5 Items Antique Collectors Are Buying In 2025 And 5 They’re Avoiding

The world of antiques evolves as dynamically as fashion or technology. What was once a cherished collectible can quickly lose its allure as tastes and trends shift.

With a new year on the horizon, some vintage treasures emerge as prized investments while others fall by the wayside, redefining the ever-changing landscape of antique collecting.

1. Vintage Electronics Are Powering Up In Value

Remember those clunky devices from decades past? Vintage electronics like record players, radios, and early computers have become unexpected treasures. Their nostalgic appeal crosses generational boundaries.

Functioning Apple-1 computers recently sold for millions, while vintage Marantz receivers fetch thousands. Even 1980s video game consoles in original packaging can command impressive sums from passionate collectors seeking technological artifacts.

2. Handcrafted Folk Art Captures Modern Hearts

Authentic cultural expressions through handmade objects tell stories of bygone eras. Folk art pieces – from hand-carved figurines to quilts and weathervanes – represent genuine American craftsmanship.

The uniqueness of each piece drives their appeal. Contemporary collectors appreciate the honest imperfections and cultural significance these items carry. Regional pieces with documented provenance, especially from Appalachia and the American Southwest, command particular interest.

3. Art Deco Jewelry Shines Bright Again

Geometric patterns and bold designs from the 1920s and 30s have returned to the spotlight. Art Deco jewelry pieces combine precious metals with distinctive gemstone arrangements that feel surprisingly modern.

Original pieces by houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels reach record prices at auction. Even unsigned examples with characteristic stepped designs, contrasting materials, and Egyptian influences attract serious collector interest, especially from fashion-forward millennials.

4. First Edition Books Create Bidding Wars

Literary treasures with historical significance continue appreciating faster than inflation. First editions, especially signed copies from renowned authors, represent both cultural artifacts and investment opportunities.

Modern first editions from the mid-20th century show particular strength. Works by authors like Hemingway, Morrison, and García Márquez in original dust jackets can sell for five-figure sums. Science fiction and fantasy genres have seen especially dramatic price increases among younger collectors.

5. Mid-Century Modern Furniture Is Skyrocketing

Clean lines and functional design from the 1950s and 60s continue captivating younger collectors. Mid-century modern pieces blend seamlessly with contemporary homes while offering historical significance.

The market for these iconic furniture items has grown 30% annually since 2023. Pieces by designers like Eames, Noguchi, and Saarinen command premium prices, especially those with original finishes and hardware.

6. Mass-Produced Victorian Furniture Falls From Grace

Once commanding premium prices, those dark, ornate pieces from great-grandma’s era continue losing appeal. Victorian furniture, with its heavy carvings and somber appearance, clashes with today’s preference for lighter, more minimal spaces.

The market has seen prices drop over 40% since 2020. Even well-preserved examples struggle to find buyers unless they’re exceptional or rare. Modern homes simply lack the ceiling height and square footage these imposing pieces require.

7. Hummel Figurines Face Collector Indifference

Those cute porcelain children once filled curio cabinets nationwide. Hummel figurines, despite their craftsmanship, have experienced a devastating market collapse as collecting tastes evolve toward items with practical use.

Collections worth thousands in the 1990s now sell for pennies on the dollar. Even limited editions struggle to retain value. The demographic that once cherished these German-made collectibles has aged, and younger generations show virtually no interest in continuing the tradition.

8. Bradford Exchange Collector Plates Gather Dust

Limited edition doesn’t always mean valuable. Bradford Exchange plates and similar mass-produced collectibles marketed as “investments” have become cautionary tales in the antique world.

Despite original prices sometimes exceeding $50, most now sell for under $10 when they sell at all. The secondary market is flooded with unwanted examples. Collectors have grown wiser about manufactured scarcity and increasingly favor items with intrinsic artistic or historical significance.

9. Antique Clocks Stop Ticking In Popularity

Grandfather clocks and ornate mantel timepieces face a challenging future in the digital age. These once-prized heirlooms require specialized maintenance few modern owners can provide.

Even exceptional examples by renowned makers sell for a fraction of their 2010 values. The constant ticking and chiming feels intrusive in contemporary homes. Only the rarest examples with exceptional provenance or unusual mechanisms still generate significant collector interest.

10. Cut Crystal Loses Its Sparkle With Collectors

Heavy leaded crystal that once symbolized luxury has fallen dramatically out of favor. Elaborate cut crystal bowls, decanters, and stemware that graced formal dining rooms throughout the 20th century now struggle to find homes.

Modern entertaining styles emphasize casual elegance over formal settings. Environmental concerns about lead content further dampen interest. Even Waterford and Baccarat pieces sell for fractions of their replacement values, with complete sets particularly difficult to place in today’s market.