22 Bedroom Items From The Past That Are Surprisingly Valuable To Collectors

Step into the vintage bedroom, that is, if you’re willing to stand on a goldmine. From hand-stitched quilts to vanity sets that once graced dressing tables in the 1920s, the past is packed with collectible treasures hiding in plain sight.

In 2025, collectors are going crazy for the charm, craftsmanship, and history woven into these once-overlooked bedroom staples.

So before you donate that old chenille bedspread or dismiss grandma’s mirrored perfume tray, take a second look. Some of these bedroom relics are worth far more than sweet dreams.

1. Victorian-Era Washstand Sets

Victorian washstand sets bring elegance to modern collections with their hand-painted porcelain basins and matching pitchers. Collectors particularly value complete sets with original soap dishes and toothbrush holders.

I still regret not snagging one at a flea market years ago. But hey, just one more lesson logged in my “why-didn’t-I-buy-that” life portfolio!

Many surviving pieces showcase delicate floral patterns or pastoral scenes that transport us to a time before indoor plumbing. The craftsmanship simply outshines today’s mass-produced bathroom accessories.

Sets in pristine condition can fetch upwards of $500. Meanwhile, rare patterns from prestigious manufacturers like Limoges might command several thousand dollars from serious collectors.

2. Art Deco Vanity Mirrors

Glamorous Art Deco vanity mirrors from the 1920s–30s bring all the old Hollywood glam, bold geometry, glitz, and a splash of drama.

I swear, these stepped silhouettes and beveled edges have more personality than most of my exes. Trust me, they don’t just reflect your face, they reflect an era that knew how to shine!

Some rare examples feature integrated lighting that still works decades later! The combination of functionality and striking aesthetics explains why these pieces command premium prices.

Though once standard in fashionable bedrooms, intact specimens now sell for $200-$1,500. Of course, depending on condition, designer, and whether they include matching accessories.

3. Handmade Crazy Quilts

Crazy quilts from the Victorian and Edwardian eras tell fascinating stories through their seemingly random patchwork designs. Unlike standard quilts, these textile treasures feature luxurious scraps of silk, velvet, and satin adorned with elaborate embroidery.

Collectors hunt for examples with commemorative ribbons, political campaign materials, or family mementos sewn right into the design. Each represents hours of painstaking needlework.

Well-preserved crazy quilts, especially those with documented family histories, can bring $800-$5,000 at specialized auctions. You wouldn’t believe how textile enthusiasts compete fiercely for the finest examples.

4. Cast Iron Bed Warmers

Long before electric blankets, our ancestors relied on bed warmers to make freezing bedrooms tolerable. These practical tools featured long wooden handles attached to cast iron pans that held hot coals.

People would slide these warming pans between their sheets before bedtime, creating a cozy spot on frigid winter nights. The decorative lids, often featuring intricate pierced designs, allowed heat to escape without spilling embers.

Authentic 18th and 19th-century examples in good condition now fetch $150-$500. Rare designs or those bearing maker’s marks are fetching considerably more from period home enthusiasts.

5. Tiffany Bedroom Lamps

Ready to light up your collection? Genuine Tiffany lamps from the early 1900s are the crown jewels of bedroom lighting collectibles. Their stained glass shades cast a magical glow that modern reproductions just can’t compete with.

Louis Comfort Tiffany’s studio crafted these masterpieces from thousands of hand-cut glass pieces arranged in stunning nature-inspired patterns. Just try to imagine dragonflies, wisteria, and peacock feathers.

Authenticated Tiffany bedroom lamps can fetch jaw-dropping prices, ranging from $20,000 to over $1 million for the rarest finds. Even the smaller bedside models shine bright with five-figure price tags when stamped with the coveted Tiffany Studios mark.

6. Carved Wooden Sleigh Beds

Antique sleigh beds with their gracefully curved headboards and footboards represent furniture craftsmanship at its finest. The most valuable examples come from the Empire and Victorian periods, showcasing elaborate hand carvings.

Collectors particularly prize beds made from rich mahogany, cherry, or walnut woods. Many survived because their substantial construction withstood decades of use without breaking down.

Though they require specialized mattresses to fit their unique dimensions, authentic sleigh beds from the 1800s regularly sell for $2,000-$8,000. Particularly ornate examples from known cabinetmakers can reach five figures at auction.

7. Mechanical Singing Bird Alarm Clocks

Tired of waking up to that annoying buzz? Imagine starting your day with a real live singing bird… Well, sort of! Mechanical singing bird alarm clocks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries did just that, charming sleepyheads awake with chirps instead of beeps.

These clever clocks, mostly from Germany and Switzerland, feature hand-painted birds that pop out of secret compartments when it’s time to rise and shine. It takes a master clockmaker’s magic to build those intricate bellows and movements.

