That vintage chair in your grandmother’s attic? It might be worth more than you think. As nostalgia continues to influence design trends, retro furniture pieces from the mid-20th century and beyond are gaining serious traction—and value—among collectors and style-savvy homeowners alike. From iconic silhouettes to high-quality craftsmanship, these pieces offer both aesthetic appeal and investment potential. Here are 12 retro furniture pieces that are surprisingly valuable today.
1. Chesterfield Sofas
Chesterfield sofas, with their deep button tufting, rolled arms, and luxurious leather upholstery, have been a classic choice for living rooms for centuries. Though they originated in 18th-century England, the Chesterfield sofa gained renewed popularity in the mid-20th century.
Known for their durability and timeless style, these sofas remain a staple in both traditional and modern living rooms. Antique Trader reports that vintage Chesterfield sofas can sell for over $3,000, depending on the condition and the quality of the leather. Their combination of comfort, durability, and timeless elegance ensures they remain a desirable item for collectors and interior designers seeking classic, statement-making furniture.
2. Eames Lounge Chairs
One of the most iconic pieces of mid-century modern furniture, the Eames Lounge Chair, was introduced in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames. Known for its unparalleled comfort and timeless design, it has become a symbol of luxury. Upholstered in premium leather and set upon a wooden shell, its ergonomic shape provides optimal support and relaxation. The chair’s enduring appeal can be attributed to both its craftsmanship and its association with the Eames brand, a hallmark of design excellence.
According to Sotheby’s, original models with the Herman Miller label can command prices of $5,000 or more in the resale market, with some rare editions even surpassing this figure. This chair’s combination of style, comfort, and craftsmanship has made it a sought-after piece in luxury homes and design collections worldwide.
3. Tulip Tables by Eero Saarinen
The tulip table, designed by Eero Saarinen in the 1950s, revolutionized dining room furniture with its clean, sculptural form. Featuring a single pedestal base and a smooth, round top, the table was designed to provide both aesthetic beauty and practical space-saving functionality. This design was a sharp contrast to the heavy, traditional dining room furniture of the time, reflecting the mid-century modern ethos of simplicity and elegance.
As Knoll reports, authentic tulip tables produced by Knoll Studios, particularly those with Saarinen’s original design, are highly collectible and can sell for upwards of $3,000, depending on the condition and provenance. The tulip table continues to be an essential piece for collectors of modern design, appreciated for its minimalist style and lasting influence on furniture design.
4. Danish Modern Dining Chairs
Danish Modern furniture, with its emphasis on minimalist design and natural materials, became a defining trend in mid-century modern interiors. Danish Modern dining chairs are known for their lightweight yet sturdy construction, with many pieces featuring elegant curved backs and warm, natural wood finishes such as teak or oak. The design philosophy of these chairs emphasizes both comfort and beauty, making them a staple of Scandinavian interior design.
According to Danish Modern Furniture, a well-maintained set of four Danish Modern chairs can easily command over $2,000 on the resale market, especially those designed by renowned mid-century designers. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to complement a wide variety of modern interiors, combining functionality with high-quality craftsmanship.
5. Hollywood Regency Vanities
Hollywood Regency furniture, characterized by its glamour and opulence, was at its peak during the 1930s and 1940s. Hollywood Regency vanities, often featuring mirrored surfaces and Art Deco-inspired details, are iconic examples of this lavish style. These pieces were designed to evoke the sophistication and elegance of old Hollywood, often adorned with intricate detailing and luxurious finishes.
According to 1stDibs, vintage Hollywood Regency vanities in good condition can command prices of $1,500 or more. These vanities are highly coveted for their timeless beauty and the nostalgic glamour they bring to any bedroom. Their charm lies in their ability to evoke a sense of luxury and elegance that is still sought after today, particularly by collectors of vintage Hollywood and Art Deco furniture.
6. Wicker Peacock Chairs
Popularized in the 1970s, wicker peacock chairs became synonymous with bohemian style. These large, throne-like chairs feature intricate wickerwork that forms a beautiful and exotic design. The chairs’ dramatic, sweeping shape and natural material make them both functional and eye-catching.
These chairs have become a favorite for photographers and interior designers, who often use them as statement pieces in styled rooms. A well-maintained wicker peacock chair can fetch up to $800, depending on the quality of the material and craftsmanship. The bohemian aesthetic and unique charm of these chairs continue to make them a desirable item for collectors and vintage enthusiasts.
7. Art Deco Dressers
Art Deco furniture, popular during the 1920s and 1930s, is known for its bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and vibrant colors. Art Deco dressers embody this aesthetic with their striking design and sophisticated detailing. Made from materials such as lacquer, chrome, and exotic woods, these dressers were crafted to make a statement.
Collectors highly prize genuine Art Deco furniture, with authentic dressers often fetching upwards of $2,000. The enduring appeal of Art Deco lies in its combination of luxury and modernity, which continues to captivate interior designers and vintage furniture enthusiasts alike.
8. 1950s Formica Kitchen Tables
The 1950s Formica kitchen table, with its colorful laminate top and chrome legs, is a nostalgic reminder of post-war American kitchens. These tables were prized for their durability, easy maintenance, and cheerful aesthetic, often serving as the centerpiece of family meals.
These tables can fetch between $500 and $1,200, depending on the condition of the laminate and the table’s design. The rise of retro design and vintage collecting has made these tables increasingly sought after, as they evoke the simplicity and cheerfulness of mid-century American life.
9. Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Mid-century modern sideboards epitomize the sleek, minimalist style of the 1950s and 1960s, combining elegance with practicality. These functional pieces of furniture, typically crafted from high-quality woods like teak and walnut, were essential in post-war homes. The smooth lines and simple, yet striking, design reflect a shift towards more modern, functional living spaces.
Over the years, well-preserved sideboards have become highly collectible, and their desirability has only increased. Vintage mid-century modern sideboards can now fetch thousands of dollars at auctions and antique markets. The resurgence in demand for retro, classic furniture has further fueled their value, making them a prized find for collectors and interior designers alike.
10. Heywood-Wakefield Furniture
Heywood-Wakefield’s line of furniture, known for its “blonde” wood finish, was a popular choice in the 1940s and 1950s. Combining modernist style with affordable pricing, Heywood-Wakefield became a go-to brand for middle-class American homes. Today, pieces like coffee tables, dressers, and chairs from the brand are highly collectible.
A well-preserved piece of Heywood-Wakefield furniture can command over $1,000 on the resale market, making it a prized item for mid-century modern enthusiasts. The company’s distinctive blend of affordability, style, and quality craftsmanship has helped its pieces retain their value and appeal over the years.
11. Fiberglass Shell Chairs
The fiberglass shell chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, revolutionized furniture design in the mid-20th century. Known for its molded fiberglass shell and colorful finish, this chair is an enduring symbol of modernist design. Lightweight and stackable, it was also an early example of the use of molded materials in furniture.
Vintage models with original bases can fetch between $300 and $800, depending on the condition and the rarity of the design. Today, the fiberglass shell chair remains a beloved piece of furniture for collectors and design enthusiasts who appreciate its iconic form and practical functionality.
12. Victorian Roll-Top Desks
Victorian roll-top desks, with their intricate woodwork and sliding tambour covers, have long been admired for their functionality and elegance. These desks were designed to maximize workspace while also providing ample storage. Originating in the late 19th century, these desks have experienced a resurgence in popularity due to their craftsmanship and historical appeal.
Well-maintained roll-top desks can sell for upwards of $2,000. The resurgence of interest in vintage office furniture has made these desks a desirable item for both collectors and those seeking unique, functional pieces for their home or office.
