As a lover of all things vintage and stylish, I often find myself drawn to retro furniture. There’s something so fascinating about the inherent character and story behind each piece.
And, if you’re lucky, that old piece of furniture you’ve got collecting dust in your attic could be worth a fortune. So, let’s dive into the world of retro furniture and explore some pieces that could prove to be a goldmine.
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950s, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman have become a symbol of modern design. The sleek, comfortable design of the chair, combined with its iconic status, can fetch a hefty price in today’s market. Of course, condition and authenticity play a significant role in the value of these pieces.
Original versions of these pieces can be worth thousands, reaching even into the tens of thousands. So, if you’re lucky enough to have one of these beauties tucked away, you could be sitting on a small fortune (both literally and figuratively).
The Noguchi Coffee Table
Isamu Noguchi’s coffee table, with its distinctive shape and form, has made a lasting impact on interior design. With a simple yet striking design, the Noguchi coffee table is a sought-after piece for collectors and design enthusiasts alike. This piece can range in value, but an authentic, well-kept Noguchi table can certainly fetch a tidy sum.
Known for its elegance and simplicity, the Noguchi coffee table is a standout piece in any room. Its unique design and enduring popularity have secured its place as a significant financial asset in the world of vintage furniture.
Arne Jacobsen’s Swan Chair
Arne Jacobsen, a Danish designer and architect, created the Swan Chair in 1958. Known for its organic, flowing design, the Swan Chair has become a beloved icon in mid-century modern design. The Swan Chair’s timeless aesthetic appeal and rarity have made it a desirable piece on the vintage furniture market.
Original versions of this chair can fetch a pretty penny, especially if they’re in good condition. So if you happen to have one of these tucked away, it might be worth getting it appraised.
The Space Age Furniture
The Space Age furniture trend of the 1960s and 70s, with its futuristic aesthetic and innovative use of materials, is still sought after today. Pieces from this era, such as the Sputnik chandelier or the egg chair, are often worth quite a bit. According to a report on retro furniture market, these pieces can fetch a high price due to their unique design and historical significance.
While the value of specific pieces can vary, it’s safe to say that if you have an authentic Space Age piece in good condition, it could be worth a good chunk of change.
The Art Deco Bar Cart
Bar carts have made a huge comeback in recent years, and Art Deco styles are particularly desirable. These pieces, typically made from brass or chrome with glass shelves, can add a touch of glamor and sophistication to any home. Depending on the condition and age, these bar carts can fetch a hefty price on the vintage furniture market.
Art Deco bar carts are staples of the era’s design aesthetic, and their popularity has endured. Whether it’s the functionality or the elegance they bring to a room, these pieces are a hot commodity in the world of vintage furniture.
The Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
The mid-century modern sideboard, with its clean lines and warm wood tones, is a staple of vintage furniture. These pieces, often made of teak or walnut, are highly sought after and can command high prices. The value of these pieces can vary based on factors like condition, maker, and materials, but a well-crafted, authentic mid-century sideboard is certainly worth a fortune.
Aside from its monetary value, a mid-century modern sideboard can also add a touch of retro charm and functionality to your living space. So, if you’re lucky enough to own one of these stylish pieces, you’re not just owning a piece of furniture; you’re owning a piece of design history.
The George Nelson Sunburst Clock
Designed in the 1950s by George Nelson, the Sunburst Clock is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design. With its unique design featuring a central dial surrounded by ‘rays’ or ‘spikes,’ this clock is a sought-after piece for collectors and design enthusiasts. Depending on the condition and authenticity, a Sunburst Clock can be worth a fair bit of money.
Even more than its monetary value, the Sunburst Clock is a timeless piece that adds a touch of mid-century flair to any room. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these, it’s certainly worth holding on to.
The Tulip Table by Eero Saarinen
The Tulip Table, designed by Eero Saarinen in the 1950s, is a classic piece of mid-century modern design. Known for its distinctive pedestal base and round or oval top, the Tulip Table is a sought-after piece on the vintage furniture market. A well-cared-for, authentic Tulip Table can fetch a high price.
The Tulip Table’s timeless design and enduring appeal make it a valuable asset. So if you’re lucky enough to own one of these, you’re not just owning a piece of furniture; you’re owning a piece of design history.
The Vintage Trunk Coffee Table
Vintage trunks, with their rugged charm and practical storage, have found a new life as coffee tables. Depending on the age, condition, and rarity, a vintage trunk turned coffee table can be worth quite a bit. These pieces not only offer a touch of vintage charm but also serve as a conversation starter.
Whether you’ve inherited an old trunk or picked one up at a flea market, it could be worth getting it appraised. You never know, you might be sitting on a treasure!
The Teak Danish Modern Furniture
Danish modern furniture, particularly those made of teak, is highly sought after in the vintage furniture market. The clean lines, functional design, and high-quality craftsmanship characteristic of Danish modern furniture have made these pieces timeless classics. Depending on the condition and maker, Danish modern furniture can be worth quite a bit.
So, if you’re lucky enough to have a piece of Danish modern furniture, it’s worth looking into its value. It’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s a piece of design history.
The Vintage Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen
The Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1948, is one of the most recognizable pieces of mid-century modern design. Known for its comfortable, enveloping design, the Womb Chair is a sought-after piece on the vintage furniture market. Depending on the condition and authenticity, a Womb Chair can be worth a lot of money.
The Womb Chair’s timeless design and enduring appeal make it a valuable asset. So, if you’re lucky enough to own one of these, you’re not just owning a piece of furniture; you’re owning a piece of design history.
The G Plan Fresco Dining Table
The G Plan Fresco dining table, with its distinctive ‘floating top’ design and high-quality craftsmanship, is a classic piece of mid-century modern furniture. Designed in the 1960s and 70s, these tables have become increasingly sought after in recent years. A well-kept, authentic G Plan Fresco dining table can fetch a fair price on the vintage furniture market.
Aside from its monetary value, the G Plan Fresco dining table is a stylish and practical piece that adds a touch of mid-century charm to any dining room. So, if you’re lucky enough to own one of these tables, you’re not just owning a piece of furniture; you’re owning a piece of design history.
The Retro Chrome Kitchen Sets
Retro chrome kitchen sets, with their bright colors and shiny chrome details, are a delightful nod to the past. These sets, often featuring a table and chairs, are popular among vintage furniture collectors and can be worth a considerable amount. According to WealthGang, these sets can be worth thousands if they’re in good condition and from a desirable era.
So, if you’ve got one of these sets gathering dust in your basement, it might be time to dust it off and get it appraised. You never know, you could be sitting on a goldmine!

