10 Brands to Never Pass Up at the Thrift Store

Retro living room with stylish furniture and vintage accessories. — Credit:
imaginima / Getty Images

While most thrifting purchases won't land you a spot on Antiques Roadshow, there are certainly many treasures to be found. Some may have value on an aesthetic level—like the perfect chandelier for your Parisian-inspired living room—but other items may have real market value based on their brand name.

In fact, certain labels and designers can be like winning the secondhand lottery. But how to know what to look for? We chatted with interior designers to learn about the latest vintage "it" brands—look for these, and maybe we'll see you on Antique Roadshow after all.

Victoria Holly, founder and principal at Victoria Holly Interiors
Jarret Yoshida, founder and principal at Jarret Yoshida Interior Design
Becky Shea, founder and principal at Becky Shea Design

01 of 10

Lane Furniture

Established in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia, Lane Furniture is known for both Brutalist-influenced and midcentury pieces, often crafted in rich walnut tones. According to New York-based interior designer Jarret Yoshida, Lane's midcentury pieces, in particular, are underrated, especially when compared to more popular peers like Knoll.

02 of 10

Willy Guhl

It might be easy to overlook an old planter, but if you see an hourglass Diablo planter like the ones shown above, grab it! Made by Willy Guhl, these can fetch thousands of dollars. “Guhl is an icon in midcentury design, celebrated for his pioneering use of materials that shaped a rugged, organic-modern aesthetic,” says interior designer Becky Shea. Guhl's designs are a symphony of scale and proportion and will add interest to any room.

03 of 10

Pace Collection

A yellow and chrome table — Courtesy of 1stDibs

The Pace Collection was a NYC-based high-end furniture company with a showroom catering to the contract interior design trade. In business from the 1960s to 2001, it was all the rage in the 1980s. “Pace produced sleek, high-quality pieces that give any space an elegant, modern edge to this day,” says interior designer Victoria Holly. The brand was known for its luxury pieces, often made from lucite, glass, and brass.

04 of 10

Milo Baughman

A sectional sofa — 1stdibs.
Courtesy of 1stDibs

Milo Baughman was a visionary of American modern design and one of the leading furniture designers of the second half of the 20th century. Described as modern and distinct, yet not pretentious, his pieces are notable for their clean lines and unique use of materials. “He was important in evolving midcentury modern with designs that still feel relevant today,” says Holly. Baughman frequently collaborated with Thayer Coggin, another well-known furniture brand.

05 of 10

Wedgwood

Anyone can order new Wedgwood dishes online, but antique iterations have the craft and quality of older wares. These pieces are exquisitely handmade, says Yoshida, and they’re typically cheaper than buying dinnerware from a big-box store. Keep an eye out for Wedgwood collectibles, like the Jasperware vase shown above. Finding a Jasperware vase isn't going to be your ticket to early retirement, but some items can fetch thousands of dollars.

06 of 10

Sergio Rodrigues

A white leather chair — Courtesy of 1stDibs

Playful and inviting are two words that come to mind when thinking about the designs of Sergio Rodrigues. His pieces have a subtle sense of humor but stand out for their comfort and unique silhouettes. “I love incorporating his work into the homes we design—including his iconic Mole sofa and Vivi armchair—as well as the Franco sofa and several others,” says Shea.

07 of 10

Karl Springer

For a dose of bold, sculptural style, look for pieces made by Karl Springer. With a penchant for materials that convey luxury—lacquer, parchment, shagreen, and brass—Springer's mid-century designs were wildly influential. Some pieces command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. “He often collaborated with companies such as Pace Collection, and his designs brought high-end glamor to postmodern interiors," says Holly. "His pieces are still highly coveted today."

08 of 10

Sambonet

A set of silver accessories — Courtesy of 1stDibs

Vintage Italian stainless-steel flatware? Yes, please. Sambonet is elegant, timeless, and beautiful—and can be found gracing the tables of five-star restaurants around the world. “Snap this up immediately if you see it,” says Yoshida. Despite its prestige, Sambonet is still somewhat under the radar, especially when compared to other high-level brands like Christofle.

09 of 10

Pierre Jeanneret

Swiss designer Pierre Jeanneret is best known for his modernist style, including his architectural work in the city of Chandigarh, India. But Jeanneret also designed furniture, often using fasteners in place of precise joinery, says Shea. While there are replications galore, if you can find an original, add to cart. “Authentic Jeanneret pieces have a distinct craftsmanship," Shea says. "From the seamless joinery to the intricate caning patterns, these details showcase his dedication to both form and function."

10 of 10

Vladimir Kagan

Furniture designer Vladimir Kagan is probably best known for his more sculptural pieces—in particular, his sinuous curved sofas that would look equally at home in the 1950s as they do today. “Kagan's work redefined comfort and style, and many of his pieces became iconic examples of the postmodern look,” says Holly. You can still purchase these pieces new, but vintage is the way to go should you come across a Kagan item in the thrift store.