1. Corelle Dinnerware
Light, unbreakable, and patterned with flowers—Corelle dishes defined everyday dining for decades. Now, collectors are scooping up retro sets with designs like “Butterfly Gold” and “Spring Blossom Green.” Many appreciate their practicality and surprisingly enduring appeal. They blend nostalgia with function, which makes them perfect for both use and display.
Some older patterns were discontinued, making them rare finds at thrift stores. The sleek lines and mid-century motifs fit seamlessly into modern kitchens. There’s even a new wave of collectors trading sets online like baseball cards. It’s the tableware equivalent of comfort food.
2. Pyrex Mixing Bowls
Remember those colorful Pyrex bowls your grandma used for everything from cake batter to salad? They’re back in a big way, especially the vintage sets from the 1940s through the 1970s. Collectors are particularly drawn to the “Gooseberry” and “Butterprint” patterns, which can fetch hundreds of dollars if they’re in good condition. Their appeal lies in nostalgia and durability—unlike today’s glassware, these pieces were built to last generations.
Beyond their kitchen function, Pyrex bowls have become prized for their aesthetic value. People display them on open shelves like art pieces, showcasing that perfect pop of mid-century color. Social media collectors’ groups have turned rare pattern hunts into a community sport. It’s a charming mix of function, memory, and vibrant design.
3. Rotary Phones
Once a household staple, rotary phones are now treasured relics of a pre-digital world. Collectors love their tactile dials and solid construction, particularly models made by Western Electric. Some enthusiasts even retrofit them with modern internals so they can work with today’s phone systems. Their resurgence reflects a growing appreciation for analog simplicity.
In an age of sleek smartphones, these phones remind people of a slower, more deliberate pace of communication. They also serve as conversation pieces in retro-inspired home décor. The most sought-after ones are in rare colors like mint green or cherry red. As nostalgia deepens, their clunky charm only becomes more irresistible.
4. Typewriters
Typewriters have surged in popularity as writers, artists, and collectors rediscover their tactile beauty. Iconic brands like Smith-Corona, Underwood, and Olympia are especially prized for their mechanical precision. Collectors often seek machines in rare colors or models used by famous writers. Their satisfying clack and rhythmic flow evoke a romantic sense of creativity.
Beyond nostalgia, typewriters offer something digital tools can’t: permanence. There’s no delete key, which makes every word intentional. Many people use them for journaling or art projects, valuing the authenticity they inspire. They’ve gone from forgotten office relics to symbols of mindful expression.
5. Lava Lamps
Originally a 1960s symbol of groovy cool, lava lamps are glowing back into style. Collectors prize authentic Mathmos and early Crestworth models for their quality and hypnotic motion. They’ve become icons of retro décor, bridging the gap between kitsch and art. The smooth, mesmerizing bubbles never quite lost their appeal.
Today, vintage enthusiasts and Gen Z buyers alike use them to add warmth to minimalist interiors. Their steady motion and colorful glow bring a sense of calm that modern LED lights can’t replicate. Authentic older versions with original components can fetch surprising prices online. It’s proof that a little bit of 1960s magic still flows.
6. Tupperware Sets
Once a kitchen must-have, vintage Tupperware has transformed from everyday plastic to collectible treasure. Early pastel and jewel-toned sets from the 1950s and 1960s are especially coveted. Many collectors are drawn to their clever designs, like the iconic “burping” seal lids. They evoke memories of home parties and mid-century convenience culture.
As sustainability trends grow, people appreciate Tupperware’s longevity even more. Unlike disposable containers, these have endured decades of use. Collectors trade sets online, especially complete ones in their original boxes. It’s both a nod to nostalgia and a statement about lasting quality.
7. Film Cameras
Before smartphones, film cameras were the only way to capture life’s moments—and they’re experiencing a remarkable comeback. Collectors chase iconic models like the Canon AE-1, Pentax K1000, and Polaroid SX-70. These cameras blend mechanical beauty with artistic potential, offering a tactile shooting experience. Many younger photographers love the challenge and authenticity of shooting on film.
Film sales have actually rebounded, with companies reissuing classic stocks to meet demand. Each photo becomes a thoughtful act, not an endless scroll. For collectors, these cameras represent craftsmanship and intention. Their click-and-wind rhythm feels grounding in our digital blur.
