10 Classic Furniture Pieces On The Comeback Trail In Illinois (And 6 More Worth Watching)

Illinois homeowners are rediscovering the beauty of classic furniture pieces that once graced our grandparents’ homes.

These timeless designs are making a serious comeback in living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms across the Prairie State.

I’ve noticed interior designers and furniture retailers throughout Illinois reporting surging demand for these vintage-inspired pieces as people seek both character and craftsmanship in their homes.

1. Curved Cosy Sofas

Sweeping, curved sofas have returned with dramatic flair to Illinois homes. These statement pieces break away from the boxy straight-lined furniture that dominated the 2010s, offering both visual interest and practical conversation areas.

My clients often remark how these curved beauties create natural gathering spots during parties. The rounded design encourages face-to-face interaction while providing a softer aesthetic that warms up modern spaces.

Illinois furniture makers like Troscan Design in Chicago have embraced this trend, crafting curved sofas that honor mid-century principles while incorporating contemporary fabrics and sustainable materials. Look for velvet upholstery and tapered legs as hallmarks of this resurgent classic.

2. Tufted Chesterfield Couches

Chesterfield couches with their distinctive deep button tufting and rolled arms are experiencing a remarkable revival across Illinois homes. Once considered stuffy library furniture, these dignified pieces now anchor living rooms in both urban Chicago lofts and sprawling Springfield estates.

What makes today’s Chesterfields special is their versatility. Leather versions bring masculine elegance, while velvet variations in jewel tones add dramatic flair to neutral spaces. The low, deep seating invites relaxation despite their formal appearance.

Local Illinois upholsterers report waiting lists for Chesterfield restorations as homeowners uncover vintage frames at estate sales and flea markets throughout the state. Modern interpretations often feature slightly higher legs for a more contemporary profile.

3. Wingback Accent Chairs

Wingback chairs, those stately sentinels with their protective “wings” extending from the backrest, are commanding prime real estate in Illinois living rooms again. Originally designed to shield sitters from drafts and fireplace heat, they’ve evolved into statement pieces that define reading nooks and anchor conversation areas.

Chicago designers are pairing traditional wingback silhouettes with unexpected fabrics think bold geometrics, vibrant velvets, or even distressed leather. The contrast between classic form and contemporary upholstery creates instant visual interest.

Smaller Illinois homes benefit particularly from wingbacks, as their high backs create architectural definition without consuming excessive floor space. When shopping, I recommend seeking chairs with exposed wood legs rather than skirted bases for a more updated look.

4. Parsons-style Dining Chairs

Parsons chairs have stormed back into Illinois dining rooms with their clean lines and versatile appeal. Created in the 1930s at the Paris Parsons School of Design, these armless chairs feature straight backs and legs with fully upholstered construction essentially the little black dress of dining furniture.

Their comeback owes much to their chameleon-like ability to work with any table style. I’ve seen them paired with rustic farmhouse tables in Galena bed-and-breakfasts and sleek glass tables in downtown Chicago condos with equal success.

Illinois homeowners appreciate how Parsons chairs can be easily reupholstered when trends change. Performance fabrics have made them more family-friendly than ever, standing up to spills in busy households while maintaining their sophisticated profile. Look for subtle details like nailhead trim for added character.

5. French Provincial Cabinets

French Provincial cabinets with their elegant curves and ornate details have captivated Illinois homeowners seeking to add romantic character to modern spaces. These pieces often featuring scalloped edges, cabriole legs, and painted finishes bring instant old-world charm to dining rooms and entryways.

Antique shops throughout Illinois report these cabinets selling within days of hitting the floor. Savvy shoppers are finding original pieces at estate sales in historic neighborhoods like Oak Park and Evanston, then either preserving their patina or updating them with chalk paint in soft blues and greens. What makes these cabinets particularly appealing is their practical storage combined with decorative appeal.

Many Illinois homeowners use them to display heirloom china while storing holiday linens inside beauty and function perfectly merged in one statement piece.

6. Mid-Century Sideboards

Mid-century sideboards with their long, low profiles and minimal ornamentation have become the darlings of Illinois interior design. These functional pieces feature clean lines, tapered legs, and often incorporate warm wood tones like teak, walnut, or rosewood that bring natural warmth to contemporary spaces.

