5 Antiques On The Rise In San Francisco And 5 Declining In Value
San Francisco’s antique market is always changing, just like the city itself. What’s hot today might be gathering dust tomorrow, and what was once overlooked could become the next big thing.
I’ve been watching trends in the Bay Area’s vintage scene for years, and I’m noticing some clear winners and losers.
Here’s my guide to what’s climbing in value and what’s time to sell before the market dips further.
1. Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Clean lines and functional design make these pieces absolute gold in San Francisco’s compact apartments. Danish and American sideboards from the 1950s-60s have doubled in value over the past five years in the Bay Area.
These versatile pieces work beautifully in modern homes without overwhelming the space. I’ve watched clients fight over a Jens Risom walnut sideboard at an estate sale last month it sold for three times the asking price!
The combination of storage and display space hits the sweet spot for tech professionals furnishing their first real homes. If you spot one at a flea market under $1000, grab it immediately it won’t last long in this market.
2. Art Deco Vanity Tables
Glamour is making a comeback in San Francisco homes! Art Deco vanities with their curved fronts, beveled mirrors, and luxurious details are suddenly commanding premium prices at auctions across the city.
The renewed interest comes partly from younger buyers discovering vintage makeup tutorials on social media. These statement pieces transform ordinary bedrooms into something special. When I found a 1930s waterfall vanity at the Alameda flea market last year for $200, I nearly danced it appraised for $1,200 just months later.
Look for pieces with original hardware and minimal veneer damage. Even those needing light restoration are worth investing in now before prices climb higher.
3. Hand-Knotted Antique Rugs
Persian and Turkish hand-knotted rugs are experiencing a renaissance in San Francisco’s design scene. These textiles bring warmth to the city’s many concrete and glass interiors while appreciating steadily in value.
My clients are increasingly seeking rugs with natural dyes and traditional patterns, especially those showing gentle wear that tells a story. A friend recently sold a faded Heriz rug she purchased in 2010 for triple her investment!
The sustainability angle appeals strongly to environmentally conscious San Franciscans who prefer heirloom quality over disposable decor. Focus on smaller rugs (4×6 or 5×7) which fit better in urban spaces and are easier to transport when moving.
4. Victorian Dining Sets
Who would have guessed? After years of decline, formal Victorian dining sets are making a surprising comeback in San Francisco. The pandemic sparked renewed interest in home entertaining, and these grand tables with their matching chairs suddenly feel relevant again.
Smaller sets (table plus 4-6 chairs) are particularly desirable as they fit in the city’s Victorian apartments. I recently helped a client who purchased a mahogany set for $800 in 2018 sell it for $2,400 to an eager buyer in Pacific Heights.
Dark woods like walnut and mahogany are performing especially well. The craftsmanship and durability of these pieces appeals to buyers tired of disposable furniture these tables have already survived 100+ years!
5. Teak Lounge Chairs
Danish teak lounge chairs from the 1950s-70s have become the hottest seats in town! These sculptural beauties with their warm wood tones and elegant profiles fit perfectly with San Francisco’s casual-sophisticated aesthetic.
The combination of comfort, beauty, and investment potential makes these pieces irresistible. When I spotted a pair of Finn Juhl chairs at a garage sale in Noe Valley priced at $300, I knew the seller had no idea they were worth ten times that amount.
Even lesser-known designers are commanding impressive prices if the chairs feature good lines and original upholstery. If you’re hunting for these treasures, expand your search to Sacramento and the North Bay, where prices haven’t climbed quite as dramatically yet.
6. Heavily Carved Armoires
Once prized showpieces, these massive storage units have fallen dramatically out of favor in space-conscious San Francisco. Their dark, imposing presence conflicts with today’s preference for light, airy interiors.
The practical issues can’t be overlooked either. Moving these behemoths up narrow Victorian staircases has caused many to be abandoned or sold for a fraction of their former value. I watched a stunning Black Forest armoire that would have fetched $4,000 ten years ago sell for just $700 at a recent estate sale.
If you’ve inherited one of these pieces, consider selling now before values drop further. Alternatively, you might repurpose it as a bar cabinet or entertainment center to increase its appeal to younger buyers who appreciate adaptive reuse.
7. Oversized China Cabinets
Formal dining culture has changed dramatically, and these massive display pieces are paying the price. San Francisco’s compact living spaces simply can’t accommodate furniture designed for sprawling suburban homes.
Young homeowners aren’t collecting fine china the way previous generations did, eliminating the need for dedicated storage. My neighbor’s stunning Chippendale breakfront sat on Facebook Marketplace for six months before finally selling for just $400 a heartbreaking fraction of its original value.
If you’re holding onto one for sentimental reasons, consider separating the top and bottom to create two more versatile pieces. The hutch can work as a bookcase, while the base makes a lovely buffet or entry console much more appealing to today’s buyers.
8. Ornate Roll-Top Desks
Remote work revolutionized home offices, but not in favor of these Victorian workhorses. Bulky roll-tops with their tiny cubbies simply can’t accommodate modern technology needs or ergonomic concerns.
The market has absolutely crashed for these pieces in San Francisco. At a recent estate auction in the Marina, I watched a magnificent quarter-sawn oak roll-top that would have commanded $2,000 in 2010 sell for just $350.
Did you inherit one of these desks? Consider repurposing it as a bar, craft station, or entry piece to enhance its appeal. Alternatively, sell now before prices drop further, especially if you need the space. The few buyers still interested are looking for bargains, not paying premium prices.
9. Antique Sewing Tables
Though charming, these specialized furniture pieces have lost their functional relevance in modern San Francisco homes. Their small surface area and odd heights make them awkward as side tables or decorative accents.
The market is flooded with these tables as older generations downsize. At the Alameda Point Antiques Faire, rows of them sit unsold month after month, with prices dropping steadily. Unless your piece has exceptional provenance or unusual features, its value has likely decreased by 60-70% over the past decade.
If you’re attached to yours, consider removing the sewing machine to create a more useful side table. Otherwise, now’s the time to sell before prices fall further particularly if you can find a buyer who sews and might actually use it for its intended purpose.
10. Floral Upholstered Rockers
Grandma’s favorite chair has fallen seriously out of fashion in San Francisco’s design scene. These rockers with their fussy floral fabrics and ornate woodwork clash with contemporary interiors and more streamlined vintage pieces.
The comfort factor doesn’t help either many find these rockers ergonomically challenging compared to modern seating. When helping a client clear her mother’s Sunset District home last month, we couldn’t even donate the floral rocker thrift stores are simply refusing them due to overwhelming supply.
If you’re sentimentally attached to one, consider a dramatic makeover with solid-colored performance fabric and simplified lines. Otherwise, sell now for whatever you can get or gift it to someone who genuinely appreciates its old-fashioned charm before it becomes completely unsellable.