Collectors now pay $1,000 to $5,000 for working originals, while the fanciest models by legends like Karl Griesbaum or Bontems can fly off the shelves for over $10,000 at clock auctions. Who knew waking up could be so musical, and so lucrative?

8. Celluloid Vanity Sets

These vanity sets from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods offer a fascinating glimpse into bedroom fashion history. The lightweight sets typically included brushes, combs, hand mirrors, and various trinket boxes with matching designs.

Manufacturers created these affordable luxuries to mimic expensive ivory, making glamour accessible to middle-class women. The most collectible sets feature intricate embossed patterns, often with floral or geometric motifs.

Complete sets in good condition now sell for $200-$800.. Collectors particularly value sets with intact bristles and unmarred mirror surfaces.

9. Victorian Hair Receivers

Hair receivers might seem bizarre to modern eyes, but these small covered pots once occupied prime real estate on Victorian dressing tables. Women collected fallen hair from their brushes, storing it inside these decorative containers.

Rather than discarding this hair, they later used it to create elaborate accessories like hair wreaths or to stuff small pillows and pin cushions. Nothing went to waste in Victorian bedrooms!

Porcelain examples with hand-painted designs typically sell for $75 to $300. Those made from sterling silver or featuring unusual shapes can fetch $500 or more from collectors fascinated by Victorian grooming customs.

10. Brass Bed Knobs

Ornate brass bed knobs once topped Victorian beds like little crowns, adding a fancy touch. Now, even solo knobs are prized collectibles, talk about tiny treasures!

Craftsmen created these finials in countless designs, from simple spheres to elaborate floral motifs. Some even incorporated glass elements or unusual shapes like pineapples (symbols of hospitality).

Authentic antique bed knobs typically sell for $40-$200 per pair, depending on size, design complexity, and condition. Creative decorators repurpose them as curtain finials or unique drawer pulls.

11. Hand-Painted Porcelain Chamber Pots

Before indoor plumbing became standard, decorative chamber pots served as essential bedroom furniture. Though their function was humble, many examples showcase extraordinary artistry with hand-painted designs.

French and English porcelain manufacturers created particularly beautiful specimens during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some feature pastoral scenes, others display delicate floral patterns or family crests for wealthy households.

Fine examples from prestigious makers like Limoges or Meissen now sell for $300-$1,000.

Collectors display these conversation pieces as decorative vessels or planters. That’s how they’ve become completely transformed from their original purpose into objects of beauty and historical interest.

12. Mourning Hair Jewelry Displays

Victorian mourning jewelry made from the hair of deceased loved ones represents one of history’s most intimate keepsake traditions. Honestly, it’s the ultimate “wear your heart on your sleeve”, or rather, around your neck!

Small glass-fronted shadow boxes displayed these precious mementos in bedrooms, keeping memories close during nighttime hours.

Artisans wove hair into intricate designs resembling flowers, trees, or geometric patterns. The most elaborate examples incorporate seed pearls, gold wire, or miniature painted portraits alongside the hair art.

Well-preserved hair art displays now command $300-$3,000 from collectors of Victorian memorabilia and funeral customs. Museums actively acquire fine examples of this deeply personal art form that connected the living with those they had lost.

13. Silk Embroidered Nightcap Cases

Back before central heating, nightcaps were the ultimate defense against chilly, drafty bedrooms. In wealthier homes, these cozy essentials were tucked away in embroidered silk cases, proudly displaying a lady’s needlework talents.

The most collectible examples feature intricate silk thread work on satin backgrounds, often depicting flowers, birds, or pastoral scenes. Some bear dates or monograms that help authenticate their age and provenance.

Eighteenth and early nineteenth-century examples in good condition now sell for $200-$800. Those with documented histories or unusual designs that demonstrate exceptional needlework techniques rarely practiced today are highly valued.

14. Bedside Firewater Carafe Sets

Crystal bedside carafe sets provided refreshment for nighttime thirst while adding elegance to bedroom decor. The finest examples feature a matching tumbler that inverts to cover the carafe, protecting the water from dust.

Prestigious glassmakers like Baccarat and Waterford created especially desirable sets with intricate cut patterns that caught candlelight beautifully. Some rare examples incorporate sterling silver mounts or colored glass accents.

Victorian and Art Deco sets in perfect condition typically sell for $150-$600, with signed pieces from renowned makers commanding significantly more. Modern interior designers covet these functional art pieces for luxury bedroom styling.

15. Cheval Mirror Dressing Stands

Ever wished for a mirror that shows your whole outfit without juggling angles? Cheval mirrors on swiveling stands were the pinnacle of bedroom luxury in the 18th and 19th centuries. They allowed the well-to-do to admire their full reflection long before wall-mounted mirrors were common.

The most prized versions boast frames carved from mahogany, rosewood, or walnut, often with intricate details. And some even sneak in tiny drawers or shelves for storing your essentials.

