9 Antiques That Will Be Popular in 2026—and Why Designers Love Them

Some things never go out of style.

Two leather armchairs positioned in a sunlit room
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You know the saying what's old is new again? That's especially true in an antique store. So while many of these pieces are timeless, there are some that wax and wane in popularity—especially in 2026.

For example, something that was left untouched for years at a shop could suddenly become a hot commodity; a piece that was once available for a steal may now cause a bidding war on Facebook Marketplace.

So how much are your grandmother's antiques really worth nowadays, and how can you find the best of the best when you're shopping? Here, we spoke to experts about the pieces that will be trending this year.

01 of 09

Pine Hall Chests

Pine hall chest

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For years, simple pine chests with large, circular knobs have been a dime a dozen at antique stores. Fans of simple, folksy furniture have always loved them, but they're not the sort of flashy antique that grabs your attention.

This year, that simplicity may see a resurgence. "You can sometimes find them with white porcelain knobs that make them super unique! Others have some applied moldings or carvings," says Libby Baker Speight, founder of Baker Design Co. It's the sort of character that can't be replicated via a modern piece.

02 of 09

Bobbin Beds

Bobbin bed in an antique bedroom

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Jenny Lind beds are a long-time favorite. Their cheerful, round carvings feel right at home in the most traditional of spaces, but they can also look fresh and updated.

"The bobbin style is having a moment in the trim and applied decorative department now, but I love it most in its more classic version on bed posts," says Speight.

03 of 09

Leather Chairs with Patina

Old leather chair in a library

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Leather only gets better with age, and leather pieces are in high demand for moody spaces, like home libraries. Look for a chair with a beautifully aged patina, and don't worry if you live in a small space.

"The proportions are typically a little smaller scale than our new, more modern versions," says Speight. "They can be used in a small corner to create a reading nook or a pair for a men's office lounge."

04 of 09

Hall Trees

Wooden entryway bench with hats bags and woven baskets hanging on hooks with additional decorative items placed on the seat

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Hall trees often find their way to the antique store solely because of their size. Someone's grandmother passed down their beloved hall tree but, alas, there wasn't room in the recipient's apartment for it.

However, for those who do have the space, these once-common items are seeing a resurgence in popularity. "Who doesn’t want a beautiful, antique hall tree, enveloped in history, as the perfect drop spot for all the necessities of life?" says Leigh Falkner, owner of Leigh Falkner Interiors.

05 of 09

Gallery Trays

Silver gallery tray

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Gallery trays typically have a raised rim and handles. Today, they can be used for corralling any item that could become a focal point.

"Gallery trays are not only great for displaying a decanter set, but they're also fabulous when paired with shells from the seaside or other trip treasures," says Falkner.

06 of 09

Etageres

Decorative shelving unit with books framed photos and small decorative objects

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The delicate lines of a burnt bamboo etagere add warmth to a room, while also keeping the space light and airy. An etagere may not be able to hold heavy volumes like a bookcase, but it's ideal for more styled displays.

"It allows you to tuck a functional bar in a tight space or add the perfect patina backdrop to a beloved collection," says Falkner.

07 of 09

Tapestries

Tapestry in an old room

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If tapestries bring to mind your cheap college décor, then push that image out of your head. This year, gorgeous examples in sumptuous colors and weaves will bring a storied look to spaces.

"The richness in color, warmth in texture and material, and exquisite details on these fit the forecasted interior design style trends so well," says Michele Cicatello, owner at The Curio Collectress. "Tapestries effortlessly help to layer a space and add interest, personality—they're truly works of art."

08 of 09

Burl Wood Furniture

Burl wood table

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Burl wood has been trending off and on for several years now thanks to its unique, warm look. You can find pieces from the Victorian era in burl wood, then it had a moment during the Art Deco period, and again during the 1970s.

Whatever your style, there's a burl wood piece out there to fit it. "With its rich, swirling, and dimensional pattern, burl wood looks so high end, luscious, and impressive in homes," says Cicatello.

09 of 09

Silver Serving Pieces

Silver serving pieces

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Brass was the in-demand finish for the past several years, but classic silver is poised to take over in 2026. The gleaming, cool tones of silver add a timeless aesthetic that brings back fond memories for antique lovers.

"Silver is the perfect blend of elegance, nostalgia, and practicality," says Shannon Barker, co-founder of Bessette. "It adds that effortless, old-world polish that never goes out of style."

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