These 3 Antique Pieces Are Increasing in Home Value, While 5 Others Are Falling Out of Style
The world of antiques is constantly evolving, with some pieces becoming more valuable while others lose their appeal. Understanding these trends can help you make smart decisions about what to keep, sell, or buy.
I’m sharing my insights on which antique items are worth investing in and which ones you might want to reconsider keeping in your home.
1. Vintage Barware – Raising the Value Bar
The cocktail renaissance has sparked major interest in vintage barware from the 1920s through the 1960s. Crystal decanters, mid-century cocktail shakers, and Art Deco bar carts are particularly hot items right now. I’ve seen complete bar sets that once sold for under $100 now commanding $500-$1,000 at auction.
The popularity of shows like Mad Men initiated this trend, but it’s continued growing as home entertaining became more important during recent years. Silver-plated cocktail shakers from the 1930s are especially prized for their craftsmanship and historical connection to the end of Prohibition.
2. Antique Maps – Charting New Value Heights
Remember those dusty old maps in your grandparents’ study? They’re becoming hot commodities in the antique world. Collectors are paying premium prices for hand-drawn maps from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The appeal goes beyond decoration – these maps represent historical documentation of how our world was once understood. Regional maps showing your local area can be especially valuable as people seek connections to their home’s history. Even maps from the early 20th century are beginning to climb in value as they become increasingly scarce.
3. Mid-Century Modern Furniture – Rising Star
The sleek lines and functional design of mid-century modern pieces continue to captivate new generations of homeowners. From Eames chairs to teak credenzas, these items from the 1950s and 60s aren’t just holding their value – they’re skyrocketing!
Many pieces that sold for a few hundred dollars a decade ago now command thousands at auction. The timeless appeal comes from their versatility in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Fun fact: Many original mid-century pieces were mass-produced but are now rarer than their manufacturers ever anticipated.
4. Heavy Victorian Furniture – Falling Flat
Once the pride of formal living rooms, those massive carved Victorian sofas and sideboards are rapidly losing their appeal and value. Modern homes simply don’t have the space for these oversized pieces, and younger buyers prefer lighter, more functional furniture.
Dark wood Victorian pieces that once sold for thousands at auction now often go for just a few hundred dollars. The ornate carvings and somber appearance that defined the Victorian era clash with today’s preference for clean lines and brighter spaces. Only exceptionally rare or historically significant Victorian pieces are maintaining their value in today’s market.
5. Collectible Plates and Figurines – Shattering in Value
Those limited-edition collector plates and porcelain figurines that promised to be valuable investments are now worth pennies on the dollar. Bradford Exchange, Hummel, and Precious Moments collections that once dominated curio cabinets are finding few buyers today.
My clients are often shocked to learn their complete sets of commemorative plates might fetch only $5-10 per plate. The market became oversaturated as manufacturers produced too many “limited editions” that weren’t actually limited. Younger generations simply don’t have the display space or interest in these dust-collecting items that defined 1970s-90s home decor.
6. Formal China Sets – Cracking Market Value
Complete sets of formal china that families once treasured are experiencing a dramatic drop in value. Those Lenox, Noritake, and Wedgwood patterns your grandmother saved for special occasions might only fetch 10-15% of their original price today.
Casual entertaining has replaced formal dining for most households. Many young couples don’t even register for china anymore, preferring versatile everyday dishes instead. I recently appraised a complete 12-place setting of Wedgwood that retailed for $3,000 in the 1980s – the family was fortunate to get $300 for it at auction.
7. Silver-Plated Serving Pieces – Tarnished Value
Those ornate silver-plated tea services, candelabras, and serving trays that required constant polishing are rapidly declining in value. Unlike sterling silver, which retains material value, silver-plated items are seeing prices fall by 70-80% from their peaks.
Modern entertaining styles favor simpler, dishwasher-safe options. Few people today want to spend hours polishing silver for special occasions. Silver-plated items from even prestigious makers like Gorham and Reed & Barton that once sold for hundreds now commonly appear at estate sales for $50-75, often without finding buyers.
8. Grandfather Clocks – Time’s Up on High Values
Those stately grandfather clocks that once commanded central positions in foyers and living rooms are steadily declining in value. Many massive pendulum clocks from respected makers like Howard Miller and Ridgeway now sell for just 20-30% of their original prices.
Modern homes with open floor plans often lack suitable wall space for these 7-foot-tall timepieces. The younger generation typically prefers sleeker timepieces or relies on smartphones instead of traditional clocks. The maintenance requirements and specialized knowledge needed to keep these mechanical marvels running properly further diminishes their appeal to today’s buyers.
