10 Secretly Valuable Items That May Be Hiding In Grandma’s Living Room

Think Grandma’s living room is just a hodgepodge of decorative accents, furnishings, and art pieces that don’t hold up today? Think again. It’s more than likely that Granny’s space is filled with at least a few hidden gems that could actually be worth a pretty penny.

Designers encourage keeping an eye out for the 10 categories of pieces below, which may actually be secretly valuable.

Fenton And Murano Glass

That glassware that Grandma so proudly displayed may now be worth a pretty penny.

“Elegant and unexpected, they have a way of elevating a room without trying too hard,” says Sarah Hargrave, the founder of The Collective in Dallas, Texas.

Even if you don’t know of these pieces by name, you’ve likely spotted them before. “Fenton’s ruffled edges and hobnail textures lend a nostalgic charm to candy dishes, vases, and compotes,” Hargrave explains. “Murano glass offers a more sculptural, artistic flair, especially when it comes to their iconic lamps.”

If you’re lucky enough to come across these pieces, cherish them, but at the same time, don’t treat them as overly precious, the designer adds. “These pieces weren’t made to be hidden away; they were made to be appreciated, passed down, and given a new place to shine,” she says.

Brass Accents

Brass decor items have majorly come back into style, and if you’re fortunate enough to own some that Grandma sourced herself back in the day, don’t let them go.

“From trays to figurines, vintage brass has a weight, warmth, and patina that modern pieces just can’t replicate,” says Wendy Smit, the founder of Wendy Smit Interiors in Nashville, Tennessee. “We almost always go vintage when it comes to brass—nothing beats the charm of the real deal.”

Porcelain Or China Plates

Don’t be so quick to donate Grandma’s expansive collection of porcelain or china plates. “Some come from renowned European manufacturers such as Dresden in Germany, and discontinued series can be especially sought after by collectors,” explains Mary Gordon, the co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling in Bethesda, Maryland.

Sara Swabb, the founder of Storie Collective in Washington, D.C., also highlights the significance of such pieces, noting that even ceramics with chips or signs of wear can still hold value if they’re from certain European makers.

Sterling Silver Tea Sets Or Flatware

In addition to keeping your eyes peeled for brass pieces, be sure to pay attention to silver, too!

Sterling silver tea sets or flatware “can be easily overlooked but are often solid silver, which can hold significant value,” Swabb says. And don’t worry if they’re not in mint condition. “Patina and intricate designs add to their worth,” the designer adds, noting that a bit of polish can come in handy, too.

When going through Grandma’s sterling silver, there are a few signs that will tell you if a piece is particularly high end. “Pieces stamped with maker’s marks like a walking lion for England or a standing lion for Glasgow, or those with monograms, can hold both material and historical value,” Gordon says.

Art Frames

There’s nothing like a beautiful, ornate picture frame—sometimes these are just as eye-catching as they actual art they’re displaying.

If Grandma had one of these, think about ways to repurpose it, even if the piece inside doesn’t speak to you, Smit says, noting that these are “rare and highly coveted.”

Vintage Lighting

Many designers sing the praises of vintage light fixtures.

“I love vintage lighting—like a pair of old lamps with timeless character that can be refreshed with a new shade,” says Jonathan Savage, the founder of SAVAGE Interior Design in Nashville.

Swabb adds that vintage bronze or brass light fixtures, particularly those that are hand-painted or feature blown glass details, are worth holding onto due to their value. “I have a few in my own collection that I consider small treasures, and the one in my entry was my grandmothers,” she says.

Vintage Rugs

Not only are vintage rugs are great way to add color and texture to any room, but they also can be quite valuable, Swabb explains, noting that those that are Persian or from Turkey are worth the most.

Handmade Pieces

If your Grandma was super crafty, why not turn some of her creations into decor?

“Doilies or hand stitched needlepoint matted and framed will create lovely, yet sentimental artwork,” says Cynthia Masters, the founder of Panageries in Greenville, South Carolina. This is an easy way to honor pieces you may have remembered seeing scattered throughout Grandma’s living room growing up and integrate them into your own home.

Antique Furniture

Good antiques will never go out of style. If you wish to update a favorite piece from Grandma’s living room so that it better fits a contemporary space, you can certainly do so, says Roz Murphy, the founder of Roz Murphy Design in Dallas, Texas, who suggests painting a vintage chest to give it a new lease on life.

Books

Last but not least, don’t forget to take a peek at Grandma’s bookshelf. “First editions or old design books can be little gems,” says Tracy Morris, the founder of Tracy Morris Design in McLean, Virginia.
“These pieces carry both history and value, which makes them all the more special.”