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If I had the money and the space, my entire home would be filled with just vintage decor and furniture. Not only does the furniture look better, but it also lasts longer.
They don’t make furniture like they used to. Now it’s cheap wood and, more often – in my experience – cardboard. Vintage furniture is hardy and surprisingly easy to find if you know what to look for.
Although I appreciate and adore vintage furniture, I’m hardly an expert. For these items, I consulted various vintage and online selling websites like Etsy, eBay, 1stDibs, and LiveAuctioneers. Continue reading to learn about nine vintage furniture items worth a lot more than you’d expect.
1. Figurine Bookends
Not everyone has a bookcase, but if you do, you should keep your eyes peeled for vintage bookends. They are very common in thrift shops and yard sales near me and are always priced decently.
I bought a vintage figurine bookend of two mermaids for $3. When I looked it up online, the same piece was selling for $75.
2. Art Deco Nightstands
Art Deco nightstands were very popular in the 1940s and on. These little nightstands are both stylish and durable.
You’d be surprised just how many you can find in the furniture section of thrift shops. I once found an original 1940s Art Deco nightstand at Goodwill for $12. If you go online, these pieces go for as much as $600.
3. Walnut Tables
By the time I became an adult and moved out, wooden furniture was a luxury. Most new furniture sold online, especially on sites like Amazon, is made of cheap cardboard, metal, or plastic.
I’ve had media tables break and dent in less than a year. But you know what doesn’t break as easily? The answer is vintage walnut wood tables. If you can find one, snatch it up! Online, they go for as much as $800. I’ve even seen an 1870 walnut dining table sell for nearly $2,000.
4. 1950s Vanity
My dream is to own a 1950s vanity. This gorgeous piece of furniture isn’t the easiest to come by, but if you see one, buy it! You should look for not only the vanity but also the accessories.
From my experience, the accessories are a lot easier to find. At a yard sale, I managed to buy a mystery bag of beauty supplies. My favorite item was a 1950s hand mirror with a beautiful floral design on the back.
5. 1950s Side Tables
Another 1950s item makes our list of vintage furniture worth more than you’d expect – vintage side tables. Side tables from the 1950s are cute, quaint, and reliable.
These retro tables are perfect to use as a nightstand or next to the couch for storage. On eBay, plenty of side/end tables from the 1950s and 1960s sell for $50 to over $600.
6. Wooden Dressers
Do me a favor and search for ‘vintage dressers’ online. Aren’t they so dreamy? In my humble opinion, dressers made before the 1990s were stunning works of art. They were made from sturdy material and had elaborate designs.
Anytime you see wooden furniture on sale for cheap, you should consider it. Don’t let the age scare you. They practically last forever.
7. Medicinal Cabinets
Did you know you can also buy medicinal cabinets? Vintage medicinal cabinets look fascinating. They often have elaborate designs and multiple drawers and cabinets.
You don’t have to use them for their original purpose. My friend found one in the dumpster and brought it back to life. Now, it’s in her bathroom storing makeup, hair accessories, towels, and more. Something she got for free sells online for $100 or more.
8. 1980s Post-Modern Lamps
I’m a sucker for a good lamp. One of my favorite decorative styles is post-modern, so how could I not include post-modern lamps? The style of the 1980s is thriving, so why not keep an eye out for lamps from this decade?
1980s lamps are vibrant, uniquely shaped, and sold for cheap in thrift shops. My favorite lamp I saw while researching for this piece was a pyramid-frosted glass one.
9. 1960s Metal Headboards
Maybe I just have the worst luck, but each time I’ve bought a headboard or bed frame, it’s gone terribly. They don’t last long and break in less than ten years, including metal frames.
But what about metal headboards from the 1960s? These last a lot longer and look a lot more interesting. Wooden headboards from this decade are just as nice.
15 Bizarre Items That People Bought and Sold on eBay
We all have an eBay account, but who still uses the platform? Traditionally, eBay was the go-to website to sell and buy used items. Now, there are many marketplaces for second-hand items, but eBay is the place where weirdness abounds. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen on eBay? I can bet it wasn’t as weird as some of these items.
18 Everyday Household Items That Are Surprisingly Valuable to Collectors
You don’t have to be a collector or hoarder to have several valuable things in your home. We all accrue many items over the years, some of which could be worth money. Even some everyday household items can be valuable, especially to collectors.
To help determine whether any of your household items are valuable to collectors, we’ve assembled a list of 18 everyday items you likely have in your house. Check out this list and see if any of your items are ready to be turned into money.
