If You Invest in One Antique Piece for Your Home in 2026 – Designers Say Make It This One

I’ve always loved vintage shopping – I can probably count on one hand the number of brand-new furniture pieces I own. There’s something about the character, craftsmanship, and story in older pieces that makes a home feel curated and cozy, rather than assembled from a showroom catalog.

But a home entirely decorated with vintage can start to feel like an ode to your Grandmother, so striking the right balance between old and new is key.

To help kickstart your vintage furniture collection, I asked interior designers for their one antique piece they’d recommend investing in for 2026 – the single piece that brings personality, practicality, and longevity to any home. And you might just be surprised by their chosen thrifted find.

The ONE Vintage Piece Designers Say to Shop in 2026

I’ve learned over the years that investing in a single, standout piece can change the entire dynamic of a room. One carefully chosen antique can anchor a room, bring character and warmth, and make a space feel totally unique.

According to the experts, it's the vintage storage pieces that do double duty in your home. They’re practical, yes, but they also do something few modern pieces can: they bring instant history and personality to a room.

Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior, advises: 'If you’re going to invest in a single antique piece, make it one that sets the tone for the entire room, something with presence, history, and usability. For many homes, that’s a standout storage piece: a sideboard, a chest of drawers, or a beautifully made cabinet.'

These are pieces that work hard behind the scenes – holding linens, books, or dinnerware – while simultaneously acting as a focal point that elevates everywhere from the living room and dining room through to bedrooms and even kitchens.

Interior designer Sean Symington adds that antique storage achieves a balance many contemporary pieces struggle with: 'It does what many modern pieces struggle with, it’s both practical and full of character. These pieces have depth, craftsmanship, and a sense of history that instantly enriches a room. They age beautifully, tell a story, and offer uniqueness you just can’t get from mass-produced units.'

'Plus, their proportions and materiality often bring warmth and texture to a space while solving real storage needs; it's a win all around,' he adds.

Birdie Fortescue also highlights the versatility of vintage storage pieces, adding: 'Antique storage is always worth investing in as it combines beauty with functionality.'

'An antique sideboard or cabinet brings character and craftsmanship into a room, while offering practical storage that works just as well now as it did decades ago,' she continues. 'These pieces are perfect for dining rooms, living areas, and entryways alike while grounding a room and mixing effortlessly with contemporary designs.'

Ultimately, these pieces aren’t just about filling a space or finding something to hide your clutter – they can shape an entire scheme. 'At Vinterior, we see how transformative a single anchor piece can be,' Sophie adds. 'A mid-century sideboard can soften a modern apartment, while a Victorian dresser can make a pared-back bedroom feel warm and intentional.'

This love for antiques isn’t just a designer preference – it’s also a design trend that’s gaining serious momentum for the year ahead.

According to the 1stDibs 2026 trend report, vintage and antique pieces are seeing their strongest use in years. On average, 36% of all items sourced for designer projects in 2025 were vintage or antique, the highest proportion since 2021. While they found that 85% of designers incorporated at least one vintage piece made between the 1920s and 2000, and the use of antiques made before the 1920s surged from 56% in 2024 to 63% in 2026.

This thrifty shift reflects a growing desire to source pieces with story and unrivaled craftsmanship rather than relying solely on contemporary production without longevity. Vintage storage items, in particular, tick all these boxes – they’re functional, visually striking, and steeped in history.

'These pieces are real workhorses,' Sophie Salata continues. 'They handle the practical stuff while also being a focal point that adds instant personality. And because they’re often crafted from solid wood and built to last, you’re bringing in something with longevity baked into its design.'

'They help a room feel as though it has evolved over time rather than being assembled all at once,' she adds.

With so many beautiful vintage and antique pieces out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. The key is to look for items that balance personality with practicality – pieces that not only catch the eye but also fit seamlessly into your home.

Vintage Storage Sourcing Tips

• Consider Scale: Your antique piece should anchor the room, not disappear into it.
• Mix with your existing style: Don’t be afraid to pair old and new and mix and match eras to create a layered scheme.
• Look for craftsmanship and quality: Solid wood construction, well-made joinery, and enduring finishes are hallmarks of pieces built to last. These are the items that age beautifully, often improving in character over time.
• Think about functionality: While aesthetic appeal is important, these are storage pieces first and foremost. Check drawers, shelves, and compartments to ensure they meet your current storage needs.

Shop Vintage Storage Finds

Investing in an antique storage piece is about more than just filling a corner or stashing your belongings – it’s about bringing personality, history, and warmth into your home. A well-chosen sideboard, cabinet, or credenza anchors a room, elevates your decor, and gives you a story to tell ("$100 off Facebook Marketplace!"), all while remaining completely practical.

As Sophie Salata sums it up, 'When you choose an antique with character, you’re choosing a story that becomes part of your own. That’s the sort of investment that never goes out of style.'

If you're looking for more tips, check out our guide on questions to ask yourself before buying vintage furniture.