North Carolina Furniture Collectibles Shooting Up in Value
North Carolina has long been famous for making beautiful furniture that people treasure for generations.
Recent changes in furniture prices have made vintage pieces from the Tar Heel State more valuable than ever before.
I’m excited to share thirteen collectibles that are climbing in worth and might be sitting in your attic right now.
1. Thomas Day Mahogany Tables
Collectors are scrambling to find pieces made by this legendary craftsman from the 1800s.
Thomas Day created furniture in Milton, North Carolina, and his work stands out because of the incredible detail and quality.
His mahogany tables feature hand-carved designs that showcase his artistic talent and dedication to perfection.
Prices for authentic Day pieces have jumped dramatically as people recognize their historical importance.
Many museums display his work, which makes private collections even more valuable.
Finding one of these tables could mean owning a piece worth thousands of dollars.
The craftsmanship simply can’t be replicated by modern manufacturing methods.
Day’s legacy continues to inspire furniture makers across North Carolina today.
2. Hickory Chair Company Wingbacks
These classic chairs have become incredibly popular among interior designers seeking authentic American pieces.
Founded in 1911, Hickory Chair Company built a reputation for creating furniture that lasts for generations.
Their wingback chairs feature solid wood frames and traditional designs that never go out of style.
Recent tariffs on imported furniture have pushed buyers toward quality vintage options instead of new imports.
Wingbacks from the mid-century period are especially sought after right now.
You’ll recognize these chairs by their distinctive shape and sturdy construction that can handle daily use.
Many families pass them down because they remain comfortable and beautiful after decades.
Reupholstering one costs less than buying new furniture of comparable quality.
3. Lane Cedar Hope Chests
Young couples once received these chests as wedding gifts, and now they’re making a comeback.
Lane Furniture started in Virginia but expanded operations to North Carolina, where many chests were crafted.
The aromatic cedar wood keeps clothes fresh and protects them from moths naturally.
Grandmothers across the state stored quilts and linens in these beautiful boxes for decades.
Today’s collectors appreciate both the practical storage and the nostalgic charm they bring to a bedroom.
Values have increased because people want furniture with stories and character instead of mass-produced items.
Each chest bears a serial number that tells you exactly when it was made.
Refinishing the wood can restore them to their original glory beautifully.
4. Drexel Heritage Dining Sets
Families gathered around these tables for Sunday dinners and holiday celebrations for years.
Drexel Heritage operated in North Carolina and became known for creating furniture that balanced elegance with durability.
Their dining sets often included tables with extension leaves and matching chairs built from solid hardwoods.
The company’s attention to joinery and finishing techniques means these pieces still look stunning today.
Complete sets with all original chairs command premium prices because keeping everything together is rare.
Many people remember eating at their grandmother’s Drexel table, which adds emotional value to purchases.
The wood develops a warm patina over time that new furniture simply cannot match.
Refinishing services can bring out the natural beauty hidden under old varnish.
5. Henredon French Provincial Armoires
European elegance met North Carolina craftsmanship in these stunning wardrobe pieces.
Henredon built a reputation for creating furniture inspired by classic French designs but made with American quality standards.
Their armoires feature curved lines, decorative carvings, and finishes that mimic antique European pieces.
Before closets became standard in homes, families relied on armoires for clothing storage and organization.
Today they serve as statement pieces that add character to bedrooms or even living rooms.
The solid wood construction means these massive pieces will last for many more generations with proper care.
Finding one in good condition requires patience, but the search pays off handsomely.
Interior designers frequently incorporate them into high-end projects for clients.
6. Kittinger Colonial Williamsburg Reproductions
History comes alive through these faithful reproductions of 18th-century American furniture designs.
While Kittinger started in New York, they produced pieces in North Carolina under license from Colonial Williamsburg.
Each item faithfully recreates furniture from America’s colonial period using traditional techniques and materials.
Brass plaques on each piece certify its authenticity as an official Colonial Williamsburg reproduction.
Collectors value these because they represent museum-quality craftsmanship at a fraction of antique prices.
The company used solid mahogany and cherry wood with hand-rubbed finishes that improve with age.
Tariffs on imported furniture have made American-made historical pieces even more desirable to buyers.
These pieces work wonderfully in traditional homes that celebrate American heritage and craftsmanship.
7. Lexington Bob Timberlake Oak Furniture
A famous North Carolina artist designed this collection that celebrates rural American life and craftsmanship.
Bob Timberlake partnered with Lexington Furniture to create pieces inspired by his paintings of country scenes.
Solid oak construction and simple designs reflect the honest beauty of farmhouse furniture from earlier times.
The collection became popular in the 1980s and 1990s with buyers seeking authentic American country style.
Timberlake’s signature appears on many pieces, adding artistic value beyond the furniture’s functional purpose.
Oak’s durability means these pieces handle daily family use while developing character over the years.
Current market trends favor handcrafted looks over sleek modern designs, boosting values significantly.
Complete dining sets and bedroom suites are particularly valuable to collectors today.
8. Bernhardt Mahogany Sideboards
Formal dining rooms showcased these impressive pieces that combined storage with sophisticated style.
Bernhardt Furniture Company has operated in North Carolina since 1889, building a legacy of quality craftsmanship.
Their mahogany sideboards feature dovetail joints, solid wood construction, and finishes that showcase the wood’s natural beauty.
These pieces served practical purposes for storing china, silver, and linens while anchoring the dining room visually.
Mahogany’s rich red-brown color deepens over time, making older pieces even more attractive than new ones.
Rising costs for new dining furniture have pushed buyers toward vintage options with superior construction.
Bernhardt’s reputation for quality means their pieces hold value and continue appreciating steadily.
Many families treasure them as heirlooms passed down through multiple generations.
9. Bassett Mid-Century Dressers
Sleek lines and practical design made these bedroom pieces perfect for growing post-war families.
Bassett Furniture Industries produced affordable, well-made furniture in Virginia and North Carolina for middle-class homes.
Their mid-century dressers featured simple designs with tapered legs and minimal ornamentation that emphasized function.
Walnut and blonde wood finishes reflected the popular styles of the 1950s and 1960s perfectly.
Young buyers today appreciate the clean aesthetic that fits modern minimalist decorating trends beautifully.
Unlike cheaply made modern furniture, these dressers were built with solid wood frames and quality hardware.
Prices have climbed as people recognize the value of American-made vintage pieces over imported alternatives.
Replacing drawer pulls can update the look while maintaining the original character.
10. Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection
Bold red lacquer finishes and Asian-inspired designs made this collection unforgettable in American homes.
Century Furniture created Chin Hua in North Carolina during the 1960s when Asian design influenced American decorating.
The distinctive red finish and brass hardware gave these pieces dramatic presence in any room.
Designer Raymond Sobota drew inspiration from traditional Chinese furniture forms but adapted them for
Western lifestyles. Tables, cabinets, and chairs from this line work surprisingly well in eclectic modern interiors today.
Collectors seek pieces in original condition because the lacquer finish is difficult to replicate authentically.
The collection represents an important moment when American furniture makers embraced global design influences.
Prices reflect both the artistic merit and the nostalgia for this bold decorating era.
