9 Antiques In Olympia Homes That Could Sell Big And 4 That Have Lost Their Luster

A forgotten painting in the hallway. A heavy trunk in the basement. That old chair no one sits in anymore. In Olympia, antiques often blend into the everyday – until the right buyer comes along.

The region’s layered history and eclectic tastes mean some vintage finds are now commanding impressive prices, while others have quietly slipped out of favor.

Which items are worth a second look? And which are better left behind? In a shifting market, knowing what holds value – and what doesn’t – can turn clutter into opportunity.

1. Hand-Painted Northwest Native Art

Authentic pieces crafted by recognized tribal artists command impressive prices in today’s market. Collectors particularly value items with documented provenance and historical significance.

Original masks, bentwood boxes, and painted drums create bidding frenzies at specialty auctions. Regional art has seen values climb steadily over the past decade, especially pieces featuring traditional formline designs of the Coast Salish, Haida, and Tlingit traditions.

2. Antique Apothecary Cabinets

Pharmacy enthusiasts and interior designers compete fiercely for these multi-drawer storage pieces. Original hardware and intact glass labels significantly boost selling prices in the current market.

Smaller countertop versions often sell quickly to collectors creating vintage-inspired home offices or craft rooms. The practical storage combined with historical charm makes these cabinets perennial favorites, especially when they retain their original finish and compartments.

3. Vintage Enamel Kitchenware

Colorful enamelware from brands like Descoware and Le Creuset commands surprising prices from cooking enthusiasts. Flame-orange Dutch ovens and skillets from the 1960s-70s often sell for multiples of their original cost.

Condition matters tremendously – chips significantly reduce value. Farm-fresh finds from Olympia area estate sales occasionally yield rare pieces in pristine condition, making weekend treasure hunting potentially profitable for knowledgeable collectors.

4. Early American Quilts

Handcrafted bedcoverings from the 19th and early 20th centuries fetch impressive sums when properly authenticated. Unusual patterns, vibrant colors, and documented historical connections dramatically increase value.

Museum-quality examples from pioneer families occasionally surface in Olympia homes. Textile experts recommend proper storage in acid-free materials and avoiding direct sunlight, which can fade the vivid fabrics that make these textile treasures so desirable to serious collectors.

5. Cast Iron Wood Stoves

Rustic heating appliances from the late 1800s have found new life as decorative focal points. Models from recognized manufacturers like Glenwood and Monarch command premium prices when their ornate detailing remains intact.

Smaller parlor stoves prove especially popular with cabin owners seeking authentic period heating. Even non-functioning examples sell well to decorators who repurpose them as conversation pieces, though fully restored working models naturally bring the highest returns.

6. Mid-Century Teak Furniture

Danish-inspired pieces from the 1950s-60s have skyrocketed in value, especially those bearing designer marks like Hans Wegner or Finn Juhl. Clean lines and warm wood tones appeal to modern decorators seeking authentic vintage pieces.

Restoration experts recommend against refinishing original patina, as natural aging actually increases value. A single teak credenza in good condition might fetch thousands at specialty auctions or through high-end vintage dealers.

7. Art Deco Light Fixtures

Geometric lighting from the 1920s-30s creates bidding wars among architectural salvage hunters. Original frosted glass shades with sunburst or stepped patterns remain highly sought after for restoration projects.

Chandeliers and wall sconces featuring chrome or brass detailing command particularly strong prices. Homeowners renovating historic Olympia properties often pay premium prices for period-appropriate lighting, making these fixtures worth professional appraisal before relegating them to yard sales.

8. Antique Schoolhouse Clocks

Timepieces that once regulated classroom schedules now adorn designer homes at impressive price points. Regulator clocks with visible pendulums and oak cases frequently sell for thousands when mechanisms remain functional.

Models from E. Howard & Company or Seth Thomas attract the most attention from serious collectors. Local connection matters – clocks documented to Olympia area schools carry premium value due to regional historical significance and the growing interest in educational memorabilia.

9. Turn-Of-The-Century Landscape Paintings

Artwork depicting Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, or Olympic forests commands strong interest from regional collectors. Paintings by Northwest artists like Sydney Laurence or Emily Carr can reach five or six figures at specialized auctions.

Even lesser-known artists find ready buyers when their work captures iconic local scenes. Original frames add considerable value, as does provenance connecting the artwork to prominent Olympia families or historical events in Washington state history.

10. Pressed-Back Oak Chairs

Once staples of antique shops, these ornate dining chairs have fallen from favor among collectors. Modern homeowners find the formal Victorian styling incompatible with contemporary interiors, causing values to plummet.

Manufacturing marks from companies like Larkin Soap, which once distributed these as premiums, no longer guarantee sales. Unless part of a complete matching set with table and sideboard, these chairs typically sell for a fraction of their prices from twenty years ago.

11. 1980s Collector Plates

Remember those commemorative plates with limited edition promises? Markets flooded with mass-produced “collectibles” have seen values crash dramatically. Plates featuring Norman Rockwell scenes or wildlife portraits now regularly appear at thrift stores for pennies on the dollar.

Certificate of authenticity papers rarely help recover initial investments. Younger generations show virtually no interest in these wall displays, leaving sellers with few options beyond donating these once-prized possessions.

12. Cut Glass Crystal Bowls

Formal entertaining pieces have fallen victim to casual lifestyle trends. Heavy lead crystal serving dishes that once graced holiday tables now languish unsold at estate sales across Olympia.

Even prestigious brands like Waterford struggle to maintain value in secondary markets. Younger homeowners prefer lighter, dishwasher-safe alternatives, leaving grandma’s prized crystal collection without appreciative heirs or buyers willing to pay prices reflecting their original quality and craftsmanship.

13. Colonial Revival Dining Sets

Massive mahogany dining suites from the 1930s-50s have become furniture non-grata in today’s housing market. Heavy, dark wood pieces overwhelm smaller modern homes and conflict with contemporary design preferences.

Duncan Phyfe reproductions that once represented aspirational purchases now frequently sell for less than modern flat-pack alternatives. Auction houses often decline these once-prestigious sets entirely, leaving sellers struggling to find buyers even at drastically reduced prices.