8. Milk Glass
Those opaque white dishes your great-aunt used for everything from casseroles to candy? That’s milk glass, and it’s back in collectors’ sights. Companies like Fenton, Westmoreland, and Anchor Hocking made some of the most desirable pieces. The charm lies in their milky glow and intricate patterns, which complement nearly any décor style.
Collectors seek them for weddings, vintage kitchens, and farmhouse-inspired displays. Prices for rare patterns, like hobnail or grapevine designs, have risen steadily. Even mismatched sets are popular for their timeless charm. It’s the kind of elegance that quietly endures.
9. Vinyl Records
Vinyl’s revival is no longer a niche trend—it’s a full-blown cultural comeback. Collectors chase both rare pressings and mass-market favorites for their warmth of sound. Original issues from The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and early punk bands can command serious prices. It’s about the music, yes, but also the physical ritual of it all.
You hold it, clean it, drop the needle—it’s participatory listening. Record stores and online communities have made collecting deeply social again. Even casual fans love the big album art and tangible connection. It’s proof that analog never really died; it just waited for its next spin.
10. Cabbage Patch Kids
In the 1980s, these soft-faced dolls caused shopping chaos. Today, collectors are rediscovering their quirky charm. Early Coleco versions, especially those with hand-signed Xavier Roberts tags, are highly sought after. The uniqueness of each doll—no two exactly alike—adds to their enduring fascination.
Some collectors even specialize in rescuing and restoring vintage dolls. Online fan groups trade, sell, and share stories like proud parents. Nostalgia is a powerful draw, especially for those who remember the original craze. These dolls once sparked stampedes, and now they spark smiles.
11. Polaroid Cameras
Instant photography has made a huge comeback, and vintage Polaroids are leading the charge. Classic models like the SX-70 and OneStep are top prizes for collectors. Their foldable designs and nostalgic instant prints make them both functional and decorative. Modern film reissues have reignited their usability.
Collectors love the spontaneity Polaroids offer—every shot is one-of-a-kind. The unpredictability of color and exposure adds charm rather than frustration. They’ve become a bridge between analog authenticity and instant gratification. It’s nostalgia that still develops right before your eyes.
12. Mid-Century Record Consoles
Those long, wood-paneled record consoles that once anchored living rooms are now serious collector items. Models from brands like Magnavox, Zenith, and RCA are being restored and resold for hefty prices. Their combination of craftsmanship and hidden technology—a radio, record player, and speakers in one—embodies the best of 1950s design. For many collectors, they represent a bridge between furniture and audio art.
The vinyl revival has helped, too. People want a centerpiece that fits the ritual of dropping a needle on a record. Some even update them with Bluetooth components while keeping the classic exterior intact. It’s retro sound with a modern soul.
13. Bar Carts
Once a staple of mid-century entertaining, bar carts are rolling back into vogue. Vintage brass or chrome versions from the 1950s and 1960s are especially coveted. They represent a golden age of hospitality when cocktails were an art form. Their stylish lines and functional wheels make them versatile décor pieces today.
Collectors use them for more than liquor—coffee stations, plant displays, even vinyl storage. The comeback aligns with renewed interest in home mixology. A well-stocked bar cart feels both nostalgic and sophisticated. It’s a perfect blend of old-school glamour and modern living.
14. Sewing Machines
Before fast fashion, the hum of a sewing machine meant self-sufficiency and care. Vintage Singers and Berninas are now being rediscovered for their beauty and build quality. Collectors love their ornate designs and all-metal construction, which outlasts many modern versions. Some even restore and use them for small projects today.
They’re not just functional but symbolic—of craftsmanship, patience, and pride in creation. Restored machines often double as decorative centerpieces in studios or living rooms. Their enduring mechanical precision fascinates hobbyists and designers alike. In a disposable world, they embody the charm of making things last.
15. Electric Clocks
Before smartphones, electric wall and table clocks were the heartbeat of the home. Collectors now chase models from Telechron, GE, and Westclox for their Art Deco and mid-century designs. These clocks combined style and technology at a time when punctuality was proudly displayed. Their ticking hum adds an oddly comforting soundtrack to modern life.
Many collectors restore them to working order, replacing worn motors and cords. Others simply admire their sculptural beauty, with chrome trims and bold numerals. Their resurgence ties into the broader love for analog craftsmanship. It’s timekeeping with personality—and plenty of history.
