When it comes to decorating, few things influence whether a house feels like a home more than vintage finds.
Furniture and design objects from the last century (or earlier) carry a backstory and while that story is often partly lost to time, it’s the mystery and the sense of history left to the imagination that makes them so appealing.
But antiques and vintage furniture also bring a certain heritage, stemming from a time when quality was valued above quantity.
"When we talk about antiques, we’re referring to pieces that are over 100 years old – objects that carry the craftsmanship, character and stories of another era," explains Sophie Salata, Head of Brand at online vintage purveyor Vinterior.
"Vintage, on the other hand, speaks to design with nostalgia. These are items typically 20 to 99 years old that capture the spirit of a particular moment in time. Both antique and vintage pieces bring depth and individuality to a space in a way that new furniture simply can't."
Vintage and antiques are perhaps more in demand than ever, not least thanks to an increased focus on personality-forward interior design – and certain objects are particularly sought after.
But what are those perennially popular pieces and what characteristics, exactly, make a vintage object or piece of furniture special? We consulted the experts to find out.
When is an object truly 'old but gold'?
As Sophie explains, in-demand vintage homeware and antiques all share the same three qualities: quality, authenticity and relevance.
"Good bones matter. Whether it’s a Georgian oak chest or a mid-century Italian lamp, the materials and construction must stand the test of time," she says. But vintage hunters also want "credible provenance, original details, and honest wear that proves a life well lived", according to Sophie.
Lastly, a piece needs to be relevant. "Even the most beautiful antique needs to sit comfortably in a contemporary setting. Buyers want pieces that complement modern life, not clutter it," the vintage expert says.
This is why antique dealers struggle to sell objects like floral teacups. "I think people like the idea of tea parties, but sadly, fine china is a tough sell compared to something that is both vintage and practical for everyday use,” Marlise Kast-Myers, owner of antique store Brick n Barn, previously told Country Living.
In contrast, pieces that fly off the shelves the second they've been placed in the display window are those that offer more than just a compelling backstory. Read on for 4 vintage and antique pieces you'll never struggle to sell...
Mid-century sideboards
Though they're a typical choice for the hallway, sideboards, for example, can add character to practically any room in the house – and vintage designs, often made from wood, are in huge demand.
Designs from the mid-century, Sophie tells us, are particularly sought after. These classic pieces of furniture are "well-loved and [remain] a very popular item on our site. They are incredibly well made, very practical and feel timeless."
Antique tapestries
“Tapestries are having a real moment,” says Chelsea Macdonald of Sylvie Home. Highly decorative yet surprisingly versatile, these historic textiles bring warmth, colour and texture to modern interiors. French Verdure and Aubusson tapestries from the 17th to 19th centuries are among the most sought after, celebrated for their intricate scenes of foliage, landscapes and pastoral life.
Exceptionally rare and increasingly hard to find, their value has risen sharply in recent years, with prices sometimes tripling as demand grows. Often woven from wool or silk and finished by hand, authentic antique tapestries offer not just beauty but craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.
Ceramics from the 50s and 60s
Colourful tableware from the 'Golden Age' is perennially popular, arguably because of its impactful yet timeless design.
Serving platters, jugs and salad bowls from the 1950s and 60s typically come in one vibrant colour, but they also frequently feature bold graphic patterns or imagery that still feels fresh today while evoking the sense of bygone times.
"Many antiques and vintage pieces go up and down in value, depending on how sought after they are at a certain time," says Michele Jameson, editor of Country Living's annual bookazine, Vintage Home.
"My favourites are fifties and sixties ceramics – Terence Conran for Midwinter, Jessie Tait, Hornsea – which are always highly prized, particularly rarer items."
For boundless inspiration regarding all things vintage decor, take a look at the latest edition of Vintage Home.
Chest of drawers
Classic antique chests of drawers are a consistently strong investment because of their versatility, durability and enduring appeal. Practical enough to work in almost any room — from bedrooms and hallways to kitchens and home offices — they suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Pieces made from pine, oak and mahogany are especially desirable, valued for their strength, attractive grain and ability to age beautifully over time. Bachelor’s chests, with their compact proportions and pull-out writing or brushing slides, are particularly sought after, combining elegance with everyday functionality. Well-made examples in good condition tend to hold their value and are always in demand on the resale market.
Tulip tables
In-demand antiques and vintage pieces always serve a purpose. One-legged tulip tables are a great example of a classic design that proves its relevance time and time again by being extremely versatile.
"These sleek, pedestal-base tables – whether dining or side tables – are the definition of form-meets-function," says Sophie.
"Originally designed in the 1950s to eliminate the clutter of table legs, the tulip silhouette still feels incredibly modern. Their minimalist-yet-sculptural aesthetic makes them perfect for almost any style of home, from mid-century to contemporary."
Colourful cocktail glasses
As more people prioritise entertaining at home, beautifully crafted glassware has become a must-have – and vintage pieces offer the perfect blend of personality, function, and affordability.
"Coloured vintage glassware is a way to transmit a bit of personality, and the idea that you can do that with something that’s both useful and affordable has a tonne of appeal," says Rachel Cothran, co-owner of vintage shop Rare Form.
"Plus, coloured glassware photographs well and adds an extra bit of oomph to a drink."
Bold pieces like colourful coupes, smoky 60s and 70s glassware, and those with coloured stems are consistently top sellers, she says.
As far as specific makers are concerned, Rachel frequently sources pieces from Carlo Moretti, Sasaki, 1960s Lenox, and Blendo from West Virginia Glass Co., with occasional finds from Libbey and Bryce Glass. She adds that matching pitcher and glass sets are also in high demand.
So, when you come across vibrant cocktail glasses or a tulip table on your next vintage hunt, better bag these sought-after pieces before someone else does.
Editor's picks: Antique wall lights
Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
Heather Bien is a Washington, DC-based writer covering home, design, entertaining, and travel for the likes of Martha Stewart, Southern Living, Virginia Living, and more. She is an avid antiquer and novice gardener who spends much of her free time tending to the rose garden and the ever-growing list of projects at her cottage, Rosehill Cottage, which is located on the Rappahannock River near Urbanna, Virginia.
