Boost Your Home Decor With These 5 Indiana Collectibles

Looking to add some Hoosier charm to your home? Indiana collectibles offer a perfect blend of local history and decorative appeal. From limestone carvings to vintage race car memorabilia, these unique pieces tell stories of our state’s rich heritage.

I’ve gathered five must-have Indiana treasures plus three up-and-coming collectibles that experts predict will increase in value soon.

1. Vintage Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia

Racing fans rejoice! Original Indy 500 programs, tickets, and photographs from the early days transform ordinary walls into conversation starters. My neighbor found a 1950s program at a garage sale for $5 that’s now worth over $200.

The older the item, the more valuable it typically becomes. Look for pieces from the 1911-1960 era for the best investment potential. Framed race day tickets paired with black and white photographs create stunning wall displays that celebrate Indiana’s racing legacy.

2. Hand-Carved Bedford Limestone Art

From the famous quarries of southern Indiana comes artwork that literally shaped America. Bedford limestone sculptures and carvings bring a touch of elegance to any room, connecting your space to Indiana’s architectural legacy.

Small decorative pieces like bookends or paperweights start around $40, while larger sculptures can fetch hundreds. I love how these pieces combine natural beauty with artistic craftsmanship. Their cool, smooth texture adds a tactile element to home decor that mass-produced items simply can’t match.

3. Authentic Amish Quilts

Handcrafted with love and tradition, genuine Amish quilts from northern Indiana communities like Shipshewana bring warmth and history to any room. Each stitch represents hours of patient craftsmanship and generations of passed-down techniques.

Vintage quilts from the 1930s-1960s often feature bold geometric patterns in deep blues, purples, and reds. Newer pieces might cost $300-800, while antique quilts can sell for thousands. Displayed on a quilt rack or as a wall hanging, these textile treasures add both color and cultural significance to your living spaces.

4. Vintage Kokomo Opalescent Glass

Sunlight streaming through these colorful glass pieces creates magical rainbows across your room! Founded in 1888, the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company still operates today as America’s oldest art glass manufacturer.

Their vintage glass bowls, vases, and decorative items showcase swirls of color that never repeat exactly. I’ve placed small pieces on windowsills to catch morning light. Larger vases become stunning centerpieces when filled with seasonal flowers. Prices range from $25 for small items to several hundred for rare colors and patterns.

5. Studebaker Automobile Collectibles

Car enthusiasts can’t resist these nostalgic treasures from South Bend’s iconic automobile manufacturer! Before closing in 1963, Studebaker produced vehicles that defined American style for decades.

Original dealership signs, advertisements, and miniature models make striking wall art for offices, dens, or garages. My father-in-law displays his collection of Studebaker hood ornaments in a shadow box. The rarest items include dealer-only promotional materials and factory photographs. Even non-car-lovers appreciate the retro graphic design and glimpse into mid-century American culture.

6. Antique Ball Mason Jars

The blue tint is unmistakable! Manufactured in Muncie since 1886, authentic Ball mason jars have become hot collectibles beyond just canning enthusiasts. The older blue glass versions with zinc lids stand out as particularly desirable.

Rare variations like square-shouldered designs or unusual colors can command hundreds of dollars. Fill these charming vessels with fairy lights for instant ambient lighting, or use them as flower vases for a rustic touch. Group different sizes together on kitchen shelves or mantels for an arrangement that honors Indiana’s industrial heritage while adding vintage charm.

7. Cole Porter Sheet Music

Born in Peru, Indiana, this legendary composer created the soundtrack of the American century. Original sheet music featuring Porter’s signature songs like “Night and Day” or “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” makes for elegant framed wall art with historical significance.

Music rooms and living spaces gain instant sophistication when adorned with these pieces of musical history. The illustrated covers often showcase stunning Art Deco designs that stand alone as artwork. Prices start around $30 for common titles, while rare or signed editions can fetch thousands. Collectors predict these will appreciate significantly as vintage entertainment memorabilia continues gaining popularity.

8. Red Skelton Clown Paintings

Whimsical yet poignant, these colorful clown portraits capture the spirit of Vincennes-born comedian and artist Red Skelton. Though reproductions are common, original signed lithographs and paintings have steadily increased in value since Skelton’s passing in 1997.

Each clown character represents different aspects of humanity, adding both color and depth to your decor. I’ve seen these works transform formal spaces with their unexpected playfulness. Collectors note that authenticated pieces with certificates are currently undervalued compared to other celebrity artists. Market experts predict values will rise substantially as younger generations discover Skelton’s artistic legacy.