Ready to hunt for hidden gems? The world of antiques has never been livelier. From seasoned chinoiserie connoisseurs to newly-minted Jean-Michel Frank fans, a fresh breeze is reinvigorating the collecting scene. Leading designers and dealers agree: now is the time to spot and snap up overlooked treasures—some of which could one day become your retirement plan in disguise!
Antiques Today: Eclectic, Playful, and Personal
Anthony Baratta, a New York-based designer with four decades of experience, captures the current pulse: « There’s a split in the thinking right now of how to do antiques in interiors. » The room-filling antique ensembles of yesteryear are making way for an approach where antiques shine as standout pieces among the modern and contemporary. Baratta observes younger clients mixing styles with playful abandon, making antiques the star rather than the supporting cast. He recommends a deliberate approach: do research and window shop to pinpoint which categories or items speak to you—then build your collection slowly, savoring the journey rather than rushing toward mass-produced lookalikes.
11 Overlooked Antiques Worth a Second Glance
- Bronze Sculptures and Decor: Erik Retzer of Chicago’s Right Proper shop is bullish on all things bronze. Not only does bronze ooze durability (these pieces don’t just age, they earn their wrinkles), but their artistry and scarcity keep value high. Imagine a bronze statue by the garden gate, or that whimsical bunny-turned-paperweight brightening your workday—functional and fun.
- Suzani Textiles: Rich in color, history, and character, suzani textiles hail from Central Asian nomadic cultures. Laurin Beard, decorative arts specialist at B. Viz. Design, notes a continued surge in their popularity, especially as people reimagine them as wall art, pillows, or even luxe coats.
- Furniture from the 1980s and 1990s: Baratta and Canadian designer Philip Mitchell point out that the mad dash for mid-century modern pieces has led to overexposure. They’re both eyeing unconventional ’80s and ’90s furniture for their future headliner potential, even if the designs are still earning their stripes with today’s buyers.
- Georgian and Regency Furniture: L.A. designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard swears by elegant English and Irish chests, chairs, and side tables from these periods. Still remarkably affordable, these antiques offer enduring beauty and are predicted to soon rise in value.
- Vintage Light Fixtures: Boston’s Gary McBournie says vintage Italian lights from the mid-century era provide a showstopping—and fun—accent for entertaining spaces. Yes, even your Friday-night dinner parties can have a touch of Milan glamour.
- Clocks and Timepieces: Joy Moyler champions ornate timepieces, especially stately French Empire gilt bronze and crystal mantle clocks. Clocks bring what she calls a « jewel-like » tension to any room—and their portability is a bonus. Just beware those international shipping costs!
- Baroque-Era Pieces: Philip Mitchell believes Baroque stone-inset furniture, opulent mirrors, candelabras, and fabrics are overdue for a comeback, adding « one-of-a-kind » style even in modern settings.
- British Colonial Furniture: Heather Chadduck Hillegas cheers for dark woods, golden caning, and bone inlay. Their laid-back luxury compliments blue-and-white motifs and tropical palms. These pieces are rare, so pounce if you spot them.
- 20th-Century Danish and French Furniture: Margaret Naeve Parker encourages investment in works by postwar designers like Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, Otto Schulz, and Poul Kjærholm. These have proven their worth, holding and even growing in value.
- French 18th-Century Reproductions: Baratta also finds excitement in accessible reproductions from early and mid-1700s France. With quality for the price, they’re a logical entry point for newbies.
- Vintage Dinnerware and Drinkware: In the age of hosting from home, McBournie says ditching the « sameness » and embracing vintage table settings makes for more memorable entertaining.
Tips for the Artful Investor
Before you break out the bidding paddle (or credit card), Baratta cautions: avoid the social media DIY refurbishing rabbit hole. It’s become tricky to find true craftsmen, and DIY paint jobs can ding future resale value. Likewise, Charlotte Moss emphasizes passion and quality over trend-chasing. « Find what gets you excited about living with it and buy the best quality you can. » Her decades of experience highlight: meet dealers, visit shops, and ask questions—especially at in-person auctions. Hands-on discovery beats online impulse-buys every time for both your wallet and confidence.
Conclusion: Curate with Heart, Collect with Gusto
The thriving antique scene is daring us all to chase what we love, not just what’s hyped in glossy catalogs. Take time, mix it up, invest in quality, and most of all—have a little fun hunting down those overlooked treasures. Who knows? That quirky bronze bunny or regal Regency chair might just be tomorrow’s star, ready to shine in your home or on the next collector’s wish list.
With a discerning eye for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless beauty, Edward has dedicated his career to sourcing and curating fine antique furniture from across USA. His deep appreciation for historical design, from Georgian elegance to Art Deco sophistication, guides collectors and enthusiasts in discovering pieces that tell stories of bygone eras. Through his expertise and genuine passion, he helps preserve the artistry of master cabinetmakers while bringing distinguished character into contemporary homes.
