The world of vintage and antique items can be a treasure trove of hidden gems. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual thrifter, it’s always exciting to stumble across a piece from the past that’s worth more than meets the eye.
And the best part? These pieces don’t just offer monetary value – they also hold historical significance and can add a unique, personal touch to your home décor. In this post, we’re going to unveil 13 vintage home finds that have quietly skyrocketed in value.
1. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for mid-century modern furniture. Design enthusiasts are drawn to the clean lines, minimalistic design, and fine craftsmanship of these pieces. Iconic designs from designers like Eames, Saarinen, and Noguchi are particularly sought after.
Pieces can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the designer and condition. For example, an original Eames lounge chair can fetch up to $6,000 on the resale market. While you may not find such high-ticket items at your local thrift shop, don’t overlook lesser-known mid-century designers – their pieces can also hold significant value.
2. Vintage Pyrex
Believe it or not, your grandma’s old Pyrex dishes could be worth a pretty penny. The colorful, durable glassware was a staple in many mid-20th century kitchens and is now a hot commodity among collectors.
Certain patterns, like the pink “Gooseberry” pattern or the turquoise “Snowflake” pattern, can sell for several hundred dollars for a complete set. Even single pieces can sell for $50 or more. So next time you’re at a yard sale or thrift shop, keep an eye out for these iconic, brightly colored pieces.
3. Vinyl Records
While digital music reigns supreme today, there’s something special about the tactile experience of playing a vinyl record. Collectors and music enthusiasts have sparked a resurgence in the value of vinyl records, particularly those from iconic artists or rare pressings.
While not every old record is worth a fortune, certain ones can bring in big bucks. For example, a mint condition copy of “The White Album” by The Beatles can sell for thousands of dollars. However, even less valuable records can still bring in a tidy sum – so don’t overlook that old record collection gathering dust in the attic.
4. Antique Rugs
From Persian to Kilim, antique rugs are not just practical pieces of home décor – they’re also works of art. Collectors and designers alike appreciate the craftsmanship, design, and history of these pieces.
The value of an antique rug can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, and the intricacy of its design. However, even a worn rug can be worth a significant amount, particularly if it’s from a desirable region or time period. So before you toss out that old rug, it might be worth getting it appraised.
5. Vintage Posters
Vintage posters, whether they’re from old movies, concerts, or travel advertisements, can be valuable collector’s items. They also make for unique, eye-catching wall décor.
The value of a vintage poster can depend on its age, rarity, and the popularity of the subject matter. For example, an original poster for the 1931 film “Dracula” sold at auction for over $500,000. While not every poster will bring in that kind of money, even lesser-known posters can still be worth a few hundred dollars – particularly if they’re in good condition.
6. Antique Books
While e-books and audiobooks have their place, there’s something undeniably special about holding a physical book – particularly if it’s an antique. Antique books can be valuable not just for their content, but also for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
The value of an antique book can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the popularity of its author. For example, a first edition copy of “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. However, even lesser-known books can still be valuable if they’re rare or particularly old – so don’t judge a book by its cover.
7. Vintage Toys
From Barbie dolls to Star Wars action figures, vintage toys can bring back a wave of nostalgia – and they can also be highly collectible.
The value of a vintage toy can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the popularity of the brand. For example, a 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure sold at auction for over $25,000. However, even lesser-known toys can still be valuable if they’re in good condition and have their original packaging – so don’t toss out those old toys just yet.
8. Antique Clocks
There’s something charming about the tick-tock of an antique clock. These pieces can be functional and decorative, adding a touch of old-world elegance to any home.
The value of an antique clock can vary greatly depending on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the intricacy of its design. For example, a rare 18th century grandfather clock can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. However, even lesser-known clocks can still be valuable if they’re in good working condition and have an interesting design – so don’t overlook that old clock gathering dust in the corner.
9. Vintage Cameras
In the age of smartphones, vintage cameras offer a throwback to a simpler time. These pieces can be functional, decorative, and highly collectible.
The value of a vintage camera can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the popularity of the brand. For example, a rare Leica camera sold at auction for over $2.8 million. However, even lesser-known brands can still be valuable if they’re in good working condition and have an interesting design – so don’t overlook that old camera in the attic.
10. Antique Silverware
While it might seem outdated to some, antique silverware is highly sought after by collectors. These pieces can be functional, decorative, and often hold historical significance.
The value of antique silverware can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the intricacy of its design. For example, a rare 19th century silver tea set can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. However, even lesser-known pieces can still be valuable if they’re in good condition and have an interesting design – so don’t overlook that old silverware set in the cupboard.
11. Vintage Quilts
Handmade vintage quilts can be true works of art. These pieces often hold historical significance and can add a cozy, personal touch to any home.
The value of a vintage quilt can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the intricacy of its design. For example, a rare 19th century Amish quilt can sell for several thousand dollars. However, even lesser-known quilts can still be valuable if they’re in good condition and have an interesting design – so don’t overlook that old quilt in the attic.
12. Antique Jewelry
From cameo brooches to art deco necklaces, antique jewelry can be highly collectible. These pieces often hold historical significance and can add a unique, personal touch to any outfit.
The value of antique jewelry can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the popularity of the style. For example, a rare 19th century diamond necklace can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, even lesser-known pieces can still be valuable if they’re in good condition and have an interesting design – so don’t overlook that old jewelry box in the attic.
13. Vintage Lamps
From art nouveau to mid-century modern, vintage lamps can be functional, decorative, and highly collectible.
The value of a vintage lamp can depend on its age, rarity, and condition, as well as the popularity of the style. For example, a rare Tiffany lamp can sell for over a million dollars at auction. However, even lesser-known lamps can still be valuable if they’re in good condition and have an interesting design – so don’t overlook that old lamp in the corner.