24 Antiques Designers Never Pass Up
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Some things never go out of style, and designers know exactly what to grab when they spot it. Whether it’s tucked away in a dusty corner of an antique shop or shining like a gem at a flea market, these timeless pieces are the ones pros always make room for.
Statement mirrors and sculptural chairs rich with history bring a unique blend of character, expert craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
Curious what the design world is obsessed with? These 24 antiques are the treasures designers never walk past, and once you see them, you won’t either.
1. Gilded Mirrors
Gilded mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces, they’re dramatic focal points that instantly elevate any space. With their ornate gold-leafed frames, aged patina, and centuries-old craftsmanship, these pieces add a sense of grandeur that modern reproductions can’t touch.
Designers are drawn to their ability to blend effortlessly into both traditional and contemporary interiors, creating contrast, depth, and just the right amount of old-world glamour. Whether leaning against a mantel or anchoring a hallway, a gilded antique mirror doesn’t just reflect light, it reflects history, artistry, and the kind of character that can’t be faked.
That’s why when designers spot one with authentic detailing and aged brilliance, they never let it slip away.
2. Campaign Furniture
Built for military officers traveling the world, these sturdy pieces feature brass corners and hardware that have developed a beautiful patina over decades. The clever folding designs make them surprisingly practical even in modern homes.
Are you looking for something that combines history with functionality? Campaign chests, desks, and beds were made to break down for transport, then reassemble without tools.
Their clean lines work beautifully in contemporary spaces while adding warmth and character.
3. Bergère Chairs
Enclosed French armchairs bring instant luxury to any space. Their exposed wood frames combined with upholstered seats and backs offer both comfort and style.
When I spot one with good bones but shabby upholstery, I pounce! Even with reupholstering costs, they’re worth every penny.
The proportions are always just right, never too big, never too small. That balance makes them perfect for everything from cozy reading nooks to stylish conversation areas.
4. Chinoiserie Cabinets
The exotic painted scenes on these cabinets transport you to distant lands with their fanciful landscapes and figures. If you’ve never seen one up close, the detail is absolutely mesmerizing!
Many were created during Europe’s fascination with Eastern aesthetics in the 18th century. The best examples feature hand-painted designs on lacquered surfaces that have developed a crackled effect over time.
They make stunning bar cabinets or statement pieces in dining rooms.
5. Crystal Chandeliers
Ever seen light dance across a room in a way that stops you in your tracks? That’s the magic of vintage crystal. The way it catches sunlight simply can’t be replicated in modern pieces, each prism throws tiny rainbows across the walls.
Restored antique chandeliers bring drama and elegance, while the gentle clink of crystal in a breeze adds a soft, almost musical touch. Even small fixtures can turn a simple hallway or powder room into something unforgettable.
6. Inlaid Wood Tables
The craftsmanship in antique inlaid tables represents hundreds of hours of meticulous work by master artisans. Tiny pieces of different woods, mother-of-pearl, or ivory create patterns that catch your eye from across the room.
Running your fingers over these surfaces reveals the subtle texture where different materials meet. Such tables shine as standout accents that effortlessly complement any furniture without needing to match.
My favorite finds are games tables with chessboard tops or intricate floral designs.
7. Apothecary Cabinets
Those tiny drawers! I can never resist the charm of an old apothecary cabinet with its multitude of compartments. Originally used for storing medicines and herbs, they now make perfect homes for collections, jewelry, or art supplies.
The worn labels and small brass pulls tell stories of their former lives in pharmacies or herb shops.
Here is a tip from someone who’s always had a soft spot for vintage: look for examples with the original hardware intact. Even smaller countertop versions make interesting storage solutions while adding character to modern spaces.
8. Persian Rugs
The rich colors and intricate patterns of antique Persian rugs only improve with age. Unlike machine-made versions, these hand-knotted treasures show slight imperfections that reveal their handmade nature.
