ELLE DECOR - Vintage objects and furniture found in grandmothers’ homes that may be worth a lot

These days, grandma’s living room includes more than lace doilies and porcelain figurines. Odds are, your grandparents' home hit its design peak in the 1960s and might contain treasures like a Noguchi side table or collectible museum posters. If you're lucky, you might inherit pieces like Flow Blue plates or brass doorstops—items that could be worth far more than you think.

"More than half the pieces in my home probably came from someone’s grandparents’ house," says Francesca Grace, interior designer and stager at Francesca Grace Home in Los Angeles. "I'm constantly scouring Facebook Marketplace for treasures people don’t realize they have."

Here’s what designers are eyeing when it comes to vintage living room accessories. We’ve listed 22 highly sought-after items pulled straight from grandma’s house that definitely shouldn’t end up at a yard sale.

1. Books Check those shelves. "Look at the first few pages of the book to check the edition," says Alex Mutter-Rottmayer of Hommeboys Interiors in Sonoma, California. "Who printed it? Rare books are often overlooked and can be incredibly valuable. Some of the rarest copies have sold at auction for several million dollars."

Interior designer Grey Joyner recommends looking for first editions. For example, first editions of Ernest Hemingway’s works are currently selling for between €2,000 and €200,000. If you suspect you’ve inherited a collectible, it’s worth taking it to a local dealer for appraisal.

2. Vinyl Records Collecting records isn’t just a nostalgic hobby—it can be surprisingly lucrative. "Check if you have any limited or first editions," says Mutter-Rottmayer. "You might have a rare Beatles pressing and not even know it."

3. Quilts Vintage quilts are becoming increasingly collectible. "Look for intricate patchwork or checkerboard designs—plaids and squares are especially popular in home décor right now," says Thea Bloch-Neal, founder and principal designer of Curated by Thea. "Go for bright colors—nothing too muted. Look for quilts in good condition, without excessive wear or holes, and ideally at least queen size."

Even vintage quilts with fairly common patterns can sell for €340 to €2,500. "Condition matters, but not always," adds Mutter-Rottmayer. "One of the most expensive quilts ever sold went for €264,000."

4. Antique Armoires and Display Cabinets Take a closer look at old storage furniture. "Antique armoires—especially those made of solid wood with intricate carvings or hand-painted details—are highly sought after by collectors and interior designers," says Francesca Grace. "Depending on the age, craftsmanship, and condition, an antique armoire can be worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more. I recently found one on Facebook Marketplace for $1,800 that I was told likely dates back to the 1890s."

5. Colored Glass Lamps and Sconces That stained glass reading lamp or pendant light could be worth a small fortune—especially if it’s an original Tiffany or made in the Tiffany style. Prices range from €5,000 to over €1 million depending on the design and condition. "Even replicas that aren’t branded Tiffany but are well made—or similar lamps from the same era—can still command high prices," Grace explains.

6. Oil Paintings "Original oil paintings of landscapes or equestrian scenes that have been hanging in your grandmother’s living room since you were a kid could be worth a lot today," says Kyle Dutton. "For instance, one Texas family was about to donate a small landscape painting to Goodwill when they decided at the last minute to get it appraised. They had no idea that the old oil painting, gifted to their grandmother and displayed in her living room for years, was an original by Julian Onderdonk. It later sold for over $100,000."

Kelly Waters of Studio Waters shares a similar story. Her grandmother befriended a German art dealer who gifted her a painting of a rural scene with cows. Years later, the piece was appraised at several thousand dollars. "It doesn’t look like anything special to the modern eye, but the colors are incredible," Waters says. "It would be a beautiful addition to a space that skillfully layers pieces from different time periods."

7. Handcrafted Furniture In the 1950s and ’60s, many people appreciated handcrafted furniture and may have acquired pieces by artisans like Wharton Esherick, George Nakashima, and Isamu Noguchi.

