One of the best ways to embrace the magic of summer? Filling your home with antiques that are reminiscent of the season, from warm-weather eats and destinations, to garden-inspired finds and more. I have my own secondhand wish list for summer to keep me busy and inspired. That said, there are some vintage and antique finds that are currently surging in popularity, which means their value—and price tag—will be, too.
Ahead, antique and vintage experts highlight four items that are already beloved and will only increase in value over the next couple of months. If you’re on the prowl for a fun new addition to your home decor, consider scooping up one of these special pieces before they become too widely regarded.
French Oyster Plates
Summer is prime time for enjoying the bounty of the sea. Do you have all of the proper servingware on hand for the occasion? Maggie Risson, the founder of Collector & Curator, shares that French oyster plates are having a major moment as of late. She’s witnessed prices rise steadily during her sourcing trips. “They feel perfect for summer entertaining, but I’m also seeing people hang them on walls, either individually or in groupings,” Maggie says. “The most desirable pieces are French faience examples with beautiful color, unusual wells, or a trompe l’oeil quality.”
Bamboo and Faux Bamboo
Collectors looking to bring the outdoors inside this summer are expressing an interest in real and faux bamboo alike, according to Margaret Schwartz, the founder of Modern Antiquarian. “Buyers are drawn to the warmth and playful sophistication they bring to a space,” she says of these pieces, which run the gamut in form and function. “Antique faux-bamboo mirrors remain a perennial favorite,” Margaret says. That said, buyers aren’t afraid to think outside the box a bit, either. “I'm also seeing increased interest in more unusual pieces, particularly midcentury bamboo furniture and decorative objects,” she adds. “Pieces like bamboo étagères, quirky accessories, and even a bamboo birdcage we have are attracting interest because they feel both timeless and fun.”
Swan and Bird Motifs
Gardens have truly “become extensions of the home,” Margaret says, and with that, customers are eager to embrace all things avian when decorating outdoors. “Swan planters, pitchers, garden ornaments, and furniture featuring bird motifs bring a sense of charm and personality that feels especially appealing in outdoor spaces,” she explains. “Because these pieces were often produced in smaller numbers than traditional garden urns or statuary, they're becoming harder to source, which is contributing to increased value.”
Victorian-Era Shell-Encrusted Objects
Seashells are making major waves in the world of antiques this summer. “Shell motifs have been trending across mainstream fashion, accessories, and home for the past few years, and now people are craving the real thing,” says Jacqueline Burrows, the founder of The Sleepy Flea. “The conchology craze of the Victorian period brought shellwork boxes, vases, picture frames, and, perhaps the most sought after coastal antique, sailor's valentines.” The latter—shell mosaics framed behind glass—can be quite difficult to source and often come at a high price, Jacqueline explains, adding that an increasing number of people have become familiar with this art form. As such, “prices for authentic, one-of-a-kind pieces will only continue to rise.”