Illinois furniture restorers can barely keep up with demand as homeowners seek authentic pieces from the 1950s and 60s. The storage capacity makes them practical for modern living perfect for hiding away table linens, serving pieces, or even functioning as media consoles. Danish-inspired designs by manufacturers like Broyhill and Lane are especially coveted in Chicago’s vintage furniture markets.

When hunting for your own, check for dovetail joints and solid wood construction hallmarks of the quality craftsmanship that’s driving this revival. Many pieces need only gentle restoration to shine again.

7. Roll-top Desks

Roll-top desks have made an unexpected comeback in Illinois homes as remote work becomes permanent. These nostalgic workstations feature the signature tambour closure that can be pulled down to instantly hide clutter a feature particularly valuable in multi-purpose rooms.

Modern Illinois homeowners appreciate how these desks blend functionality with character. Inside, the cubbies and drawers provide organized storage for office supplies, while the substantial presence adds architectural interest to home offices and living areas alike. Furniture refinishers throughout the state report steady demand for restored roll-tops, particularly in oak and cherry woods.

While antique versions command premium prices, reproduction models offer similar charm at more accessible price points. Look for desks with built-in electrical outlets or discreet modifications for computer cables thoughtful updates for today’s technology.

8. Walnut Credenzas

Walnut credenzas have reclaimed their rightful place in Illinois interiors with their sophisticated presence and practical storage. The rich, deep grain of walnut brings natural warmth that softens contemporary spaces, while the horizontal orientation creates visual stability in a room.

Chicago apartment dwellers particularly value these pieces for their multifunctional nature. A credenza can serve as a dining room buffet, living room media console, or even bathroom storage adapting to whatever space needs organizing with style.

Illinois furniture makers have responded to renewed interest by creating updated versions that honor mid-century lines while incorporating modern needs like cable management and adjustable shelving. When shopping vintage markets in places like Champaign or Rockford, I recommend checking drawer glides and examining veneer conditions carefully signs of quality that explain why these pieces have endured.

9. Pedestal Dining Tables

Pedestal dining tables have triumphantly returned to Illinois dining rooms, replacing the four-legged farm tables that dominated the 2010s. These elegant tables feature a central support column instead of corner legs, creating uninterrupted seating and a more graceful silhouette.

Round pedestal tables have proven especially popular in Chicago’s space-conscious condos, where their absence of sharp corners allows for better traffic flow. The central base eliminates the dreaded “table leg problem” where someone inevitably straddles an uncomfortable corner post. Illinois furniture retailers report strong sales of both authentic antique pedestals and new interpretations in materials ranging from traditional oak to modern concrete composites.

When selecting your own, consider diameter carefully 48 inches comfortably seats four, while 60 inches accommodates six diners without crowding. Look for adjustable versions with expansion leaves for maximum versatility.

10. Bombay / Campaign Chests

Bombay and campaign chests have staged a dramatic comeback in Illinois homes, bringing architectural interest and storage to bedrooms and living spaces. These distinctive case pieces feature curved fronts (Bombay) or brass hardware and reinforced corners (campaign) that reference historical furniture designed for military officers on expedition.

Homeowners in historic Illinois neighborhoods like Galena and Alton particularly appreciate these pieces for their connection to the past. The deep drawers provide substantial storage, while the unique silhouettes create instant character in otherwise simple rooms. Designers throughout the state are painting vintage Bombay chests in unexpected colors like navy blue or emerald green, maintaining the classic shape while updating the look for contemporary interiors.

Campaign chests, meanwhile, are often left in their original wood finish to showcase the distinctive brass hardware that makes them immediately recognizable.

11. Bobbin Leg Tables

Bobbin leg tables are capturing attention across Illinois with their distinctive turned wood elements resembling spools or bobbins. These charming accent pieces bring architectural interest and a touch of traditional craftsmanship to contemporary spaces.

Illinois homeowners are embracing bobbin furniture for its textural quality and visual weight. The repetitive turned elements create rhythm and pattern even in simple side tables or coffee tables, adding dimension without overwhelming a space. Furniture makers in Chicago’s artisan communities have begun incorporating bobbin details into modern designs, often staining the wood in unexpected colors like matte black or whitewashed finishes.

