Do you recall fond memories of exploring your grandmother’s collection as a child, admiring the intricate brass figurines and arranging delicate silver trays? Perhaps you enjoyed sipping from the pastel glasses with unique designs or creating stories about the characters depicted in folk art. While these items held a special allure in your youth, they now possess both sentimental and monetary value. Holding onto these treasures may evoke cherished memories, but it’s also exciting to know that they are sought after in the vintage market.
Wondering about the potential hidden gems in your grandmother’s home? Design and vintage experts recommend keeping an eye out for certain items that are highly sought after and cherished for their unique qualities.
Oyster Plates
Discovering an oyster plate in an antique store may surprise you with its high price tag, often exceeding $1,000. Despite the rarity and expense, oyster plates can be found in many Southern grandmothers’ collections, adding a touch of elegance when displayed on a wall.
Majolica Pottery
If you come across brightly colored painted pottery in your grandparents’ home, it may be valuable majolica pottery, known for its enamel coating and vibrant hues. This collectible pottery has made a comeback in recent years and can be a charming addition to any table setting or display.
Folk Art
Folk art has long been appreciated for its charm and authenticity, making it a popular choice among collectors. Often passed down through generations, folk art pieces including pottery, wooden creations, and whimsical decorations hold sentimental and monetary value in today’s market.
Silver
While the appeal of owning silver has diminished over time, its intrinsic value remains significant. Silver items, such as bowls and serving pieces, can be repurposed for everyday use, adding a touch of elegance to daily routines and special occasions.
Laboratory Beakers
Vintage glassware, such as laboratory beakers, may seem unassuming at first glance. However, these sleek and functional items, when cleaned and displayed, can command a price tag of $30 or more, serving as unique decorative pieces with a hint of history and nostalgia.
Exploring the treasures tucked away in your grandmother’s home can uncover not only cherished memories but also valuable finds that resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Brooke Droptini, the founder and CEO of LittleCreek+Co in Tyler, Texas, explains the value of vintage items in home decor. She shares her insights on how certain pieces can add character and charm to a space, emphasizing the significance of preserving history and craftsmanship in everyday items.
One notable example is the vintage brown glass laboratory beakers with stoppers from the 1950s-60s, originally used for sampling and testing. Droptini finds these pieces ideal for display on open shelving due to their unique sizing, showcasing their historical significance in a modern setting.
Similarly, vintage wine storage jars, although simple in appearance, hold considerable value in the secondhand market. Droptini highlights the beauty of adding personal touches, such as rope embellishments, to these pieces, enhancing their authenticity and allure.
Depression glass, a favorite among collectors, holds sentimental value for Droptini, who proudly showcases a pink depression glass butter dish from her great-grandmother. This piece not only adds style to her kitchen decor but also serves a functional purpose, creating a nostalgic connection to her family history.
Wooden storage boxes, often overlooked, possess hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Droptini recounts finding a handmade wooden box at an estate sale, complete with its original lock and key, a rare and valuable find that now serves a practical function in her home.
Delving into detailed furniture, Lucy Harrison, a senior interior designer, emphasizes the beauty of intricate designs and craftsmanship found in older pieces. Harrison encourages repurposing and reviving classic furniture items, breathing new life into timeless silhouettes with a modern twist.
Vintage rugs, particularly those crafted from 100% wool, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity within the secondhand market. Darla DeMorrow, a Certified Professional Organizer®, underscores the enduring appeal of handmade rugs, advising against discarding pieces with minor wear and tear as they can be easily concealed and add character to a space.
Finally, DeMorrow highlights the potential of vintage fabric and needlepoint projects, offering creative opportunities to repurpose and transform cherished materials into unique home decor pieces. By preserving and repurposing vintage items, homeowners can infuse their spaces with history and character, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia in every corner.
Are you a fan of needlepointing but have unfinished canvases lying around? These exquisite vintage pieces are a fantastic opportunity to craft your own high-quality pillows or upholstery. Purchasing a completed needlepoint piece from a retail store could set you back hundreds of dollars. “I have vivid memories of visiting my grandmother and always seeing her engrossed in a needlepoint canvas. One of these canvas creations, featuring elegant shells, was transformed into a pillow adorning a vintage rattan chair in my dining room,” recalls Lise Davis, co-owner of Hunt and Hostess in Winter Park, Florida.
Discovering the true worth of seemingly random pieces of china can be a delightful surprise, especially if they boast sought-after patterns (Google Lens can be a valuable tool here!). Instead of parting with cherished items like Tobacco Leaf or Rose-patterned china, consider mixing them together for sentimental value. Davis shares her experience, stating, “I received a box containing an assortment of china pieces from my grandmother’s collection. Among them, the escargot dishes in a stunning shade of green seemed out of place, so rather than discard them, I curated an intriguing gallery wall.”
Hunt and Hostess offer a diverse range of products and services, catering to those with a keen eye for unique and valuable items. Don’t overlook the potential hidden gems waiting to be discovered at thrift stores—there may be valuable treasures just waiting to be found. Explore the original article on Southern Living for more insightful tips and stories.
