6 Antique Living Room Finds That Sell Big Today And 4 That Always Had Designer Potential
Hunting for treasures in antique shops can be more than just a fun weekend activity – it might actually make you some serious cash! Old living room pieces that once gathered dust in grandma’s house now fetch impressive prices at auctions and vintage stores.
I’ve discovered which antique items are worth big money today and which ones interior designers have always recognized for their timeless appeal.
1. Mid-Century Modern Chairs
People are going crazy for these sleek beauties from the 1950s and 60s. Designs by Charles Eames, Hans Wegner, and Arne Jacobsen can sell for thousands – especially if they’re in original condition with manufacturer marks still intact.
I recently watched an Eames lounge chair go for $7,000 at auction! The clean lines and functional design principles make these pieces perfect for today’s homes. They blend surprisingly well with contemporary decor.
2. Tiffany Lamps
Genuine Tiffany lamps from the early 1900s remain some of the most sought-after antiques in the market. The distinctive stained glass shades with nature-inspired patterns can command prices from $4,000 to over $1 million for rare designs.
What makes them special? Each one features hundreds of hand-cut glass pieces soldered together with copper foil. Their warm, colorful glow transforms any living space into an art gallery. Even reproduction models from the mid-century fetch respectable prices.
3. Victorian Fainting Couches
Remember those dramatic couches where ladies supposedly swooned in old movies? They’re making a surprising comeback! Original Victorian fainting couches with carved details and velvet upholstery can sell for $3,000-$8,000 in good condition.
The asymmetrical design with one raised end creates a dramatic focal point in modern homes. Celebrities and luxury hotels have embraced these pieces as statement furniture. Even worn examples with good bones can be reupholstered while maintaining their antique value.
4. Art Deco Bar Carts
The cocktail revival has sent prices for authentic Art Deco bar carts through the roof! These glamorous pieces from the 1920s-30s featuring chrome, glass, and exotic woods can fetch $2,000-$5,000 from eager collectors.
Fancy serving drinks like a character from The Great Gatsby? The geometric designs and luxurious materials capture that perfect blend of sophistication and fun. Many feature special compartments for bottles, glasses, and mixing tools. Original wheels that still roll smoothly add significant value.
5. Mission Style Bookcases
Sturdy and straightforward, these oak beauties from the Arts and Crafts movement (1880s-1920s) are commanding premium prices in today’s market. Original Stickley pieces can sell for $3,000-$15,000 depending on size and condition.
The simple, honest construction with visible joinery celebrates craftsmanship over ornate decoration. I love how the quarter-sawn oak develops a distinctive tiger-stripe pattern over time. The modular design of many Mission bookcases makes them adaptable to modern homes despite being over a century old.
6. Persian and Oriental Rugs
Authentic hand-knotted rugs from the 19th and early 20th centuries continue to appreciate in value year after year. Fine examples can sell for $5,000-$20,000 or much more for rare pieces with exceptional artistry.
The intricate patterns tell stories of ancient traditions and cultural symbolism. Each rug represents thousands of hours of meticulous handwork. The natural dyes develop a beautiful patina over time that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate. Even well-worn antique rugs often command higher prices than new ones!
7. Leather Chesterfield Sofas
Classic Chesterfield sofas have always possessed that magical combination of comfort and sophistication. While not necessarily high-dollar auction items, quality vintage examples from the 1920s-50s reliably sell for $1,500-$4,000 in good condition.
The distinctive deep button tufting and rolled arms create an instantly recognizable silhouette. Genuine leather develops a gorgeous patina that new furniture simply can’t fake. These sofas somehow manage to look appropriate in settings ranging from traditional libraries to industrial lofts, explaining their enduring designer appeal.
8. Bakelite Accessories
Those colorful plastic items from grandma’s house might be worth serious money! Bakelite – the first synthetic plastic – was used for everything from radios to jewelry boxes between the 1920s-40s. Collectors now pay hundreds or even thousands for rare pieces.
The material’s warm, tactile quality and vibrant colors make these accessories perfect accent pieces. Testing for authenticity is simple – real Bakelite produces a distinctive formaldehyde smell when rubbed with hot water. Art Deco Bakelite clocks, picture frames, and smoking accessories are particularly prized by designers.
9. Arts and Crafts Lighting
Handcrafted copper and mica lamps from the Arts and Crafts movement have long been designer favorites. Original pieces by makers like Dirk Van Erp or Roycroft can fetch $2,000-$10,000 from collectors who appreciate their warm, organic glow.
The hammered copper develops a beautiful natural patina over decades. Many feature nature-inspired designs with leaves, trees, or geometric patterns. The translucent mica shades create a uniquely warm light that can’t be duplicated by modern materials. These pieces work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary spaces.
10. Art Nouveau Plant Stands
Delicate and flowing, these nature-inspired pieces have always been interior design darlings. The organic curves and floral motifs of Art Nouveau (1890-1910) beautifully soften modern interiors dominated by straight lines and technology.
Bentwood examples by Thonet or metal stands with sinuous lines make perfect homes for today’s popular houseplants. The craftsmanship involved in creating these graceful forms is immediately apparent. I’ve noticed designers frequently use these pieces to add visual interest to corners or to break up the hard edges of contemporary furniture.
