The 7 Antiques You Should Be Investing in Right Now, According to Vintage Experts Who Are Ahead of the Trends
They're timeless, characterful, and will last you a life time
If you made a promise to yourself to shop more for vintage and antique home decor this year, there are a few pieces to have on your radar that are the most coveted and collectible right now.
Decorating with antiques is the best way to bring character into your interiors, but finding the right furniture and decor is key. And who better to consult than the designers and experts who bring homes to life with these time-worn pieces every day?
1. Art, Art, and More Art
'The best thing about collecting art is that it can go anywhere,' says Drew. 'Pay attention to subject matter, as some themes make more sense in certain rooms. A still life of bread and cheese feels more appropriate in a kitchen than in a bedroom. A chaotic abstract works better in an office than in a nursery.'
Certain antiques feel far more accessible and easy to find, especially if you are relatively new to buying old. Art is exactly that, and adds so much style, character, and unique appeal to any scheme.
'If you were only allowed to purchase one antique, let it be art! Do not worry about trends, buy art you love. When you buy art you love, it will never feel out of style, especially vintage art, because it has already stood the test of time,' says Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox.
'You can find very affordable original vintage art. It does not have to be by a well-known or listed artist as long as it speaks to you. And if in a couple of years you want to try something new, it is small and easy to store until you are ready to display it again!'
Not only are antique and vintage works often much more affordable than new pieces (you can find beautiful examples in unassuming corners of charity shops and thrift stores), but because art is subjective, it's about finding works that speak to you rather than following trends or best practice.
'Good art is anything that makes you feel something. Maybe it reminds you of your childhood summers or your grandma’s house. Sometimes you might not even know whether you love it or hate it, but you can't stop looking. I am always more drawn to original art than to prints,' he explains.
'The texture of paint and the patina of time, even by an unknown artist, will always be more compelling to me than a print of a famous work like the Mona Lisa. Some of my favorite pieces of art were ones I did not buy right away, but ones I could not stop thinking about after leaving the store. For me, that is the sign of good art, something that stays with you and makes you think.'
2. Brass Candle Sconces
In this design, white paneled walls are contrasted by the brass candle sconces, adding traditional charm while creating a cozier ambiance in the room.
Candle sconces have found their way back into the trends, adding a chic look to interior schemes. And while these contemporary editions add a lovely touch, nothing is more authentic than antique examples, and they are something experts say you should be looking out for.
'Antique brass candle sconces are elegant, warm, cozy, and an affordable way to dress up your mantle, entryway, bathroom, you name it. They're lightweight and easy to ship, which makes them one of the few antiques you can order from international sellers, so it really opens up your search. Find one in your favorite style, motif, and patina, and you're good to go,' says Amanda Knorr, founder of Knosen.
'Many are sold in pairs, which is my favorite for flanking a fireplace mantle. They're also sold in singles, which is a great option for a smaller entryway wall or bathroom. They're a great way to add brightness to a room without running a wire behind the wall – brass examples have a beautiful, warm glow, whether it's day or night, lit or unlit. It's also fun to swap out the candle colors seasonally.'
You can embrace a classic candle sconce design, or opt for something more playful, like this Pair of Vintage Swedish Brass Wall Sconces or this Pair of Swedish Hammered Brass Sun Sconces, both from Knosen Antiques.
3. Demi-Lune Console Tables
'Anchor a hallway with a demi-lune console table,' suggests Birdie, suggesting the approach she has chosen in this hallway. 'One with a marble top will not only look very smart but will provide the perfect surface for placing keys and other items without the worry of scratching a wooden surface.'
If there's one piece of furniture you don't see quite so often anymore, it's the demi-lune table. But antique examples are sophisticated and charming, and so often fit perfectly in a hallway, like this Biedermeier Demi-Lune Console Table from Chairish, dated between 1815 and 1825.
'Demi-lune console tables always have an enduring appeal. They tend to be beautifully proportioned, elegant, and sit as comfortably in traditional interiors as they do in more pared-back or contemporary spaces. Designed as refined statement pieces rather than purely functional furniture, they have a sense of occasion. The balance of classic and contemporary makes them especially collectible today,' says designer Birdie Fortescue.
'Look for the quality of proportion. These tables should neither be too leggy nor too short, while the 'demi lune' should have a gentle curve and not be overly rounded. Pairs of antique Swedish demi lune tables can be sourced fairly easily and have a dual use when joined together to form a circular dining or centre table,' she explains.
'They are often painted and work equally well when mixed with modern or antique furniture. If opting for a polished table, make sure the patina has character and movement - signs of wear should feel authentic and consistent with the age of the piece, adding interest and charm.'
