10 Antique Furniture Pieces That Are Worth Investing In, According to Design Insiders

Louis XIII and XIV Furniture

High quality French antiques—particularly Louis XVI nightstands—are having a moment right now. "With their clean lines, durable marble tops, and smaller proportions, they're super versatile pieces," says Laney Oaks, owner of online vintage store Laney on the Hunt.

Kate Pearce, interior stylist and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage, is also eyeing Louis XIII and XIV desks, cabinets, and sideboards. "The rare woods often used and the exceptional craftsmanship are what make them particularly valuable and unique," she says.

Murano Glass

There's a renewed interest in Murano glass, a Venetian craft that dates back to the 13th century. "I'm always keeping my eye out for Murano chandeliers, glassware, mirrors—any piece that comes in excellent condition—and the older, the better," Pearce says.

It's the expertise behind these items that sets them apart. "Becoming a master of Murano glass is an incredibly difficult feat, so scoring pieces from the masters will make them extra valuable," she says.

Pairs of Furniture

A rule of thumb to always follow when vintage shopping? Never separate a pair. "The value of a pair in great condition will often exceed a singleton’s value times two," says Oaks.

"It’s one thing for an antique piece of furniture to make it through the ages intact, but for a pair to remain together is a completely different thing," she adds. "It's something to be celebrated—and valued!"

Art Deco Pieces

Art Deco has seen renewed interest this past year—and with origins in the 1920s, it isn't a passing trend. "These pieces often strike a balance between clean, modern lines and decorative detail, bringing both elegance and a touch of whimsy to a space," says Thea Bloch-Neal, designer and founder of Curated by Thea.

She suggests looking for rich wood tones, sculptural silhouettes, and playful use of color. "Side chairs, accent tables, and vintage event posters from this era are especially compelling, and often more affordable than you’d expect," she adds.

Midcentury Modern Sideboards

Mid-century modern design is another style that has stood the test of time. Original pieces from this era are always highly sought after—especially clean-lined sideboards that can serve as storage in living and dining rooms.

"These styles will appeal to people in the future because of the lack of ornamentation, which is very popular today and will [complement] décor in the future," says Bene Raia, auctioneer, appraiser, and founder of Raia Auctioneers.

Statement Wood Furniture

Notable grains, such as flame mahogany and burl walnut, make wood furniture look more elegant and unique.

"A chest or dining table in one of these types of wood will typically hold a higher value versus a counterpart with a standard wood grain," Oaks says. "[These pieces] do truly hold that wow'factor when a person sees them for the first time."

Campaign Chests

Campaign chests were once used by military officers and travelers. They provide practical storage space and have a charming design. They come in many shapes and sizes, spanning various eras, and can feature different functional components.

"[They] can be found in either three, four, or multiple drawers, [and] come apart for easy portability," Raia says. "If purchased now, they'll appeal to young collectors, stay with them through multiple moves, and appreciate in value because of their quality craftsmanship and durability."

Vintage Rugs

Rugs are one of the best investments you can make when sourcing secondhand—as long as they're woven, not printed. (Make sure to buy from a reputable source and thoroughly inspect for stains and signs of past and present pests.)

"You can usually tell the difference by inspecting the back: if the pattern is embedded in the weave rather than on the surface, then you're looking at a higher-quality piece," Bloch-Neal says. "Natural fibers like wool or silk tend to wear beautifully, are relatively easy to care for, and often hold strong value for resale."

Hepplewhite Chests

For the bedroom, Raia finds that a chest of drawers is timeless and increases in value over time. "I would choose an 18th-century Hepplewhite or Sheraton-style chest of drawers," she says. "The understated elegance and clean lines are very appealing."

Ornate Lamps

Lamps from decades' past often have intricate designs that are hard to replicate. "The level of detail in the enamels and bases, especially in older pieces, is often unmatched at today’s price points," Bloch-Neal says. "I’m especially drawn to classic blue-and-white chinoiserie forms, or stained glass accents."

Plus, you can always introduce a personal touch. "Swapping out the lampshade is an easy update that can give these timeless pieces a fresh, contemporary edge," she says.