Grandma's living room may seem like a collection of everyday items, but it could be hiding some valuable treasures. From mid-century modern furniture to antique ceramics, there are many items that vintage enthusiasts are eager to find. Here are 21 living room staples that could be worth a small fortune:
- Books: Check the opening pages for the book's edition. Rare books can be some of the most valuable finds, with some selling for multiple millions of dollars.
- Vinyl Records: Look for limited edition or first pressings. You may have a rare pressing of a Beatles record without knowing it.
- Quilts: Look for intricate patchwork or checker patterns in bright colors. Antique quilts can sell for between $340 and $2,500.
- Old Armoires and Curio Cabinets: Antique armoires made from solid wood with intricate carvings or hand-painted designs are highly sought after. A vintage armoire can be valued at $500 to $5,000 or more.
- Stained Glass Lamps and Light Fixtures: Stained glass reading lamps or pendants could be worth a small fortune, especially if they are genuine Tiffany or made in the Tiffany style.
- Oil Paintings: Landscape or equestrian original oil paintings can sell for a lot of money. A small landscape painting that was gifted to a grandmother and hung in her living room for so many years was an original by Julian Onderdonk and sold for over $100,000.
- Vintage Furniture: Look for mid-century modern furniture pieces such as low-slung sofas, sleek coffee tables, and iconic armchairs with clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture pieces can bring in good money.
- Pianos: Specific brands such as Steinway & Sons, Mason & Hamlin, and Baldwin are particularly sought after. A well-preserved upright or grand piano can range in value from $1,000 to $20,000 or more.
- Ceramics: People will pay good money for authentic ceramics and stoneware. Jugs are a great place to start. A tableware collaboration between Tiffany and Elsa Peretti produced several collections in the 1960s. One of those jugs is now selling for $2,000.
- Persian Rugs: Authentic Persian rugs, particularly those from renowned regions, can be worth several thousand dollars. Even smaller, well-preserved rugs can fetch $1,000 to $5,000.
- Tortoiseshell Boxes: Tortoiseshell boxes are worth a lot. A tortoiseshell tea caddy bought for $20 or $30 is now worth $2,800.
- Folk Art: Pieces that fall under Tramp art are increasingly coveted with more unique and intricate carved wood pieces selling for thousands.
- Opaline Vases: Opaline glass vases from the mid-20th century can still be quite valuable. If you get lucky and find some 19th-century opaline glass vases, buy them.
- Brass, Iron, and Other Vintage Hardware: Solid brass holds its value. Full brass fireplace sets can go for $500 or more.
- Posters: Look for pieces from exhibits featuring artists like Matisse and Ansel Adams. Posters that are lithographs are especially valuable as they hold color better and tend to be more collectible.
- Pre-1990s IKEA Pieces: Look for items made before 1995. Chairs like the IKEA Cavelli and Singoalla lounge were crafted with solid wood, not MDF, and featured unique fabrics.
- Murano Glass Vases and Light Fixtures: Murano glass blown pieces can be expensive when bought new and have an exceptional value, upward of $10,000, if you score a vintage piece.
- Dinnerware: Blue-and-white dishes are highly collectible. A set of four Flo Blue ceramic plates bought for $10 apiece now sells for $595.
- Silver Objects: Art Deco pieces can be museum-worthy and sell for more than $5,000 each. Sterling silver containers can also fetch a hefty price.
- Light Sculptures: 1930s revival lighting is key to catch. Mid-century designs such as bamboo-and-paper Noguchi floor lamps or pendants are also popular.
- Mirrors: Antique mirrors with ornate frames and original glass are gems. Decorative mirrors were also popular in the 1930s and can look stellar in a color-drenched room.