Ever noticed how they seem to ground a room instantly? The natural dyes develop a patina that modern chemical dyes can’t achieve.
Even worn Persian rugs hold their value, and smaller prayer rugs or runners can be affordable entry points into collecting these textiles.
9. Tortoiseshell Boxes
The warm, mottled patterns of antique tortoiseshell boxes create instant sophistication on a coffee table or vanity. Modern versions use faux materials, but antique pieces (pre-ban) have a depth and luminosity that’s unmistakable.
These precious items were often given as gifts to mark special occasions. The best examples feature gold or silver piqué work, tiny pins creating decorative patterns.
I love how they elevate whatever space they occupy, bringing a touch of history and craftsmanship.
10. Transferware China
Would you believe these were the mass-produced dishes of the 19th century? Despite their humble origins, they’ve become highly collectible.
The detailed scenes on blue and white transferware tell stories of pastoral landscapes, exotic locations, or historical events. Each piece feels like a little artwork you can use daily.
I love mixing different patterns that share the same color palette. The imperfections – slight crazing or faded transfers – only add to their charm and authenticity.
11. Bamboo Furniture
Authentic Victorian-era bamboo furniture brings instant character to any room. The honey-colored patina develops over time and can’t be replicated in new pieces.
These quirky items were all the rage during Britain’s fascination with Asian aesthetics. Look for magazine racks, side tables, or étagères with original finishes.
The joints are often wrapped in rattan, creating distinctive details. I recently found a bamboo plant stand that became the star of my sunroom, sometimes the smallest pieces make the biggest impact!
12. Marble-Top Commodes
The marriage of cool marble and warm wood is a match made in design heaven, talk about a rock-solid relationship. Such classic chests of drawers, especially French and Italian beauties, often flaunt inlaid details or gilt accents. They turn storage into full-on functional art.
Back in the day, marble tops weren’t just for looks, they saved the wood from splash damage during wash-ups. Fast forward to now, and they’re making a splash all over again as stunning bathroom vanities.
And those slightly worn marble edges? That’s not damage, that’s character. Proof these pieces have aged like fine stone.
13. Majolica Pottery
The vibrant glazes and whimsical designs of majolica pottery bring instant joy to any collection. Earthenware pieces often showcase nature-inspired motifs, leaves, fruits, and animals, in relief against vibrant, colorful backgrounds.
Victorian-era examples remain the most sought-after, but later pieces also have charm.
My grandmother started my collection with a small majolica leaf dish, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Display them on open shelves where the brilliant colors can be appreciated, or use them as unexpected serving pieces for special occasions.
14. Copper Cookware
Ever wonder what gives a kitchen that cozy, old-world glow you just can’t fake? Hanging a collection of antique copper pots instantly warms up the space and adds rich, lived-in charm.
The natural patina that forms over time tells a story, one that can’t be replicated by new pieces. Beyond looks, copper is a top-notch heat conductor and built to last for generations.
French versions with cast iron handles are especially sought after. When displayed on open shelves or pot racks, these pieces become more than cookware, they’re functional art with a rosy glow that steals the show.
15. Leather-Bound Books
The smell alone is worth the investment! Antique leather-bound books bring instant gravitas to a bookshelf or tabletop vignette.
The spines with their gilt lettering create a rhythm that’s visually appealing even from across the room. Don’t worry if you can’t read Latin or Greek, many designers collect these for their aesthetic value alone.
Look for matching sets or volumes in complementary colors. My favorite finds are old travel journals or illustrated natural history books that can be displayed open to show their beautiful plates.
16. Bronze Sculptures
The weight alone tells you you’ve found something special. Antique bronze sculptures have a presence that resin reproductions simply can’t match, with patinas that develop over decades or centuries.
When hunting for bronze pieces, look for signatures or foundry marks on the base. These small details can significantly impact value.
My clients love displaying these on bookshelves or mantels where they create visual anchors. Animal figures are particularly collectible and versatile in different design styles.
