Grandma’s living room is often filled with things that collectors, decorators, and antique lovers regularly pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for. These are pieces that many families would consider outdated. Before anything gets donated, sold at a yard sale, or hauled to the curb, here are some antique items you should keep an eye out for.
Bouillotte Lamps
With their distinctive metal shades and multiple candle-style arms, bouillotte lamps originated in France and were commonly used on gaming tables. Today, they remain elegant statement pieces that blend well with both traditional and eclectic interiors.
George II Mirrors
These ornate giltwood mirrors, often featuring carved details and decorative borders, are admired for their connection to 18th-century English design. Authentic examples can be worth significant sums due to their craftsmanship and age.
Wooden Checkerboards
Hand-painted checkerboards from the late 1800s and early 1900s are collectible folk art pieces that combine functionality with decorative appeal. Certain color combinations, double-sided boards, and well-preserved examples tend to attract the strongest interest from buyers.
Barrister Bookcases
These stackable glass-front bookcases were popular in offices and homes during the early 1900s and remain highly collectible today. Complete sets in good condition are prized for their craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless appearance, often selling for several hundred dollars.
Related: How to Paint an Old Bookshelf
Micro Mosaic Frames
Tiny handcrafted mosaic frames made from colorful glass pieces became popular souvenirs during European travels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their intricate designs and delicate workmanship make them sought-after decorative pieces among collectors.
Andirons
Originally designed to support logs in a fireplace, antique andirons have become decorative collectibles in their own right. Elaborate brass, iron, or bronze examples from Europe can command impressive prices due to their artistry and historical appeal.
Cuckoo Clocks
Traditional German cuckoo clocks have experienced a resurgence in popularity among both collectors and home decorators. Larger examples with detailed carvings, moving figures, and working mechanisms are often the most valuable.
Spool Tramp Art Furniture
Created from discarded wooden thread spools and scrap materials, tramp art furniture showcases remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. Shelves, tables, and decorative pieces in this style have become increasingly desirable among collectors of American folk art.
