Uncovering 13 Priceless Treasures Potentially Stashed in Grandma's Abode
As a kid, you might recall exploring your grandmother's shelves, handling small brass figurines or arranging tiny silver trays. Perhaps you enjoyed sipping from colorful glassware with distinct indentations or making up tales about the quaint characters depicted in folk art panels.
These items held charm for you back then, but now they might hold not only sentimental value but also financial worth. You might choose to preserve these keepakes due to the memories they evoke, but it's exciting to know that they've gained popularity in the vintage market.
Eager to uncover potential treasures in your grandmother's home? Here's what design and vintage experts advise you to pay close attention to and why they cherish these items in their own residences.
Decorative Shell Dishes
If you stumble upon a shell dish at a secondhand store, be prepared for a surprise at the price tag. "Shell dishes are quite expensive. Some can cost more than a thousand dollars. But let's be honest, most of us aren't eating enough seafood to warrant a set of them," says design expert Virginia Chamlee.
Yet, this design might appear familiar, perhaps because shell dishes are hidden in plain sight in your grandmother's home. Chamlee explains, "I've noticed that many Southern grandmothers have collections of decorative dishes that aren't even food-safe, and they look fantastic when displayed on a wall."
Ceramic Majolica Pottery
If vibrant, painted pottery has graced your grandmother's home, it might be worth investigating whether it's majolica pottery. This collectible ceramic has experienced a resurgence in recent years and is a must-have for collectors.
"Majolica is a heavy clay pottery coated with enamel and painted with rich tones, such as greens. It's very collectible and rare, but it looks so striking as part of a larger display and harmoniously mixed with modern pieces. Or go all-out kitsch and decorate with an entire set of it," says Chamlee.
Folk Art
Folk art has been popular for centuries and is often inexpensive to acquire—making it commonplace in older relatives' homes. "Folk art, produced by untrained artists, saw a surge of interest in the late 20th century following the High Museum of Art in Atlanta incorporating it into its permanent collection," says Chamlee.
These rustic works of art have grown in value today and encompass more than just paintings. They include folk art pottery, lamps crafted from popsicle sticks, fish decoy sculptures, and a variety of mediums.
Silver
At one time, possessing silver was a rite of passage, even though its allure has waned in recent years. While the primary value is no longer monetary, the precious metal still holds worth. "I use my grandmother's silver bowls for everything, even feeding the cat. I truly believe in using everything daily because nothing is too precious," says Cantley.
Laboratory Glass Beakers
Valuable items can be unassuming, such as vintage glassware that once served a practical purpose. Laboratory beakers can be found at a thrift store or tucked away in a grandma's attic. Upon cleaning, they not only look elegant but can also command a significant price tag (more than you'd expect for old glass!)
Brooke Droptini, the founder and CEO of LittleCreek+Co, shares, "These vintage brown laboratory beakers with stoppers were used for testing and sampling in the 1950s-60s. Their size makes them perfect for showcasing on open shelving, and I've kept the set together for a more substantial presence on the shelf."
Oversized Wine Containers
An ordinary vintage wine container might appear common, but these oversized jugs can fetch high prices on the secondhand market. Droptini added rope to the vintage Italian wine jug she acquired. "Everyone wants to know where it's from, but up close, you can tell its weathered appearance can't be replicated with machine-made items. This one will stay in my personal collection for some time," says Droptini.
Depression Glass
Depression glass is a favorite among vintage collectors and is typically abundant in older relatives' homes. "This pink depression glass butter dish that proudly adorns my open shelving in the kitchen is a family heirloom. Not only is it stylish, but it's also functional. For special occasions, it joins my table setting, bringing a sense of nostalgia," says Droptini.
She dreams that one day it will find a home on her daughter's table.
Wooden Craft Boxes
Handmade wooden craft boxes usually find a humble place in a bookcase or atop a dresser. But a well-crafted box can be worth hundreds of dollars. "I discovered a wooden box at an estate sale; I can't believe the family didn't appreciate its true value. It even has the original lock and key!" says Droptini.
She now uses it to conceal remotes and other items she wishes to keep hidden.
While many grandma's homes are filled with outdated furniture, there's worth in the pieces that have unique designs and have the potential for a new life with a new owner. "The structure of a chair, ottoman, bench, or sofa that could be restored for a new look or it has a distinct feature like handcrafted caning that adds another dimension to your space," explains Lucy Harrison, a senior interior designer at SouthPark Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A traditional shape never goes out of style, and as Harrison points out, "They say, 'history repeats itself.' There's fun in taking something that has been around for a long time and bringing it back to life in a trendy, modern way!"
Vintage Rugs
Secondhand markets are currently loving vintage rugs, especially those made of 100% wool. For years, they were walked on and neglected, which is why Darla DeMorrow, a Certified Professional Organizer® and owner of HeartWork Organizing, says, "A high-quality rug might be hiding in plain sight."
She explains that handmade rugs, even after being cleaned between grandma's house and yours, are worth the investment and effort. "Don't throw one away with a bit of fading or wear; as long as it doesn't smell, a vintage rug can have great appeal, and that damaged spot can be covered with furniture or another rug," says DeMorrow.
Fabric
If grandma had a collection of unique vintage fabric, you might be able to use it to make chair covers or custom tablecloths. Good-quality, beautiful fabric is hard to find these days, especially as fabric stores are becoming more scarce, so DeMorrow says a ready-made stash could be a goldmine.
Needlepoint
Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why!
Did your grandma spend hours needlepointing canvases that never got finished? These vintage works of art could be turned into high-quality pillows or upholstery. And, if you bought a finished needlepoint piece at a store, it could cost hundreds of dollars. "I remember visiting my grandma and always seeing her working on a needlepoint canvas. One of these shell canvases was turned into a pillow which now sits on a vintage rattan chair in my dining room," says Lise Davis, the co-owner of Hunt and Hostess in Winter Park, Florida.
Assorted China
You never know what value a random piece of china might have, especially if it's a popular pattern (this is where Google Lens can help you!). But, if you don't want to sell your Tobacco Leaf or Rose, just mix them up for sentimental value. "I was given a box of assorted china pieces from my grandmother's collection," says Davis. "The escargot dishes in this beautiful shade of green were an odd pairing so instead of discarding, I created an interesting gallery wall."
After discovering the popularity of Depression glass in vintage markets, you might be surprised to find valuable pieces in your grandmother's home. Brooke Droptini, the founder and CEO of LittleCreek+Co, cherishes a family heirloom pink depression glass butter dish that she uses for special occasions, dreaming of it one day gracing her daughter's table.
If your grandmother's home is adorned with vibrant, painted pottery, it might be worth investigating whether it's majolica pottery. This collectible ceramic has experienced a resurgence in recent years and is highly sought after by collectors. Virginia Chamlee, a design expert, explains that majolica has a rich history and can add a striking presence in any home when displayed alongside modern pieces.