17. Taxidermy And Specimens
Antique scientific specimens under glass domes or in display cases bring a cabinet-of-curiosities vibe that’s hard to resist. Victorian-era butterfly collections, mineral specimens, or small taxidermy pieces add unexpected interest to bookshelves.
Conversation pieces from a time when fascination with natural history and classification was at its peak.
While not everyone’s cup of tea, authentic antique specimens were collected with reverence. I particularly love old teaching models, botanical studies or anatomical pieces that blend science and art in fascinating ways.
18. Silverplate Serving Pieces
Imagine setting the table with a silver-plated asparagus server or a beautifully worn berry spoon, suddenly dinner feels like an event. Antique silverplate serving pieces have a charm and purpose that modern cutlery just doesn’t match.
Each piece was made for something specific, and that thoughtfulness shows. And here’s the fun part: these aren’t just for fancy dinners.
Mixing and matching vintage silverplate for everyday meals adds that “collected over time” vibe that feels personal, not stuffy. Plus, with silverplate no longer in the spotlight, you can score some truly stunning finds for less than you’d pay for basic stainless steel.
Ready to treasure hunt?
19. Ironstone Pitchers
The simple, sturdy forms of antique ironstone pitchers make them perfect vessels for flower arrangements or standalone decorative objects. Their creamy white surfaces develop a warm patina over time that new reproductions can’t match.
English and American examples from the 19th century are most collectible. Some feature transfer decorations, but I’m partial to the plain white ones with interesting shapes.
The best thing is that they work in any design style from farmhouse to formal. Group them together for impact or use a single statement piece to anchor a vignette.
20. Architectural Salvage
Old architectural fragments are little treasures with big personality. Corbels, balusters, finials, each one carries the charm of a bygone era.
Designers love turning them into lamps, wall art, or even quirky shelf brackets. The worn edges and layered patina aren’t flaws, they’re proof of a life well lived.
You’re not just decorating; you’re giving a second life to craftsmanship that’s almost impossible to find today. Think of them as history you can hang on your wall.
21. Cloisonné Vases
Ever wondered how something so delicate can survive for centuries? That’s the magic of cloisonné.
Intricate metalworks from China and Japan use fine wire to shape detailed patterns of dragons, flowers, and birds, filled with richly colored enamel. The result is bold and refined, with jewel tones that haven’t faded over time.
Even the tiniest boxes or vases can steal the spotlight. And when you run your hand over a high-quality piece, the surface feels as smooth as glass, proof of incredible craftsmanship that still holds up today.
22. Oil Portraits
There’s something magical about bringing home a stranger’s portrait and giving it a new life on your walls. These unnamed ancestors create instant soul and history in modern interiors.
The darker, moodier examples from the 18th and 19th centuries are particularly sought after by designers. Don’t worry about condition, a bit of craquelure or frame damage adds to the charm.
I’ve named all the portraits in my collection, creating fictional backstories that amuse my guests. They’ve become like old friends watching over my home.
23. Faded Tapestries
The muted colors of antique tapestries bring instant texture and history to bare walls. Their softened hues, once vibrant reds, blues, and greens, have mellowed into harmonious color stories that work beautifully in contemporary spaces.
Even fragments can be meaningful design elements when properly framed. French and Belgian examples featuring pastoral scenes or verdure (foliage) designs are particularly versatile.
The handwoven texture creates visual interest that flat artwork can’t match, while the scale makes a dramatic impact in large rooms.
24. Garden Statuary
Weathered stone figures really know how to rock a garden or interior space, bringing instant age and character that’s truly set in stone. The patina, whether it’s lichen, moss, or those perfectly softened edges, can’t be carved out by modern replicas.
Classical figures, animals, or architectural elements like finials make for some seriously solid focal points. Even chipped or missing parts just add to their stone-cold charm, talk about a nose for style or an arm-full of personality!
Time-worn treasures prove that in antiques, a little wear and tear only deepens their charm.