"I’m hoping grandma lived near Philadelphia and picked up a couple of Wharton Esherick captain’s chairs sometime between 1950 and 1959," says Robert Ogden. "Someone could easily walk past a pair of those chairs and not realize they could be worth €60,000."

A small George Nakashima stool may now be valued at around €6,000. If your grandmother bought a Nakashima wall cabinet, those can sell for as much as €138,500.

Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of House of Rolison suggest looking for midcentury modern furniture—low-profile sofas, sleek coffee tables, and iconic lounge chairs with clean lines. "Pay attention to wood quality—teak and walnut are especially good signs," says Leigh.

8. Pianos While not especially rare, certain piano brands—like Steinway & Sons, Mason & Hamlin, and Baldwin—are highly coveted. A well-maintained upright or grand piano can range from €1,000 to over €20,000, with rare or exceptionally preserved models commanding much more.

9. Ceramics "People will pay serious money for authentic pottery and stoneware," says Bloch-Neal. "Pitchers are a great place to start—people love them, and knockoffs just don’t cut it."

Most sell for between €100 and €1,000. A Tiffany and Elsa Peretti pitcher from a 1960s collection now sells for around €2,000. Waters says to always check for artist signatures. Her mother-in-law once bought a garden stool in Pasadena that turned out to be by Stan Bitters—later spotted at Sam Maloof’s home.

10. Persian Rugs "Authentic Persian rugs—especially those from well-known regions—can be worth several thousand euros depending on size, age, and condition," says Grace. Smaller rugs in good condition can still fetch €1,000 to €5,000.

"Rugs with deep reds, royal blues, and golds tend to be more valuable due to the rarity and complexity of achieving such vibrant, long-lasting colors," adds Leigh.

11. Tortoiseshell Boxes Sheldon Harte once bought a tortoiseshell tea box for €20 or €30. Today, it’s worth around €2,800.

12. Folk Art "Pieces categorized as tramp art are increasingly collectible," says Mutter-Rottmayer. "Intricate hand-carved items often sell for thousands. Value is often in the eye of the beholder, especially when design and craftsmanship stand out."

13. Opaline Vases Opaline glass was popular in the Georgian era and mid-20th century. Most found in grandparents’ homes come from the latter, but 19th-century opaline vases are especially valuable.

14. Brass, Iron, and Antique Hardware "Solid brass fireplace sets from the 1970s can go for €500 or more," says Joyner. Cast iron doorstops from the 1930s or whimsical Americana-style pieces can also command solid prices.

15. Posters "Look for vintage museum posters from artists like Matisse or Ansel Adams," says Bloch-Neal. Lithographs are especially collectible and should include info on the event, artist, and date. Values range from €500 to €3,500.

16. Pre-1990s IKEA Pieces "Chairs like the IKEA Cavelli and Singoalla lounge were built with solid wood and unique fabrics," says Bloch-Neal. Vintage IKEA pieces can fetch anywhere from €250 to €5,000.

17. Dinnerware Flow Blue ceramic plates—recognized by their blurred blue edges—were popular as an alternative to imported porcelain. Harte says his grandmother bought them for €10 each; now, a set of four sells for around €595.

18. Botanical Motifs (Flora Danica) Pieces from the Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica collection can be incredibly valuable. "Designed for royal tables in the 18th century, it’s still a symbol of wealth and refinement," says Barzilay-Freund.

19. Murano Glass Vases and Lamps Murano glass featuring the aventurine technique—suspending gold or metal flakes in glass—can be worth over €10,000 if antique.

20. Silver Pieces Art Deco silver can sell for over €5,000 per item. Brands like Christofle are especially valuable, as are sterling silver and sculptural pieces.

21. Light Sculptures Watch for 1930s revival lighting, Art Deco, and midcentury modern designs. Noguchi’s Akari BB2/20A light sculpture now sells for around €20,000.

22. Mirrors Antique mirrors with original glass and gilded, ornate frames—especially in Baroque, Rococo, or Venetian styles—are highly collectible. 1930s decorative mirrors also add bold character to modern spaces.

