Whether you’re on a decluttering journey, in the mood to switch up your decor, or looking to make a little cash, parting with vintage finds can be a natural progression of the collecting and decorating process.
However, as you consider finding new homes for these pieces, it’s important to thoughtfully consider each one, as you may have items that are diamonds in the rough.
According to vintage experts, there are many items they regularly see discarded that are very much en vogue and full of value. In other words, you may want to hold onto certain items longer than you think. Read on for nine vintage pieces that are worth cherishing, according to experts.
Lamps – especially pairs
Annie Shealy, the founder of Addy Home Designs, encourages people to hold on to their vintage lamps. “Good vintage lamps, especially pairs, are becoming increasingly hard to come by,” she says. “Before parting with one, consider a simple refresh whether's that a new shade, adjusted height, or even a lamp riser can make all the difference.”
Frames
Even if you don’t love a piece of artwork itself, it’s worth considering whether you can repurpose its frame separately to showcase a piece that’s more your style, notes Lauren Reynolds, the owner of Swan Hill Home. “The frame itself holds value,” she says, noting that gilt wood frames are especially beautiful. “Quality framing today is expensive, and these are pieces you’ll likely pay far more for down the line,” she says. “Vintage frames can be reused or resized, making them a practical and beautiful way to frame almost anything.”
It’s worth keeping some pretty, more petite frames on hand, too. “Quality frames are expensive, and I often keep a small collection on hand to rotate in new pieces, family photos, or seasonal artwork,” she says. “A simple frame swap can completely change the feel of a piece.”
What to Read Next
Original artwork
While frames can be valuable, original art is also worth preserving, says Noelle Nicolai Lybbert, the founder of Coleville Home, who shares that it’s only increasing in value. “You may not love the midcentury watercolour from your parents, but letting it go might be a regretful decision,” she says. “Before throwing things out or donating to local organisations, look for easy online appraisal tools to help gauge if you have something of value.”
Barware
Authentic vintage and antique barware is something that should generally stay out of the donation pile. “The bar cart came back with Mad Men, and even though we've been a decade without Don Draper, the demand (and value) for bar accessories is still top shelf,” Noelle says. “Cut crystal pieces may seem dated, but the finest lead glass (cut crystal) with intricate designs and an elongated stem and stopper range in price from the low hundreds to the low thousands.”
Textiles – even scraps
If you have a collection of vintage textiles that are in less-than-ideal condition, don’t be so quick to part with them entirely, even if only certain sections of material are usable. “Instead of discarding them, look for easy ways to repurpose them: a scrap of velvet can become a custom pillow, or a vintage tassel can instantly elevate a piece of furniture,” Lauren says. “It is a simple way to enhance your space.”
Ceramics
Rikki Kanellopoulos, the founder of Sourced by Rikki, cautions people against getting rid of antique ceramics, examples she cites include spongeware (pictured above), stoneware, and splatterware, specifically. “These pieces were originally made for everyday use, but their versatility is what makes them so valuable today,” she says. “Beyond function, they add texture, depth, and subtle colour to a space without feeling overwhelming. If you come across them, they are absolutely worth holding onto.”
Dressers
No longer seen as clunky and unusable, dressers are coming back into vogue, explains Chelsea Spits, the founder of Park Avenue & Co. “People are rediscovering their desire to display their collections, and suddenly they regret selling grandma’s dresser, because that dresser had the character and soul that nothing new can match,” she says.
And if you own an antique pine dresser, even better. Rikki notes that the material “continues to have a strong hold on classic interiors.” Why, exactly? “Over time, pine only deepens in tone and develops a richer patina through oxidation, which adds to its character and appeal,” she explains. “It is a rare case where age only improves the material, making it a true long-term investment.”
Silver
Today’s entertainers are all about using and displaying vintage silver, an item that many people were parting with in the not-too-distant past. “With silver prices high right now, anyone who sold silverplate, coin silver, or sterling in the last few years is really feeling it,” Chelsea says. “And with the comeback of intentional tablescaping and actually using beautiful items, people are realising they gave away exactly what they needed.”
Handmade quilts
There’s a lot of detail that goes into handmade quilts, but they also often have a storied, sentimental past, explains Whitney Conard, the founder of Conard & Co. “If you have handmade quilts from family members, you should absolutely keep them, along with any background information you have,” she says. “These one-of-a-kind pieces are part of your family's history, and knowing who made them and who has owned them increases their value.”
If you have a handmade quilt that doesn’t complement your existing decor, you should still make an effort to store it somewhere safe, Whitney adds. “You never know if that quilt is the exact family heirloom your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild would want to keep, and until then, they make great picnic blankets!”
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