Curious how much these beauties fetch today? Authentic period cheval mirrors in good shape typically sell for $1,500 to $8,000, depending on their age, maker, and condition.

Even those in need of some TLC are hot commodities, thanks to their timeless elegance and surprisingly practical use in modern homes. Could one be the missing piece in your vintage collection?

16. Embossed Leather Glove Boxes

Specialized leather boxes for storing gloves once graced fashionable dressing tables throughout the Victorian era. These rectangular containers featured hinged lids embossed with elaborate designs, often highlighted with gold tooling.

The finest examples came from French and English leatherworkers who created stunning patterns ranging from floral motifs to heraldic designs. Many boxes retained their original silk or velvet linings where delicate gloves rested safely.

Well-preserved glove boxes from the 19th century typically sell for $200-$800, with exceptional examples reaching higher figures. Modern collectors repurpose them as elegant storage for jewelry, watches, or other small treasures.

17. Canopy Bed Coronets

Wooden or upholstered coronets once crowned the most elegant canopy beds, turning bedrooms into royal retreats fit for a king or queen. These dramatic drapery mounts weren’t just functional, they made a serious style statement!

The fanciest ones, carved or gilded from the 18th and 19th centuries, sometimes even sport family crests. It’s like your bed has its own royal badge of honor.

Today, authentic coronets in good shape can fetch anywhere from $500 to $2,500, a true treasure fit for your bedroom throne! Even the slightly battered ones are hot sellers, perfect as quirky wall art or repurposed décor.

Honestly, who knew bed accessories could have such a royal comeback? Now it’s time to give your bedroom that majestic glow-up. Let’s get regal!

18. Edwardian Hot Water Bottles

Ceramic hot water bottles with decorative covers warmed beds long before electric blankets existed. The most collectible examples come from the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, featuring glazed stoneware bodies with transfer-printed designs.

English manufacturers like Doulton and Staffordshire potteries created particularly fine examples, some shaped like animals or featuring witty sayings about staying warm. Their charm far exceeds modern rubber versions!

Intact antique hot water bottles typically sell for $100-$300, with rare designs or those retaining their original knitted or crocheted covers fetching top dollar. They represent perfect examples of how everyday items evolved into sought-after collectibles.

19. Papier-Mâché Bedroom Trays

Who knew breakfast in bed could be such a dazzling affair? Victorian papier-mâché bedroom trays masterfully blended practicality with jaw-dropping artistry.

Lightweight and elegant, these trays let you enjoy your morning meal while flaunting intricate mother-of-pearl inlays and hand-painted scenes that are true eye candy.

The cream of the crop came from Birmingham’s English manufacturers in the mid-19th century. It often featured romantic or floral designs set against glossy black backgrounds that make those iridescent shell inlays pop.

People are willing to pay $300 to $1,200 for well-preserved trays, depending on size and decoration quality. But beware, overrestoration can dull their charm, so the best examples keep their original paintwork intact. Ready to add a touch of Victorian glam to your mornings?

20. Porcelain Dresser Boxes

Ever wondered what vintage glamour looks like in miniature? Porcelain dresser boxes are tiny treasures that once held precious jewels and delicate keepsakes on elegant tables.

The most collectible examples come from European manufacturers like Meissen, Sèvres, and Limoges during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many feature hand-painted scenes under glazes that have retained their vibrant colors for centuries. Some incorporate bronze mounts, miniature portraits, or pastoral scenes that showcase extraordinary artistic skill.

Fine porcelain dresser boxes now bring in $200-$2,000 depending on maker, age, and condition. The most valuable examples bear factory marks that help authenticate their origins and provide crucial provenance information for serious collectors.

21. Edwardian Nightstands

Edwardian nightstands bring a touch of refinement and practicality to any bedroom. Known for their sleek lines and elegant carvings, these pieces were designed during the early 20th century when functionality met style.

They often featured a simple yet sophisticated design with small drawers and an open shelf, providing ample space for bedside essentials. The craftsmanship involved in creating these nightstands makes them highly sought after.

The survival of such pieces in good condition is a testament to their quality. Antique lovers value them not only for their beauty but also historical significance in furniture evolution.

22. Antique Bed Steps

Ever wonder how people climbed into those towering four-poster beds before modern low-profile mattresses? Wooden bed steps were the secret, and they weren’t just for climbing!

These clever pieces doubled as hidden storage for nightclothes and personal treasures, blending function with a dash of mystery.

The most valuable examples date from the 18th and early 19th centuries, crafted from mahogany or walnut with dovetailed joints that demonstrate master cabinetmaking. Many feature leather-covered treads or decorative inlays around the drawers.

Authentic period bed steps typically sell for $800-$3,000 depending on age, design, and condition. Interior designers now repurpose them as side tables or display stands, giving these bedroom antiques new life in contemporary settings.