7 Investment-Worthy Items In Indiana, And 6 Others That Are Practically Worthless Now
Ever wondered which antique pieces in Indiana are actually worth your hard-earned cash? The Hoosier State has a rich history of furniture craftsmanship, with certain vintage items steadily climbing in value while others plummet faster than a stone in Lake Michigan.
Whether you’re an avid collector or just cleaning out grandma’s attic, knowing the difference between treasure and trash can save you serious money.
1. Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Sleek lines and functional design make these 1950s-60s storage pieces absolute gold mines in today’s market. Mid-century credenzas from Indiana manufacturers like Dunbar or Tomlinson command impressive prices at auctions across the Midwest.
Collectors go wild for the warm wood tones and minimalist hardware that perfectly complement contemporary homes. Look for pieces with original finish and intact sliding doors, even minor damage can slash values dramatically.
2. Solid Oak Hoosier Cabinets
Nothing says Indiana heritage like an authentic Hoosier cabinet. These practical kitchen workstations, manufactured in New Castle from the 1890s through the 1940s, feature pull-out porcelain worktops and built-in flour sifters that modern collectors adore.
Hoosier cabinets regularly fetch $1,500-3,000 in good condition. The most valuable examples retain original hardware, paint, and manufacturer labels. Especially those from the Hoosier Manufacturing Company itself.
3. Victorian Cast Iron Bed Frames
Heavy, ornate, and built to last centuries, Victorian cast iron beds from Indiana foundries represent serious investment potential. These magnificent sleepers feature elaborate scrollwork and brass finials that modern manufacturers simply can’t replicate.
Complete frames in original condition regularly sell for $2,000-5,000. The most valuable examples come from Indianapolis foundries like National and Union, known for their exceptional craftsmanship during the late 1800s. Even damaged frames often sell for parts!
4. Art Deco Vanities With Mirrors
Glamorous waterfall-style vanities from the 1930s have become hot commodities among vintage furniture enthusiasts. These elegant pieces, often manufactured in Indianapolis furniture factories, feature curved fronts, round mirrors, and distinctive veneer patterns.
Art Deco vanities regularly command $800-1,500 when complete with original hardware and mirrors. The most valuable examples feature Bakelite drawer pulls, intact veneer, and matching benches. Even incomplete sets can be worth restoring.
5. Antique Quilt Racks
Simple yet elegant, handcrafted Indiana quilt racks from the 19th century have become surprisingly valuable collectibles. These practical pieces, originally designed to display precious handmade quilts without folding, showcase the woodworking skills of early Hoosier craftsmen.
Cherry and walnut examples command the highest prices. Look for racks with spindle designs unique to Indiana’s Amish and Shaker communities.
Even well-worn examples can fetch $300-800 when they display authentic period construction techniques.
6. Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Sets
Surprisingly valuable, mid-century wrought iron outdoor furniture from Indiana manufacturers like Woodard and Lyon has become highly sought-after. These virtually indestructible pieces feature intricate scrollwork and distinctive designs that modern manufacturers struggle to duplicate.
Complete sets in original condition regularly fetch $1,200-3,000. The most valuable examples retain their original powder coating and feature signature patterns like “Rose and Ribbon” or “Chantilly.” Rusty pieces are worth restoring when they have authentic provenance.
7. 1980s Lacquered Entertainment Centers
Once the pride of suburban Indiana living rooms, these massive TV cabinets now struggle to find buyers at even the most generous garage sales. Their specialized compartments designed for VCRs, cassette players, and bulky CRTs make them functionally obsolete.
Lacquered finishes in dated colors like almond and black have cracked or yellowed with age. Most pieces sell for under $50 if they sell at all. Unfortunately, even free listings often go unclaimed as younger generations prefer wall-mounted TVs and streaming devices.
8. Mass-Produced Reproduction China Cabinets
Factory-made china cabinets from the 1990s have plummeted in value across Indiana’s secondhand market. These particleboard pieces, often disguised with thin veneer and faux antiquing, lack the craftsmanship that gives genuine antiques their lasting value.
Most sell for under $100 regardless of original cost. The worst offenders feature those telltale scalloped tops and press-on decorative elements. Believe it or not, charity shops have started refusing these bulky donations as they consume valuable floor space without generating meaningful revenue.
9. Primitive Farmhouse Tables
Rustic charm never goes out of style! Hand-crafted 19th-century farmhouse tables built by Indiana settlers showcase authentic mortise-and-tenon joinery that puts modern reproductions to shame.
Tables crafted from local hardwoods like maple or walnut command premium prices. The most desirable examples feature single-plank tops, hand-turned legs, and visible tool marks that tell the story of their creation. Designers regularly hunt these pieces for upscale farmhouse-style homes.
10. Overly Ornate French Provincial Dressers
Gaudy white-and-gold French Provincial bedroom sets that dominated Indiana furniture stores in the 1970s have become nearly impossible to resell. Their excessive scrollwork and plastic “gold” accents look hopelessly dated to modern buyers seeking cleaner lines.
Even perfectly maintained pieces struggle to fetch $75-150. The worst examples feature chipping paint that reveals cheap materials underneath.
Professional refinishers typically avoid these pieces entirely, knowing the labor costs would far exceed any potential profit.
11. Tuscan-Style Scrollwork Mirrors
Remember when every Indiana home decorating store sold those heavy bronze-finished mirrors with grape motifs and twisted metal frames? That early-2000s Tuscan trend has crashed harder than a wine glass at a dinner party.
Once selling for hundreds, these mirrors now languish in thrift stores for $15-30. Their excessive weight makes them expensive to ship for online resellers.
Most interior designers who specialize in the Mediterranean look have abandoned these pieces as hopelessly dated relics of boom-era excess.
12. Heavy Mahogany Curio Cabinets
Massive dark mahogany curio cabinets that once displayed Indiana families’ collectibles have fallen dramatically from favor. These towering display cases with mirrored backs and glass shelves overwhelm today’s smaller homes and lighter design aesthetics.
Most now sell for just $50-150 regardless of original quality. The darkest, heaviest examples fare worst in the resale market.
Antique dealers rarely accept these on consignment, knowing they’ll likely occupy valuable showroom space for months without finding buyers.
13. Outdated TV Armoires
Those hulking wooden TV cabinets designed to hide bulky televisions have become virtually worthless throughout Indiana. Their specialized compartments sized for outdated electronics can’t accommodate modern flat screens or gaming systems.
Most sell for under $75 if they sell at all. Creative upcyclers occasionally convert them into pantries or craft storage, but supply vastly exceeds demand.
The most ornate examples with built-in VHS storage and pull-out swivel platforms are particularly difficult to repurpose.
