Swing Chairs
Tape Measures	Teapots
Teddy Bears	Telephones
Telescopes	Thermometers
Thimbles	Three-Piece Suits
Tiaras	Ties
Tins	Toasters
Toolboxes	Toy Cars
Toy Trains	Trading Cards
Train Sets	Trench Coats
Tricycles	Turtleneck Sweaters
Tuxedos	Two-Piece Suits
Typewriters	Umbrella Stands
Umbrellas	Vanity Tables
Vases	Vests
Vinyl Records	Wagons
Wainscoting	Walkie-Talkies
Wallets	Wardrobes
Watches	Whistles
White Button-Up Shirts	Wine Glasses
Wingback Chairs	Workbenches
Wrap Dresses	Wrenches
Writing Desks	Yo-Yos

Vintage vs Classic

Vintage things are things from the past. These may remain largely in the past. This can be contrasted with classics that have stood the test of time such that they are still relevant to modern life.

For example, a rotary telephone is vintage because this type of telephone has been completely superseded by better technologies that are easier to use such as the digital phone and smartphone. If people purchase a rotary telephone today, it is most likely out of a sense of nostalgia for the past and not because this remains a fashionable or practical item.

In contrast to the rotary telephone, bicycles are classics because they are old designs that are very much relevant to modern life. People buy bicycles because they are useful and not just as symbols of the past.

What is Timeless?

The word timeless describes a style or design that survives over time.

The well known, 1910 essay "Ornament and Crime" by modernist architect Adolf Loos argues that decorations cause things to become less timeless. Loos argues that this is a wasteful mistake because styles change with time such that decorative things such as flowery wallpaper go out of fashion quickly.

This essay is viewed as a call for minimalism -- the belief that all designs should be completely practical with no cultural or creative expression whatsoever. Minimalism can be a bit of a bore whereby it causes the world to fill up with concrete infrastructure and white rooms with no personality. However, it is perhaps true that being too trendy and decorative in your choices can cause things to quickly become unfashionable.

This is the reason that fashion staples such as the well known little black dress have stood the test of time while more expressive fashions tend to come and go.

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