When selecting bobbin pieces, consider scale carefully the detailed turnings can make a big statement, so they work best in rooms with some breathing space. Look for solid wood construction rather than composite materials for authentic character.

12. Caned Furniture Panels

Caned furniture panels have exploded in popularity across Illinois, bringing airy texture and visual interest to chairs, headboards, and cabinet doors. This centuries-old weaving technique creates the distinctive octagonal pattern using rattan or other natural fibers stretched across wooden frames.

Chicago designers attribute caned furniture’s resurgence to its perfect balance between structure and lightness. The woven elements allow light to pass through while still providing support, creating pieces that don’t overwhelm even smaller Illinois spaces.

Modern interpretations often combine caned panels with painted wood frames in unexpected colors, updating the traditional technique for contemporary interiors. When shopping for caned pieces, examine the tension of the weave quality caning should feel firm but have slight flexibility. Illinois humidity can affect natural cane, so consider synthetic options for high-use items like dining chairs.

13. Mirrored Vanities

Mirrored vanities have made a sparkling comeback in Illinois bedrooms, bringing Hollywood glamour and practical function to getting-ready routines. These Art Deco-inspired pieces typically feature mirrored panels across drawers and surfaces, creating light-reflecting magic that makes spaces feel larger.

Homeowners in Chicago’s vintage apartment buildings particularly appreciate these vanities for their ability to maximize light in smaller bedrooms. The reflective surfaces bounce natural illumination around the room while providing dedicated space for morning routines. Illinois furniture retailers report strong sales of both authentic 1930s vanities and contemporary interpretations with cleaner lines.

When selecting a mirrored piece, consider beveled edges and quality silvering signs of craftsmanship that ensure longevity. For maximum functionality, look for models with built-in outlets for hair tools and adequate drawer storage to contain beauty essentials.

14. Mahogany Secretary Desks

Mahogany secretary desks have surged back into Illinois homes as elegant solutions for the work-from-home era. These sophisticated pieces combine storage, display, and workspace in one architectural statement typically featuring a drop-front writing surface that reveals cubbies and drawers when opened.

Illinois homeowners in historic districts particularly appreciate how these desks honor architectural traditions while serving modern needs. The ability to close up the desk at day’s end creates clear boundaries between work and home life increasingly important as remote work becomes permanent.

Furniture restorers throughout the state report steady demand for authentic secretaries from the Federal and Victorian periods, with their intricate inlay work and quality brass hardware. When selecting your own, check the drop-front support mechanism and examine drawers for dovetail joints hallmarks of craftsmanship that explain these pieces’ enduring appeal.

15. Sculptural Console Tables

Sculptural console tables have emerged as must-have statement pieces in Illinois entryways and living spaces. These artistic pieces feature unexpected bases think twisted wood forms, abstract metal sculptures, or stacked geometric shapes that elevate them from mere furniture to functional art.

Chicago interior designers favor these dramatic tables for creating immediate visual impact in neutral spaces. Often topped with simple materials like glass or stone, the bases become the star of the show, creating conversation-starting focal points. Illinois furniture galleries showcase both vintage examples from the 1970s brutalist movement and contemporary pieces by local artisans experimenting with new materials and forms.

When selecting a sculptural console, consider proportion carefully these statement pieces need breathing room to be fully appreciated. Look for quality craftsmanship in the base construction, as these artistic elements often bear substantial weight.

16. Barrel Back Loveseats

Barrel back loveseats have charmed their way back into Illinois interiors with their intimate scale and embracing silhouette. These compact seating pieces feature a distinctive rounded back that curves around to form partial arms creating a cozy, enveloping feel perfect for conversation corners. Downtown Chicago condo owners particularly value these space-efficient loveseats.

The curved design makes them perfect for awkward corners or creating intimate seating areas within larger open-concept spaces. Illinois upholsterers report increasing requests for vintage barrel frames to be restored with fresh fabrics often performance velvets or textured bouclés that add tactile interest.

When shopping for your own barrel loveseat, sit test thoroughly the curved shape should support your back comfortably without feeling restrictive. Look for versions with exposed wood elements along the top rail for an extra touch of craftsmanship.