10 Things in Grandma’s House That Could Be Worth A Ton Of Money (And 11 That Are Pretty Worthless)

Grandma’s house is like a treasure chest of memories, but it might also be hiding actual treasures! Those dusty knickknacks and old furniture pieces could be worth serious cash if you know what to look for.

However, not everything old is valuable, and some sentimental items might be worthless to collectors. Let’s explore what’s worth keeping and what you can safely donate next time you help clean out grandma’s attic.

1. VALUABLE: Vintage Cast Iron Cookware

Old cast iron skillets from brands like Griswold or Wagner made before 1950 can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars! The craftsmanship of these pans is unmatched by modern versions.

Collectors go wild for pieces with clear markings and minimal rust. That heavy pan grandma used for cornbread might pay for your next vacation if it’s the right make and era.

Look for skillets with unusual shapes, lid sets, or rare sizes as these command premium prices from serious collectors.

2. WORTHLESS: 1980s-1990s Commemorative Plates

Those collector plates featuring princesses, puppies, or holiday scenes that grandma displayed proudly? Unfortunately, they’re practically worthless today despite what the Franklin Mint promised.

Mass production ruined their value, with thousands made for each design. Even plates still in original packaging rarely sell for more than a few dollars.

Though they might hold sentimental value, these plates won’t fund your retirement. Consider keeping just one as a memory and donating the rest.

3. VALUABLE: Mid-Century Modern Furniture

That weird-looking chair with skinny wooden legs grandma kept in the guest room? It might be an Eames, Knoll, or Herman Miller piece worth thousands! Mid-century modern furniture (1940s-1970s) has skyrocketed in value.

Designers like Eames, Saarinen, and Noguchi created pieces that collectors now fight over. Clean lines and minimalist design define this valuable style.

Check for maker’s marks or labels underneath seats or inside drawers. These tiny tags can mean big money at auction.

4. WORTHLESS: Heavy, Outdated Oak Furniture

That solid oak dining table or overstuffed armchair that grandma loved? Unfortunately, it’s more likely to gather dust in the basement than to bring in a profit.

Once considered a mark of quality, heavy oak furniture has fallen out of favor due to its bulky design and lack of versatility in modern spaces. The intricate carvings and dark finishes may have been stylish in the ‘80s, but today’s buyers tend to prefer lighter, more minimalist pieces that fit contemporary tastes.

While these heavy pieces might still have some nostalgic charm, they won’t fetch much on the resale market. If you’re planning to declutter, consider donating these vintage pieces, or perhaps repurpose them into something more trendy, like a chic coffee table or bookshelf.

5. VALUABLE: Vintage Pyrex And Corningware

Colorful Pyrex mixing bowls and casserole dishes from the 1950s-1970s can be surprisingly valuable! Patterns like “Pink Gooseberry,” “Butterprint,” and “Atomic Eyes” command hundreds or even thousands from collectors.

Condition matters enormously, chips or cracks drastically reduce value. The rarest patterns in perfect condition can sell for jaw-dropping amounts to serious collectors.

Corningware pieces with the blue cornflower pattern are particularly sought after, especially complete sets with original lids.

6. WORTHLESS: Most Mass-Produced Figurines

Those cute porcelain figurines of children, animals, and angels that covered grandma’s shelves? Most have virtually no resale value despite their initial cost. Brands like Precious Moments and Hummel produced millions of these knickknacks.

While a few rare Hummel figurines can be valuable, most sell for under $20 today. Mass production and changing tastes have decimated their market value.

Exceptions exist for very early pieces or rare limited editions, but most figurines are worth only their sentimental value now.

7. VALUABLE: Retro Vinyl Lounge Chairs

The lounge chairs from the ’60s and ’70s, with their radiant colors and sleek, modern lines, have become highly desirable in today’s design market. Particularly those made by iconic brands like Eames, Knoll, and Herman Miller, these pieces are considered timeless classics.

The durable vinyl or leather upholstery, combined with the minimalist design, makes them perfect for contemporary spaces while still honoring their vintage roots. Collectors and interior designers are constantly on the lookout for these chairs, especially those with original tags and intact materials.

