15 California Collectibles Skyrocketing In Value Right Now
California has always been a trendsetter, and that doesn’t stop at collectibles. Right now, vintage pieces from the Golden State are fetching jaw-dropping prices at auctions and estate sales.
I’m talking about pottery, furniture, and handcrafted treasures that once filled sunny California homes. If you’ve got any of these items tucked away in your attic, you might be sitting on a small fortune!
1. Mid-Century Studio Pottery
Heath Ceramics pieces are pure gold right now. Collectors are hunting down these beautiful dishes like treasure hunters on a mission. You’ll recognize them by their simple shapes and gorgeous glazes in colors like sage green and warm brown.
Prices have doubled in just the past few years. A single dinner plate can sell for over $50, while complete sets command hundreds or even thousands. I’ve seen mixing bowls go for $200 at estate sales!
Check your grandma’s kitchen cabinets carefully. These pieces often have a small stamp on the bottom that says “Heath.”
2. Monterey Revival Furniture
Chunky wooden furniture with Spanish flair is making a huge comeback. Monterey Revival pieces feature thick wood, hand-carved details, and leather accents that scream old California charm. They were popular in the 1930s and 40s when everyone wanted that hacienda look.
Serious collectors are paying premium prices now. A single chair might fetch $400, while dining tables can easily hit $3,000 or more. The craftsmanship is unmatched by modern furniture.
Look for maker’s marks from companies like Barker Brothers. Original leather and hardware increase value significantly.
3. Decorative Tilework
Malibu, Catalina, and Batchelder tiles are absolute showstoppers. These handcrafted beauties once decorated fireplaces, fountains, and fancy California homes during the early 1900s. Each tile tells a story with its unique glaze and design.
Individual tiles now sell for $50 to $300, depending on rarity. Complete fireplace surrounds? We’re talking thousands of dollars! Batchelder tiles with nature scenes are especially hot right now.
Even broken tiles have value to restorers. Check old homes being renovated because contractors sometimes toss these treasures without knowing their worth.
4. Boho Hand-Carved Wood Furniture
Groovy carved furniture from the hippie era is back in style. These pieces feature intricate designs carved directly into solid wood, often showing flowers, peace signs, or abstract patterns. California craftspeople made them by hand during the counterculture movement.
What sold for $20 at garage sales five years ago now commands $500 or more. Headboards with detailed carvings are particularly valuable. I’ve watched bidding wars erupt over unique pieces!
Condition matters less than you’d think. Even pieces needing refinishing sell quickly because the carving work is irreplaceable.
5. Mission-Style Dining Chairs And Tables
Solid oak furniture with clean lines never goes out of style. Mission furniture from California makers like Stickley Brothers features honest construction and simple beauty. No fancy carvings here, just quality wood and expert joinery.
Values have climbed steadily upward. A set of six dining chairs easily reaches $2,000, while tables can hit $4,000 or more. Original finish and maker’s marks boost prices significantly.
Run your hand underneath seats and tabletops. You might find branded marks or paper labels that prove authenticity and skyrocket value.
6. Artisan Ceramic Table Lamps
Sculptural ceramic lamps from the 1950s and 60s are lighting up the collector market. California pottery studios created these functional art pieces with gorgeous glazes and organic shapes. They’re way cooler than anything you’ll find at big box stores today.
Expect to pay $300 to $1,000 for signed examples. Lamps by known artists like Harrison McIntosh command even higher prices. Even unsigned pieces sell quickly if they have that perfect mid-century vibe.
Original wiring should be replaced for safety, but keep the old parts. Collectors want to see everything is authentic.
7. Vintage Rattan And Bamboo Furniture
Breezy rattan pieces are having a major moment again. California’s tropical furniture makers crafted amazing chairs, tables, and shelving from natural materials. These pieces perfectly capture that laid-back West Coast lifestyle everyone wants.
Prices have tripled recently. A peacock chair that sold for $100 three years ago now fetches $300 or more. Complete patio sets command serious money, sometimes over $2,000.
Inspect carefully for breaks and unraveling. Well-maintained pieces are worth considerably more than damaged ones, though repairs are possible for valuable items.
