9 Antique Pieces In Los Angeles That Could Become More Sought After

Los Angeles hides treasure troves of antique furniture waiting to be discovered by collectors and interior design enthusiasts.

As design trends cycle and appreciation for craftsmanship grows, certain vintage pieces are poised to jump in value. I’ve explored the city’s finest antique shops and estate sales to identify pieces that experts believe will see increasing demand in coming years.

These nine antiques combine historical significance with timeless appeal making them smart investments for both passionate collectors and savvy decorators.

1. Georgian Dining Tables

Handcrafted between 1714 and 1830, Georgian dining tables represent the pinnacle of English furniture making. Walking through LA’s antique district, I’ve noticed these tables commanding more attention from designers working on historic renovations in neighborhoods like Hancock Park and Pasadena.

The rich mahogany wood develops a distinctive patina over centuries that simply can’t be replicated. Many tables feature elegant cabriole legs and drop-leaf designs that modern homeowners appreciate for their versatility in smaller spaces.

If you find one with original brass hardware and minimal restoration work, consider it an investment piece. The clean lines and proportional harmony of Georgian design complement both traditional and contemporary interiors, making these tables increasingly coveted by collectors under 40.

2. Regency Writing Desks

Elegant and refined, Regency writing desks from the early 19th century are catching the eye of LA’s entertainment industry executives and screenwriters. These desks offer the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality with their slender proportions and intricate detailing.

When examining these pieces, look for leather-topped writing surfaces, original brass gallery rails, and hidden compartments features that significantly increase their value. The distinctive X-frame supports and brass inlays showcase the neoclassical influences that defined this brief but impactful design period.

Hollywood set decorators have started incorporating these desks into period productions, sparking wider interest. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for LA’s smaller apartments and bungalows while still delivering maximum historical impact and practical workspace.

3. Mid-Century Teak Sideboards

Danish-designed teak sideboards from the 1950s and 60s have become hot commodities in LA’s Silver Lake and Echo Park neighborhoods. The clean lines and organic forms perfectly complement the mid-century modern architecture prevalent throughout Southern California.

These pieces typically feature sliding doors, adjustable shelving, and tapered legs that elevate them off the ground creating that signature floating effect. What’s fascinating is how the rich, warm tones of properly maintained teak develop deeper character with age, unlike many mass-produced contemporary pieces.

Makers like Hans Wegner, Arne Vodder, and Finn Juhl command premium prices, but lesser-known Danish craftsmen offer similar quality at more accessible price points. With Hollywood’s renewed fascination with mid-century aesthetics, these functional art pieces will likely see substantial appreciation.

4. Italian Marble Coffee Tables

Stunning Italian marble coffee tables from the 1970s are making a dramatic comeback in LA’s luxury apartments and hillside homes. These statement pieces feature bold veining patterns in travertine, Carrara, and rarer marble varieties that today’s quarries can no longer match in quality.

The most desirable examples combine geometric bases in brass or chrome with thick slabs of hand-selected stone. I’ve noticed interior designers in Beverly Hills particularly seeking out pieces by designers like Angelo Mangiarotti and Willy Rizzo, whose tables blur the line between functional furniture and sculptural art.

Though heavy and substantial, these tables create visual lightness through clever proportions. Their neutral palette makes them surprisingly versatile across design styles from maximalist Hollywood Regency to minimalist contemporary explaining their growing popularity among LA’s style-conscious homeowners.

5. Baroque Carved Armoires

Majestic Baroque armoires dating from the 17th and 18th centuries have found new admirers among LA’s entertainment elite. These imposing storage pieces showcase the period’s characteristic exuberance with elaborate carvings of fruits, flowers, and mythological figures adorning their facades.

Originally built for European aristocracy, the finest examples feature solid walnut or oak construction with dovetail joinery that has survived centuries. Their generous proportions make them perfect for repurposing as entertainment centers or bar cabinets in LA’s larger homes.

When shopping for these statement pieces, look for original hardware and interior fittings, which significantly impact value. The contrast between these ornate historical pieces and contemporary California interiors creates a compelling design tension that photographers and stylists are increasingly featuring in high-end publications.

6. British Colonial Four-Poster Beds

British Colonial four-poster beds from the 19th century have captured the imagination of Los Angeles homeowners seeking to add romantic drama to their bedrooms. These beds were originally designed for colonial officials stationed in India, combining English construction techniques with exotic woods like teak and rosewood.

The tall posts were practical in tropical climates, supporting mosquito netting, but today they create a sense of grandeur in modern spaces. I’m seeing increased demand for examples with original turned finials and canopy frames, especially from boutique hotel designers and film industry professionals.

Despite their substantial size, these beds work surprisingly well in LA’s Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival homes. Their dark woods and architectural presence complement the existing beamed ceilings and arched doorways while adding a layer of historical richness that new reproductions simply cannot achieve.

7. Danish Modern Lounge Chairs

Did you know Hans Wegner’s iconic Papa Bear chair originally sold for just $1,000 in the 1950s? Today, authentic examples fetch upwards of $20,000 in Los Angeles showrooms. Danish Modern lounge chairs represent some of the smartest investments in the vintage furniture market.

The sculptural teak or rosewood frames paired with original wool upholstery create an unmistakable silhouette that defines mid-century cool. LA’s entertainment industry has long appreciated these pieces they frequently appear in films set in architecturally significant homes throughout the city.

Look for designer stamps and manufacturer labels on the underside of frames. Chairs by Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, and Børge Mogensen show particularly strong appreciation. What makes these pieces especially valuable in LA is their perfect marriage of form and function beautiful enough for display yet comfortable enough for California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

8. Art Deco Vanity Tables

Art Deco vanity tables from the 1920s and 30s are experiencing renewed interest among LA’s fashion and film industry professionals. These glamorous pieces capture Hollywood’s golden age with their sleek waterfall edges, curved mirrors, and exotic wood veneers like bird’s eye maple and walnut burl.

The best examples feature original bakelite handles, working lights, and integrated jewelry storage. I’ve watched young collectors in West Hollywood and Studio City specifically seeking out vanities with their original matching benches a complete set can double the value.

What makes these pieces particularly appealing is their compact footprint, perfect for LA’s vintage apartments. Interior designers are placing them in unexpected spaces beyond bedrooms using them as unique entryway consoles or home bar stations. Their connection to cinema history makes them especially prized in a city that celebrates its entertainment legacy.

9. Victorian Roll-Top Desks

Victorian roll-top desks have found surprising new fans among LA’s tech entrepreneurs and writers seeking to create screen-free workspaces. These engineering marvels from the late 19th century feature dozens of cubbyholes, secret compartments, and the signature tambour cover that rolls down to instantly hide works in progress.

The craftsmanship is immediately apparent in the quarter-sawn oak construction, dovetailed drawers, and original brass hardware. When hunting for these pieces in LA’s antique districts, I recommend checking that the tambour mechanism operates smoothly a stuck roll-top significantly diminishes both usability and value.

These substantial pieces work beautifully in LA’s Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes, particularly in neighborhoods like Angelino Heights and West Adams. Their association with a slower, more deliberate era of communication has made them increasingly desirable as digital fatigue sets in among younger collectors.