It’s time to go rummaging through the attic.
Do you remember looking through your grandmother’s shelves as a kid, carefully playing with small brass figurines or arranging small
silver trays
? Maybe you loved drinking out of the
colorful pastel glasses
with their signature indentations or making up stories about the rustic characters depicted in folk art panels.
These objects were captivating during childhood, yet today, they could possess considerable financial worth besides their emotional significance. You might want to keep them due to the numerous memories attached, but it’s exciting to realize that they have become highly sought after in the vintage scene.
Wondering what valuable antiques might be lurking in your grandmother’s home? Design and vintage specialists share which pieces catch their attention and explain why these items hold appeal in their personal collections.
Decorative Oyster Plates
If you come across an oyster plate at an antique shop, don’t be shocked when your reaction includes a loud exclamation about the cost. “These oyster plates can really add up; some sell for over $1,000 each,” notes Virginia Chamlee, an interior design specialist and writer from Ponte Vedra, Florida, who authored ‘Big Thrift Energy.’ She adds with candor, “Most people aren’t consuming enough oysters to justify owning such sets.”
However, this shape might seem recognizable, and it’s possible that you’ve seen similar designs lurking around your grandmother’s place in the form of oyster plates. As Chamlee points out, “Many Southern grandmothers own sets of oyster plates along with various other decorative plates that aren’t safe for food use but still look stunning when displayed.”
hung on a wall.
”
Majolica Pottery
If you have noticed vibrantly hued, hand-painted ceramics at your grandparents’ place, it could be beneficial to verify if they are actually majolica pottery. This sought-after ceramic ware has experienced a revival recently and is highly prized among collectors.
Majolica is an earthenware pottery made from thick clay that gets covered with enamel and then decorated, often using vibrant colors such as deep greens. This type of pottery is highly sought after due to its rarity and appeal; it can add a charming touch when incorporated into elaborate table settings alongside contemporary items. Alternatively, you could embrace a completely retro aesthetic by adorning your space exclusively with majolica sets, according to Chamlee.
Folk Art
For generations, folk art has enjoyed widespread popularity due largely to its affordability, making it common to discover pieces adorning the walls of numerous older family members’ houses. According to Chamlee, folk art, created by self-taught artisans, experienced significant attention in the latter part of the 20th century following the High Museum of Art in Atlanta incorporating such works into their permanent exhibits.
These delightful items today can be quite valuable, with their scope extending past just paintings into areas like folk art ceramics, lamp creations from popsicle sticks, fish decoy artwork, and various other traditional media types.
Silver
Once upon a time, possessing silver was considered an essential milestone, and although its allure may have waned somewhat recently, this valuable metal retains significant worth beyond just financial gain. However, this does not imply that money is its sole importance. Cyndy Cantley, who runs Cantley & Company located in Birmingham, Alabama, shares her perspective: “My grandmother’s silver bowls are used by me for all sorts of things—from holding oranges during Christmas to serving nuts. Occasionally, they even serve as feeding dishes for our feline friend. My belief is firmly rooted in utilizing every item regularly since nothing should be deemed too exquisite.”
Laboratory Beakers
Precious objects might appear modest, such as antique glassware with practical origins. You could stumble upon laboratory beakers on a forgotten shelf at a thrift store or hidden away in your grandparents’ attic. Once restored, these pieces aren’t just stylish; they can sell for over $30 each—quite surprising considering their humble past!
Brooke Droptini, who founded and leads LittleCreek+Co in Tyler, Texas, explains, “The retro brown glass lab beakers with stoppers date back to the 1950s-60s when they were utilized for sample collection and tests. They’re ideal for showcasing on exposed shelves due to their dimensions, plus I maintained the complete set intact to enhance their visual impact on the shelf.”
Wine Storage Jars
A humble old-fashioned wine jug might seem unimpressive, yet these large specimens can fetch hundreds of dollars each.
secondhand
In the market, Droptini attached a rope to an old Italian wine vat she purchased. She explains, “People always inquire about its origin, yet upon closer inspection, you can discern its wear and tear which cannot be replicated in items made en masse. I plan to keep this piece within my private collection indefinitely,” remarks Droptini.
Depression Glass
Vintage enthusiasts adore Depression glass, which can frequently be found abundantly in the homes of elderly family members. As Droptini explains, “The charming pink Depression glass butter dish displayed on an open shelf in my kitchen was passed down from my great-grandmother. It not only looks elegant but serves a practical purpose too. During festive gatherings, it complements my tabletop decor with a sense of history.” She dreams that someday this piece might grace her young daughters’ dining tables.
Wooden Storage Boxes
A handcrafted wooden storage box is frequently handed down from one generation to another, typically occupying a modest place on a bookshelf or upon a dresser. However, a meticulously made box might fetch several hundred dollars. As Droptini recounts, “At an estate sale, I came across a wooden box—I’m still astonished that the family overlooked it. The box retains its original lock and key!” Now, she utilizes it for storing remote controls and other objects she wishes to keep concealed from view.
Detailed Furniture
While most grandmother’s homes are filled with old furniture, there’s value in the pieces that have intricate detailing and the ability to have a second life with a new owner. “The frame of a chair, ottoman, bench, or sofa that could be recovered for a new look or it could have a specific detail like handmade caning that adds another layer to your space,” says Lucy Harrison, a senior interior designer at SouthPark Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina
A timeless design always stays fresh, and as Harrison points out, “‘History tends to repeat itself.’ It’s enjoyable to take something that has experienced much history and revitalizing it with a sophisticated, contemporary twist!”
Vintage Rugs
Retro carpets, especially those crafted from pure wool, are currently experiencing a surge in popularity within the thrift market. These rugs have long been trodden upon and ignored for many years. However, according to Darla DeMorrow, who holds certification as a Professional Organizer® and runs HeartWork Organizing, she points out, “Top-notch rugs could very well be right before our eyes.”
She mentions that handcrafted rugs, despite having been cleaned during their move from your grandmother’s place to yours, remain worthwhile investments. “Do not discard one just because of some minor fading or wear; provided it does not emit an odor, an old rug can possess significant charm, and any damage could easily be concealed beneath furniture or another carpet,” according to DeMorrow.
Fabric
If grandma stored a collection of intriguing old fabrics, these could potentially be repurposed into chair coverings or bespoke tablecloths,” explains DeMorrow. High-quality, attractive fabric can be challenging to obtain nowadays, especially with fewer fabric shops available, which is why DeMorrow suggests that an existing stockpile could prove extremely valuable.
Needlepoint
Was your grandmother’s time spent
needlepointing canvases
These unfinished pieces from times past offer an excellent chance to transform them into premium-quality pillows or upholstery of your choosing.
Moreover, purchasing a ready-made needlepoint piece from a store might cost several hundred dollars. “Whenever I went to visit my grandma, she would always be engrossed in her needlepoint work,” recounts Lise Davis, who co-owns Hunt and Hostess in Winter Park, Florida. She adds, “One such needlepoint design featuring shells ended up as a cushion adorning an antique rattan armchair in my dining area.”
Assorted China
You may not realize the worth a single piece of China could hold, especially if it’s part of a sought-after design (Google Lens can assist with identifying such items). However, if you prefer keeping your Tobacco Leaf or Rose patterns without selling them, combine them for their emotional significance. As Davis shares, “A friend gave me a mixed set of various pieces from her grandmother’s collection.” He continues, saying he had these unusual snail plates in a striking emerald hue which seemed mismatched, but rather than throwing them away, he used them to create an intriguing gallery wall.
Related:
8 Precious Finds You Should Always Look For at thrift Stores
Read the initial article on
Southern Living