8. Ceramic Serveware Sets
Complete dinnerware sets from California potteries are kitchen gold. Brands like Metlox, Franciscan, and Vernon Kilns produced gorgeous patterns that brightened countless dinner tables. Each piece was made right here on the West Coast.
Full sets in popular patterns now sell for $500 to $2,000. Rare serving pieces like covered casseroles or large platters can fetch $100 each. Certain patterns like Franciscan’s “Desert Rose” are incredibly hot.
Match your pattern online before selling. Some designs are way more valuable than others, and knowing what you have matters tremendously.
9. Art Glass Vases
Blown glass from California studios is breathtaking. Artists like Steven Correia and Lundberg Studios created incredible vases with swirling colors and intricate designs. Each piece is completely unique because it’s made by hand.
Small vases start at $200, while large statement pieces can reach $2,000 or more. Signed examples by famous artists are investment-grade collectibles. I’ve watched auction prices climb year after year.
Handle with extreme care because these are fragile treasures. Look for signatures etched into the bottom or side of each piece.
10. Hand-Woven Textiles And Tapestries
Fiber art from California weavers is finally getting respect. These wall hangings and tapestries feature incredible craftsmanship with natural fibers and bold designs. Many were created during the craft revival movement of the 1960s and 70s.
Large tapestries now sell for $400 to $1,500, depending on size and complexity. Signed pieces by known fiber artists command premium prices. Museums are even collecting these important artworks now.
Store them carefully away from direct sunlight. Fading dramatically reduces value, so proper care is essential for maintaining investment quality.
11. Vintage Redwood Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture made from California redwood is incredibly sought after. This naturally rot-resistant wood was crafted into beautiful benches, tables, and loungers during the mid-century era. The rich color and durability are unbeatable.
Condition affects pricing dramatically here. Well-maintained sets sell for $1,000 to $3,000, while weathered pieces need restoration. Original hardware and construction details matter to serious buyers.
Redwood is protected now, so vintage pieces can’t be replicated. That scarcity drives prices higher every year as collectors compete for remaining examples.
12. Desert Modernist Barware And Cocktail Sets
Stylish beverage sets from Palm Springs’ golden age are super trendy. These gorgeous glasses, pitchers, and serving pieces feature atomic designs and bright colors. They perfectly capture that sophisticated desert entertaining vibe.
Complete sets in original boxes command $300 to $800. Individual pieces sell quickly, too, especially rare designs. Collectors love the nostalgic glamour these items bring to modern entertaining.
Check thrift stores in desert communities. Sometimes amazing sets get donated by people who don’t realize what they’re worth in today’s market!
13. Pottery Planters And Sculptural Vases
Chunky planters from California potteries are plant parent essentials. These thick-walled beauties come in amazing shapes and colors that make modern planters look boring. Studios throughout the state produced thousands of designs during the mid-century boom.
Large floor planters now sell for $150 to $500, depending on maker and condition. Unusual shapes or rare glazes command higher prices. Even common designs sell quickly because everyone wants authentic vintage style.
Drainage holes were often added later by owners. Original condition without modifications is most valuable to serious collectors.
14. Mid-Century Enamel Kitchenware
Bright enamel cookware brings instant retro charm. California companies produced colorful pots, bowls, and canisters that were both practical and beautiful. The cheerful designs and durable construction made them kitchen staples.
Complete sets in excellent condition sell for $200 to $600. Rare colors or patterns increase value significantly. Even single pieces with minimal chipping find eager buyers because the vintage aesthetic is irreplaceable.
Chips and rust reduce value considerably. Display pieces can have minor wear, but usable cookware should be in better condition for maximum pricing.
15. Studio-Crafted Cutting Boards And Butcher Blocks
Artisan cutting boards from California woodworkers are kitchen treasures. These thick, beautifully crafted pieces feature gorgeous wood grain and expert joinery. Craftspeople selected premium hardwoods and shaped them into functional art.
Large butcher blocks sell for $300 to $1,000, depending on size and wood type. Smaller boards with maker’s marks fetch $100 to $300. Collectors appreciate the quality construction that’s impossible to find in modern mass-produced items.
Never put these in dishwashers or soak them. Proper care with mineral oil maintains beauty and protects your investment.