16. Fondue Sets
Fondue sets once symbolized peak 1970s social dining, and now collectors can’t get enough of them. Retro enamel pots in mustard yellow, burnt orange, and avocado green have become highly sought-after. Enthusiasts love the communal spirit these sets represent, especially as home entertaining makes a comeback. Their playful aesthetic blends beautifully into retro and boho-inspired kitchens.
Collectors particularly prize complete sets with original forks, stands, and burners. Many enjoy using them for themed dinner nights, reviving a forgotten culinary ritual. Even gently worn sets carry charm, as each chip and scuff hints at lively gatherings past. It’s a delicious fusion of nostalgia, design, and shared experience.
17. Sunbeam Mixmasters
The classic Sunbeam Mixmaster was once a proud fixture on nearly every kitchen counter. Today, collectors search for early models with sleek chrome bodies and iconic glass mixing bowls. Many admire their durability, since these machines often outlast newer appliances by decades. Their retro styling fits effortlessly into both cottage and mid-century kitchens.
Enthusiasts frequently restore vintage units so they’re fully functional again. The rhythmic whir of the motor brings back memories of family baking traditions. Even non-bakers use them as nostalgic display pieces because of their sculptural appeal. It’s the rare blend of engineering, history, and warmth that keeps demand rising.
18. Slide Projectors
Long before digital slideshows, slide projectors brought vacations and family moments to life on living room walls. Collectors now hunt for Kodak Carousel and Bell & Howell models known for their reliability and iconic design. Many love the tangible ritual of loading slides and hearing the satisfying click between images. It’s a slower, more intentional way of revisiting memories.
Vintage slides themselves have also become unexpected collectibles. People rescue estate-sale carousels filled with forgotten imagery, sometimes discovering remarkable snapshots of earlier decades. The soft glow and grainy film texture add cinematic charm to any viewing session. It’s memory-keeping with a tactile, analog soul.
19. Ceramic Ashtrays
Even in a smoke-free era, ceramic ashtrays have resurfaced as vibrant mid-century art pieces. Collectors seek out sculptural shapes, atomic-era patterns, and bold color glazes. Pieces from California pottery makers and hotel-branded designs are especially coveted. Their quirky styles add flair to coffee tables, bars, and sideboards.
Most collectors use them for anything but smoking—jewelry, keys, incense, or simply décor. Their revival reflects a broader appreciation for previously overlooked household objects. Each piece tells a story about its era’s design sensibilities. It’s a comeback rooted in artistry, not habit.
20. Aluminum Christmas Trees
Few holiday decorations scream mid-century cheer like shimmering aluminum Christmas trees. Collectors chase premium brands like Evergleam, especially those that include original rotating stands. The metallic branches and color-wheel lighting create a nostalgic, space-age holiday vibe. These trees pair perfectly with retro ornaments and vintage holiday décor.
Rarity drives their resurgence, as many were discarded when natural trees became trendier. Home decorators now embrace them as bold statement pieces for themed celebrations. Even small tabletop versions draw enthusiastic interest from collectors. It’s a sparkling reminder of a futuristic holiday aesthetic that never quite faded.
21. Wicker Peacock Chairs
Once the unofficial throne of 1970s living rooms and backyard photo shoots, wicker peacock chairs are soaring back into popularity. Collectors prize those with high, fanned backs and intricate weaving. Their dramatic silhouettes make them instant focal points in any room. They offer a mix of bohemian charm and vintage glamour.
Many restore older chairs to preserve their craftsmanship and natural materials. They pair effortlessly with plants, textured fabrics, and eclectic interiors. Photographers and event designers often rent them out for retro-themed shoots. It’s a decorative comeback that’s both bold and breezy.
22. Brass Candleholders
Brass candleholders once flickered in dining rooms everywhere, and now collectors are rediscovering their warm, sculptural glow. Mid-century and Scandinavian-inspired designs are especially in demand. Their patina deepens with age, adding character that newer pieces often lack. Whether simple or ornate, they bring timeless elegance to any space.
Collectors love how versatile they are for decorating tables, mantels, and shelves. Many curate mismatched sets to create artful clusters with visual depth. Polished or naturally aged, they remain captivating in both modern and vintage homes. It’s a small but radiant revival of classic home ambiance.
This post 22 Once-Ubiquitous Home Items That Collectors Are Fighting Over Again was first published on Greenhouse Black.