These days, grandma’s living room includes more than lace doilies and porcelain figurines. Odds are, your grandparents' home hit its design peak in the 1960s and might contain treasures like a Noguchi side table or collectible museum posters. If you're lucky, you might inherit pieces like Flow Blue plates or brass doorstops—items that could be worth far more than you think.

"More than half the pieces in my home probably came from someone’s grandparents’ house," says Francesca Grace, interior designer and stager at Francesca Grace Home in Los Angeles. "I'm constantly scouring Facebook Marketplace for treasures people don’t realize they have."

Here’s what designers are eyeing when it comes to vintage living room accessories. We’ve listed 22 highly sought-after items pulled straight from grandma’s house that definitely shouldn’t end up at a yard sale.

1. Books Check those shelves. "Look at the first few pages of the book to check the edition," says Alex Mutter-Rottmayer of Hommeboys Interiors in Sonoma, California. "Who printed it? Rare books are often overlooked and can be incredibly valuable. Some of the rarest copies have sold at auction for several million dollars."

Interior designer Grey Joyner recommends looking for first editions. For example, first editions of Ernest Hemingway’s works are currently selling for between €2,000 and €200,000. If you suspect you’ve inherited a collectible, it’s worth taking it to a local dealer for appraisal.

2. Vinyl Records Collecting records isn’t just a nostalgic hobby—it can be surprisingly lucrative. "Check if you have any limited or first editions," says Mutter-Rottmayer. "You might have a rare Beatles pressing and not even know it."

3. Quilts Vintage quilts are becoming increasingly collectible. "Look for intricate patchwork or checkerboard designs—plaids and squares are especially popular in home décor right now," says Thea Bloch-Neal, founder and principal designer of Curated by Thea. "Go for bright colors—nothing too muted. Look for quilts in good condition, without excessive wear or holes, and ideally at least queen size."

Even vintage quilts with fairly common patterns can sell for €340 to €2,500. "Condition matters, but not always," adds Mutter-Rottmayer. "One of the most expensive quilts ever sold went for €264,000."

4. Antique Armoires and Display Cabinets Take a closer look at old storage furniture. "Antique armoires—especially those made of solid wood with intricate carvings or hand-painted details—are highly sought after by collectors and interior designers," says Francesca Grace. "Depending on the age, craftsmanship, and condition, an antique armoire can be worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more. I recently found one on Facebook Marketplace for $1,800 that I was told likely dates back to the 1890s."

5. Colored Glass Lamps and Sconces That stained glass reading lamp or pendant light could be worth a small fortune—especially if it’s an original Tiffany or made in the Tiffany style. Prices range from €5,000 to over €1 million depending on the design and condition. "Even replicas that aren’t branded Tiffany but are well made—or similar lamps from the same era—can still command high prices," Grace explains.

6. Oil Paintings "Original oil paintings of landscapes or equestrian scenes that have been hanging in your grandmother’s living room since you were a kid could be worth a lot today," says Kyle Dutton. "For instance, one Texas family was about to donate a small landscape painting to Goodwill when they decided at the last minute to get it appraised. They had no idea that the old oil painting, gifted to their grandmother and displayed in her living room for years, was an original by Julian Onderdonk. It later sold for over $100,000."

Kelly Waters of Studio Waters shares a similar story. Her grandmother befriended a German art dealer who gifted her a painting of a rural scene with cows. Years later, the piece was appraised at several thousand dollars. "It doesn’t look like anything special to the modern eye, but the colors are incredible," Waters says. "It would be a beautiful addition to a space that skillfully layers pieces from different time periods."

7. Handcrafted Furniture In the 1950s and ’60s, many people appreciated handcrafted furniture and may have acquired pieces by artisans like Wharton Esherick, George Nakashima, and Isamu Noguchi.

