6 Things From Grandma’s House You Should Never Toss

For vintage and antique lovers, treasure can be found all over—from the neighborhood tag sale and local estate auctions to Grandma’s attic. Keeping your hunt in the family can offer a particularly unique opportunity (No bargaining! No competing with other bidders!) while touting the bonus of nostalgia. 

Even if you’re lucky enough to have grandparents or other family members who are allowing you to breathe new life into some heirloom goodies, there’s probably a lot of stuff you’ll have to wade through before you unearth said treasure. So how do you know what’s worth your while and learn to spot a diamond in the rough? Well, that’s where we come in. To help you along on your antique education, we tapped pros for tips on how to spot a timeless treasure in Grandma’s attic.

Anything With a Maker’s Mark

When it comes to furniture—particularly pieces made from wood or with wooden frames—a maker’s mark is a great way to gauge the value and age of an item. Typically seen as a stamp or brand, these marks are like a furniture maker’s signature, and there are some (John Taylor & Son, Howard & Sons, and Lane, just to name a few) that can pull serious resale bucks. “Always keep an eye out for a maker’s mark on the bottom of your piece,” says designer Samantha Ware. “You can quickly look up the mark to find out when and where the item was created, which can give you insight into its importance. Always ask for a deal because nine times out of ten the seller is willing to negotiate.”

Woven Tapestries

Vintage and antique tapestries are having a moment in design lately, which is good news for you because many of them can be found in the attics, basements, and storage units of your family and friends. “Many of these wall tapestries could be valuable due to their artistic craftsmanship, cultural significance, or historical context,” says Drew Michael Scott, designer, antique expert, and creator behind Lone Fox. Look for features like uneven stitching (which indicates handwork), as well as a muted (and minimalistic) color palette and a piece that tells a clear story, which can be indicative of importance.  

Complete China Sets

When it comes to delicate dishes, Ware points out that many grandparents and parents have full China sets that are in pristine condition, thanks to a frugal habit of only pulling them out during special holidays and occasions. If you find a set that speaks to you, do some digging into the pattern and age of the pieces. If they’re old—or if the pattern has since been discontinued—they could be worth serious money. Bonus: Bone china is even more valuable, and can be identified by its ivory hue and slightly translucent nature. 

Artwork and Photography

Art is an undeniably subjective item to collect, so a lot of your luck will depend on whether or not you and your grandparents (or wherever you’re hunting) have the same taste. Still, there are certain pieces you may find that can hold value, particularly oil paintings. “Paintings may hold worth, either because they are the work of a renowned artist or because of their aesthetic and investment value,” says Scott. “Always look for craquelure, which are very soft micro cracks on a painting—I personally love how it looks and it’s a sign that a piece is old/antique.”

When it comes to photography, your value is more likely to be sentimental than monetary. “Take note of old black and white family photos,” says Ware. “Not only do these carry sentimental value and allow family memories to live on, but they can also make for perfect little vignettes or round out a gallery wall anywhere in the house.”  

Hand-Painted Ceramics

Like with artwork, much of the worth of a ceramic is determined by its artist and origin. “Ceramics can be treasured for their artistic uniqueness and craftsmanship, especially if they were made by well-known artisans,” says Scott, who suggests looking for signed pieces—even if they’re not by a famous artist, a signature or maker’s mark indicates something handmade, which holds more inherent value. Keep in mind, many old-school ceramics may contain lead, so make sure to check them with a detection kit or stick to using them as vases or decorative pieces. 

Vintage Rugs

Rugs retain their value surprisingly well, especially if they’re kept in good condition. They also tend to be pricey pieces in general, so any time you can reuse one is a good way to save money. Scott also remarks that many rugs can be valuable due to intricate patterns, high-end craftsmanship, or simply because they include unusual colors. Our biggest takeaway though? Finding a pricey piece is great—but finding something you love is even better.