What once sat in mid-century living rooms is now a sought-after item, often commanding impressive prices.

8. WORTHLESS: Wall Clocks From The ’90s

Remember the bold, oversized wall clocks from the ’90s? Those neon-colored timepieces are now relics of a bygone era that just don’t resonate with today’s design trends.

Despite once being everywhere, their mass production has rendered them nearly valueless. Their loud patterns and plastic materials feel out of place in a world that favors sleek, modern minimalism.

What was once a symbol of pop culture now barely holds any resale value, often selling for just a few dollars at most. If you’re hanging onto one, it might be best to get creative with it in a DIY project or pass it along to someone who appreciates the nostalgia.

9. VALUABLE: Antique Wooden Bookcases

Crafted from premium hardwoods, these timeless pieces showcase intricate detailing and lasting durability. Antique wooden bookcases often feature beautifully carved designs and elegant moldings that modern furniture lacks.

Their age and craftsmanship make them highly sought after by collectors. Pieces with original hardware and unique features can fetch a significant price in today’s market.

Their blend of practicality and vintage charm continues to make them a staple in high-end interior design. If you’ve got one in good condition, you’re sitting on a valuable piece of history.

10. WORTHLESS: Tacky Faux Antiques

Items that try to mimic the charm of antiques often fall flat in today’s market. Faux antiques, typically made from mass-produced materials like plastic or resin, lack the genuine craftsmanship that collectors desire.

While they may look convincing at first glance, their lack of authentic aging or quality materials means they hold little to no value. Unlike true antiques, which often appreciate over time, these imitations are more likely to end up at a yard sale or thrift store for pennies.

The shiny “distressed” finish might have seemed trendy in the ’90s, but it’s far from a collectible now. If you have any of these pieces, it’s safe to say they’re better off in the donation pile.

11. VALUABLE: Antique Quilts And Handmade Textiles

Hand-stitched quilts from the 19th or early 20th century can be incredibly valuable, especially those with unusual patterns or historical significance. Crazy quilts with silk fabrics and elaborate embroidery are particularly prized.

Collectors value hand-sewn details, lively colors that haven’t faded, and documented provenance. Quilts made for special occasions or with signatures can fetch thousands at auction.

Other handmade textiles like samplers, lace, and hand-embroidered linens can also hold significant value to the right collectors.

12. WORTHLESS: Cheap Mass-Produced Mirrors

Mirrors that come from big-box stores often lack the charm or craftsmanship that collectors look for. With frames made from flimsy materials like plastic or lightweight wood, these mirrors are as mass-produced as they come.

While they might look fine hanging in your entryway, they won’t fetch more than a few dollars on the resale market. Their uniform designs and lack of unique features make them unremarkable to potential buyers or collectors.

Even vintage versions from the 80s and 90s, once thought to hold some value, have lost their appeal. If you have one of these around the house, it’s time to let it go and make room for something with more character.

13. VALUABLE: Art Deco Lighting Fixtures

While you might expect grandma’s house to be filled with cozy memories and nostalgic trinkets, some of those vintage items could be hidden treasures. Take Art Deco lighting, for instance, this era-defining style is more than just a functional fixture, it’s a bold statement.

Known for its striking geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and timeless elegance, Art Deco lighting from the 1920s and 1930s can fetch thousands at auction. If you’ve got a vintage chandelier or table lamp tucked away, it could be worth a serious payday.

Just one piece could transform your collection into a small fortune, so don’t underestimate the value of grandma’s lighting!

14. WORTHLESS: Most Souvenir Collections

Those spoon collections, shot glasses, or thimbles from grandma’s travels? Unfortunately, they have almost no resale value despite the memories they hold. Most sell for pennies at garage sales.

Mass production and their ubiquity make them virtually worthless on the secondary market. Even complete sets rarely sell for more than a few dollars total.

Consider keeping a few meaningful pieces as mementos and donating the rest, as these collections often end up in landfills when families can’t find buyers.

