If you’ve ever walked past an old chair at a thrift store or inherited a dusty dresser from a relative, you might have wondered, Is this actually worth anything? The truth is, some vintage furniture pieces are worth a small fortune, and most people don’t even realize it.
I used to think old furniture was just… well, old. But after digging into the world of vintage and antique finds, I’ve realized that certain styles, brands, and materials hold serious value—sometimes fetching thousands of dollars at auction or in antique shops. Before you toss, donate, or paint over that old piece in your attic, check out these 9 vintage furniture pieces that could be hiding real treasure.
1. Mid-Century Modern Dressers and Credenzas
Mid-century modern (MCM) furniture has exploded in popularity over the last two decades, making original pieces from the 1950s and ‘60s incredibly valuable. If you’ve got a sleek, teak or walnut dresser with clean lines, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
- Brands like Drexel, Lane, and Broyhill Brasilia can sell for $1,000-$5,000 depending on condition.
- Authentic Danish teak credenzas can fetch even more—especially those made by Hans Wegner or Arne Vodder.
- If you find a vintage piece, don’t paint it! Refinishing can reduce value unless done professionally.
Minimalist MCM furniture is still in high demand, so collectors and interior designers will pay top dollar for the right pieces.
2. Eames Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
This is one of the most famous furniture designs in the world—and original ones sell for tens of thousands of dollars. If you ever come across an Eames lounge chair and ottoman, check the label before assuming it’s a knockoff.
- Genuine Herman Miller or Vitra Eames chairs can be worth $5,000-$10,000 or more.
- Look for real leather and molded plywood, not plastic imitations.
- Vintage models from the ‘50s and ‘60s are the most valuable, but even newer ones hold strong resale value.
These chairs have been copied endlessly, so originals are highly sought after.
3. Antique Secretary Desks
That ornate wooden desk with a fold-down writing surface sitting in your grandmother’s house? It might be worth more than you think. Secretary desks were once a staple in well-to-do homes, and some antique versions are highly valuable.
- Look for solid wood construction (mahogany, cherry, or oak) and intricate details.
- 18th- and 19th-century pieces, especially Colonial, Federal, or Chippendale styles, can be worth $3,000-$15,000.
- The more original features (like brass hardware and intact cubbies), the higher the value.
Even if it’s not from the 1800s, a well-preserved vintage secretary desk can still bring in good money.
4. Art Deco Vanities and Bedroom Sets
Art Deco furniture from the 1920s and ‘30s has a distinctive, glamorous style that still appeals to collectors today. If you’ve got an old mirrored vanity or sleek, geometric bedroom set, don’t get rid of it just yet.
- Authentic Art Deco furniture often features exotic woods (zebrawood, burl walnut), chrome details, and bold geometric shapes.
- Pieces from designers like Paul Frankl and Gilbert Rohde can fetch $5,000-$20,000.
- Even unmarked Art Deco vanities and dressers can sell for hundreds to thousands.
These bold, stylish pieces aren’t for everyone, but collectors love them.
5. Victorian Carved Sofas and Chairs
Victorian-era furniture (1837-1901) was all about elegance and craftsmanship, with elaborate carvings, claw feet, and velvet upholstery. While not all Victorian furniture is valuable, certain pieces command high prices.
- Hand-carved mahogany or rosewood sofas and armchairs can be worth $2,000-$10,000.
- Pieces from John Henry Belter or R.J. Horner are especially sought after.
- Upholstery can be replaced, but the wood and carvings should be kept as original as possible.
A well-preserved Victorian parlor set could be worth way more than you think.
6. Stickley Mission-Style Furniture
If you’ve ever seen a solid wood chair with vertical slats and a minimalist, Arts and Crafts design, you might have spotted a Stickley original. Gustav Stickley was the father of Mission-style furniture, and his pieces from the early 1900s are extremely valuable.
- Authentic Stickley furniture (especially early 1900s pieces) can sell for $5,000-$50,000.
- Look for the Stickley signature or metal tag on the underside.
- Even lesser-known Mission-style pieces can be worth thousands.
The simplicity of Stickley furniture makes it timeless—and highly collectible.
7. Vintage Rattan and Wicker Pieces
Believe it or not, that rattan peacock chair from the ‘60s or ‘70s could be worth a pretty penny. Mid-century and bohemian-style wicker furniture has made a big comeback, and original vintage pieces are in demand.
- Classic peacock chairs, hanging egg chairs, and bamboo coffee tables can sell for hundreds to thousands.
- Brands like McGuire, Ficks Reed, and Franco Albini are especially valuable.
- The condition is key—if it’s in great shape, it could be worth more than you think!
Before assuming rattan or wicker is “cheap,” check resale prices—it might surprise you.
8. Danish Teak Dining Sets
Danish modern furniture is one of the hottest vintage trends right now, and teak dining sets from the 1950s-1970s are leading the charge. If you’ve inherited a sleek, simple Scandinavian-style table and chairs, it might be worth serious money.
- Look for designers like Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, and Arne Jacobsen.
- Even non-branded solid teak tables and chairs can fetch $3,000-$10,000.
- If the finish is original and the set is in good condition, it’s even more valuable.
Minimalist, high-quality furniture never goes out of style.
9. Retro Chrome and Formica Dining Sets
That diner-style table with chrome legs and a laminate top from the ‘50s might seem outdated, but vintage Formica and chrome sets are highly collectible.
- Authentic mid-century kitchen tables with boomerang or atomic designs are in demand.
- Brands like Heywood-Wakefield and Daystrom are the most valuable.
- A complete set with matching chairs can go for $1,500-$5,000.
These sets scream retro charm, and collectors love them.