4. Antique Tables to Use as Kitchen Islands
The antique island on castors in this deVOL kitchen adds too much rustic charm to the design, especially painted in this bold green hue. It might take a bit of searching to find the right size for your space, but this Early 19th Century Country French Farmhouse Oak Kitchen Table is a great option.
If you have been keeping up with kitchen trends, you'll know that the kitchen island is evolving. People are embracing freestanding designs, more like work tables that bring a less built-in feel. And an antique piece is a characterful way to do it.
'Custom kitchen islands that do it all had their moment, but if you already have the storage space, then you can't beat the character that comes with an antique kitchen island! They're a great way to make a new kitchen feel more lived-in, and there are so many ways to customize them to suit your needs,' says Amanda.
'You'll want to primarily look at the size and height. You want to find an antique table (baker's table, draper's table, or standard tables in your wood of choice) with the rough dimensions you're looking for. That said, there are many ways to tweak an antique piece to suit those needs. If you love the piece but the height isn't quite right, you can add a butcher block top, marble top, or castors on the feet to bump it up,' she explains.
'Occasionally, you'll find an antique in the sweet spot of 34-36", but it's rare, and I think it's nice when everything in the room is not all at the same height. If storage underneath is important, a draper's table with a bottom shelf is great. If you'd like it to be used for additional seating, look for more of a classic table with leg room underneath.'
5. Antique Wood Furniture with Curved Silhouettes
Cured furniture works with so many design styles. In this scheme, a vintage chair with curved arms has been upholstered in a bold yellow fabric, but you can keep it more classic with these 1930s Bentwood Armchairs from Vinterior, or this Vintage Curved Sofa from 1stDibs.
We are always drawn to curvaceous silhouettes, especially when it comes to architecture and furniture. It softens a room and creates a wonderful flow. And if you find antique furniture in the style, experts assure you're on to a winner.
'We’re seeing a real appetite for pieces that feel sculptural without being showy. Curved wood, in particular, is everywhere. Those soft, sweeping lines bring warmth and movement to a space, and there’s a calm elegance to them that feels incredibly current,' says Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior.
'Named designers still turn heads, of course. But it’s not just about the label. Provenance is what really matters – where a piece comes from, who made it, and how. The joinery’s often the giveaway. You can spot a well-crafted piece by how it’s held together. There’s something deeply reassuring about design that doesn’t need to shout because the quality speaks for itself. Most importantly, it’s about presence. Pieces with stories. The ones that quietly anchor a room and make it feel like home.'
6. Louis Philippe-Style Chests and Mirrors
Louis Philippe-style antique furniture is certainly an investment, but a worthy one. 1st Dibs has some beautiful examples, including this 19th Century Walnut Commode and this Small Scale Gilt Wood Mirror.
We've become so accustomed to fast furniture – dressers with drawers that bow under too much weight, wardrobes we swap and change as our styles do, and rebuying everything each time we move house. But once you invest in an antique alternative of exquisite quality, you won't ever turn back.
'As an antique dealer as well as an interior designer, I tell shoppers and clients to search for antiques with clean lines so that they can be incorporated beautifully in both traditional and transitional interiors. This also gives them longevity. One of my favorites is the Louis Philippe style, which I tend to always carry in my showroom,' says interior designer and antique dealer Debbie Mathews LeRoy.
'Louis Philippe chests and mirrors are always in demand. These pieces date back to the early to mid 1800s when King Louis Philippe reigned in France. He was known as the "Citizen King," and preferred a pared-down furniture aesthetic – these pieces certainly are. With clean lines, curves, and a sophisticated elegance, they are just as beautiful today as they were back then.'
7. Gilded Picture Frames
A gold gilded frame instantly adds grandeur to this moody corner. Places like Etsy are a great place to find examples, like this Antique French Gilt Wood Frame.
Frames are one of those unexpected decor pieces that always cost more than you expect. But if you simply turn to vintage and antique designs, you'll find yourself with an eye-catching design that is probably more affordable.
'In this color-drenched, deep green room, the gilded frames mimic the brass table hardware and the brass vase. And the rich mahogany table complements the wood wainscot in the room. These family heirlooms feel up to date in a color-drenched room,' says interior designer Shani Core.
'Quality over quantity always! Look for hand-carved wood frames, genuine gilding versus lacquer, high-quality brass, and authentic wood furniture. Just next to this library corner, I added a pair of comfortable, oversized leather chairs with modern throw pillows and a fantastic Ralph Lauren-inspired, colorful antique rug to bring more richness to the space.'
Whether you're a seasoned antiques shopper or you're trying something new (and sustainable), having an idea of the pieces that will add the most to your interiors really helps, and these seven antiques really are a great place to start.