15. VALUABLE: Edwardian Sideboards Or Buffets

Edwardian sideboards and buffets are treasures that can turn your grandmother’s dining room into a cash cow. These elegant pieces, crafted from high-quality wood with intricate carvings and classic lines, are highly sought after by antique collectors.

The Edwardian period (1901-1910) marked a time of fine craftsmanship, where functional furniture met decorative artistry. Whether made from oak, mahogany, or walnut, these sideboards stand out for their beauty and durability.

If you come across an original, well-maintained Edwardian sideboard, it could fetch a hefty sum, especially if it’s in original condition with its hardware intact. Time has only increased their value, making them a top find for collectors today.

16. WORTHLESS: Dated Floral Upholstered Sofas

Chances are, those flowery, overstuffed sofas that grandma swore were the height of elegance aren’t worth much on today’s market. Once a staple in 1980s living rooms, these bulky, heavily patterned sofas are often seen as a relic of a bygone era.

The floral upholstery, which was once considered stylish, has aged poorly, and the style now feels outdated and hard to sell. Mass-produced in various fabrics, they lack the unique appeal collectors look for in vintage furniture.

While they might still have sentimental value, most of these sofas are practically worthless in terms of resale. Consider replacing them with more timeless, neutral pieces if you’re looking to make a statement. These flowery relics won’t add much to your bottom line.

17. VALUABLE: Sterling Silver Items

Those tarnished silver pieces in grandma’s china cabinet could be worth their weight in… well, silver! Sterling flatware sets, tea services, and serving pieces have inherent value in their metal content alone.

Beyond melt value, antique silver pieces with maker’s marks from renowned silversmiths like Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Tiffany can fetch multiples of their metal value. Complete sets command premium prices.

Look for the “sterling” mark or “925” stamp to confirm genuine silver content rather than silver plate, which has minimal value.

18. WORTHLESS: Decorative Plates And Glassware

Those pretty glass dishes and decorative plates grandma used for special occasions? Most have minimal value today despite their sentimental importance. Mass-produced glassware and china from the mid-20th century floods thrift stores.

Even complete sets of once-expensive patterns like Corelle or everyday china typically sell for a fraction of their original price. Depression glass that once seemed valuable now sells for just a few dollars per piece.

Exceptions exist for certain patterns from prestigious makers like Waterford or Wedgwood, but most decorative tableware is worth using rather than selling.

19. VALUABLE: Original Artwork And Signed Prints

That dusty painting in grandma’s hallway could be a hidden masterpiece! Original artwork by listed artists can be worth thousands or even millions if authenticated. Even regional or lesser-known artists can have significant value.

Signed, limited-edition prints by famous artists like Dali, Chagall, or Warhol can command impressive prices. Look for signatures, edition numbers, and certificates of authenticity.

Have suspicious pieces professionally appraised. Many families have discovered valuable artworks hiding in plain sight for generations.

20. WORTHLESS: Old Pine Furniture

Old, weathered pieces of furniture with a rustic appeal might not have the value you’d expect. While some wood can grow in value with age, pine has become a less sought-after material for vintage enthusiasts.

Often mass-produced and lacking intricate detailing, these items don’t hold the same allure as hardwood counterparts like oak or mahogany. Items like sideboards and tables made from pine, especially those with visible wear or damage, are typically not considered valuable in the current market.

This type of furniture simply doesn’t capture the high demand it once had. Old pine furniture has likely lost its charm for serious collectors.

21. WORTHLESS: Unbranded Wooden Coffee Tables

Many coffee tables that lack a signature or designer label don’t hold much appeal in today’s market. Without a recognizable name or craftsmanship, these pieces are often overlooked by collectors and buyers alike.

Unbranded wooden tables, especially those made from inexpensive wood, simply don’t have the lasting value of well-crafted, designer pieces. While they may have served their purpose in grandma’s living room, they’re not likely to fetch a significant price in resale.

Mass-produced designs and a lack of unique detailing make these tables worth little more than their basic function. Unbranded wooden coffee tables are best suited for casual use, rather than as a profitable investment.