"I’m hoping grandma lived near Philadelphia and picked up a couple of Wharton Esherick captain’s chairs sometime between 1950 and 1959," says Robert Ogden. "Someone could easily walk past a pair of those chairs and not realize they could be worth €60,000."

A small George Nakashima stool may now be valued at around €6,000. If your grandmother bought a Nakashima wall cabinet, those can sell for as much as €138,500.

Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of House of Rolison suggest looking for midcentury modern furniture—low-profile sofas, sleek coffee tables, and iconic lounge chairs with clean lines. "Pay attention to wood quality—teak and walnut are especially good signs," says Leigh.

8. Pianos While not especially rare, certain piano brands—like Steinway & Sons, Mason & Hamlin, and Baldwin—are highly coveted. A well-maintained upright or grand piano can range from €1,000 to over €20,000, with rare or exceptionally preserved models commanding much more.

9. Ceramics "People will pay serious money for authentic pottery and stoneware," says Bloch-Neal. "Pitchers are a great place to start—people love them, and knockoffs just don’t cut it."

Most sell for between €100 and €1,000. A Tiffany and Elsa Peretti pitcher from a 1960s collection now sells for around €2,000. Waters says to always check for artist signatures. Her mother-in-law once bought a garden stool in Pasadena that turned out to be by Stan Bitters—later spotted at Sam Maloof’s home.

10. Persian Rugs "Authentic Persian rugs—especially those from well-known regions—can be worth several thousand euros depending on size, age, and condition," says Grace. Smaller rugs in good condition can still fetch €1,000 to €5,000.

"Rugs with deep reds, royal blues, and golds tend to be more valuable due to the rarity and complexity of achieving such vibrant, long-lasting colors," adds Leigh.

11. Tortoiseshell Boxes Sheldon Harte once bought a tortoiseshell tea box for €20 or €30. Today, it’s worth around €2,800.

12. Folk Art "Pieces categorized as tramp art are increasingly collectible," says Mutter-Rottmayer. "Intricate hand-carved items often sell for thousands. Value is often in the eye of the beholder, especially when design and craftsmanship stand out."

13. Opaline Vases Opaline glass was popular in the Georgian era and mid-20th century. Most found in grandparents’ homes come from the latter, but 19th-century opaline vases are especially valuable.

14. Brass, Iron, and Antique Hardware "Solid brass fireplace sets from the 1970s can go for €500 or more," says Joyner. Cast iron doorstops from the 1930s or whimsical Americana-style pieces can also command solid prices.

15. Posters "Look for vintage museum posters from artists like Matisse or Ansel Adams," says Bloch-Neal. Lithographs are especially collectible and should include info on the event, artist, and date. Values range from €500 to €3,500.

16. Pre-1990s IKEA Pieces "Chairs like the IKEA Cavelli and Singoalla lounge were built with solid wood and unique fabrics," says Bloch-Neal. Vintage IKEA pieces can fetch anywhere from €250 to €5,000.

17. Dinnerware Flow Blue ceramic plates—recognized by their blurred blue edges—were popular as an alternative to imported porcelain. Harte says his grandmother bought them for €10 each; now, a set of four sells for around €595.

18. Botanical Motifs (Flora Danica) Pieces from the Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica collection can be incredibly valuable. "Designed for royal tables in the 18th century, it’s still a symbol of wealth and refinement," says Barzilay-Freund.

19. Murano Glass Vases and Lamps Murano glass featuring the aventurine technique—suspending gold or metal flakes in glass—can be worth over €10,000 if antique.

20. Silver Pieces Art Deco silver can sell for over €5,000 per item. Brands like Christofle are especially valuable, as are sterling silver and sculptural pieces.

21. Light Sculptures Watch for 1930s revival lighting, Art Deco, and midcentury modern designs. Noguchi’s Akari BB2/20A light sculpture now sells for around €20,000.

22. Mirrors Antique mirrors with original glass and gilded, ornate frames—especially in Baroque, Rococo, or Venetian styles—are highly collectible. 1930s decorative mirrors also add bold character to modern spaces.

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