5 Signs a Furniture Find Could Be a High-Dollar Treasure

There’s something warm and inviting about a home that mixes and matches to perfection. A blend of textures, shapes, and even design styles can help strike the right note. “A well-designed home feels collected over time,” says Leah Bailey, principal designer and founder of Leah Bailey Interiors. “Mixing old with new and high with low adds character, warmth, and a story to every space.” But how one goes about that starts with having the know-how to spot pieces that are worth adding to your collection—a talent that Jessica Lev of Jessica Lev Antiques says might be easier said than done.

“Something being highly valuable is a hard thing to determine,” she admits. Lucky for you, we’ve tapped Bailey and Lev to share their top tips for spotting valuable furniture that’s worth investing in.

1. Craftsmanship Is Apparent

Bailey is always on the hunt for quality pieces. Knowing when she’s found a gem comes down to a trio of factors. “When a piece catches my eye, the three things I immediately check for are if it’s original, weighty hardware, hand-cut joinery, and layered patina.” The designer says these elements can signify both its craftsmanship and age, which can be helpful in confirming you’ve stumbled upon a treasure. “For example, I recently found an 18th-century Italian sideboard, where the worn edges, detailed brass pulls, and irregular joints confirmed its value,” the designer explains.

2. Traceable History

History matters when it comes to valuable furniture. If you’ve purchased your piece through a collector or curator, Lev says to use their knowledge to ensure you’re purchasing a high-quality piece. This can be a great option for those who aren’t as versed in what details to look out for, brand names, and other know-how that can help a pro spot a valuable piece without a doubt. According to Lev, a paper trail can also be beneficial. Documents like sale or auction records, letters, or documents can be good indicators that you’ve happened upon a gem that’s worth adding to your collection.

3. Impressive Pedigree

While papers are a great place to start, if your piece doesn’t have such a traceable history, there are still other ways to determine its quality—stampings. Look for a manufacturer stamp on the top of drawers, under the seat rails of chairs, and on the back of case pieces and chests, Lev says. If you’re not familiar with the manufacturer, do some research to determine if the piece is worth investing in.

4. Part of a Pair

Good things come in twos, at least when it comes to valuable furnishings and antiques. “Antique pairs are usually tough to find (like a pair of antique consoles, tables, or chests), making them more valuable,” says Lev. When you happen upon twin furnishings, start digging into the craftsmanship details, documents, manufacturer stamps, and other details that can help you determine their authenticity.

5. No Visible Signs of Previous Repair or Damage

No matter how many of the telltale high-quality signs a furnishing might have, it might all be for nothing if it also comes with visible signs of previous repair or damage, says Lev. While you can still purchase a piece that has been updated or repaired, know that much of its value might have been lost in the process. However, value isn’t everything. If you want to add the furnishing to your home for aesthetic reasons, don’t let its lower price tag deter you.  

Styling Tips for Valuable Furniture

So you’ve just added a valuable piece of furniture to your collection—what now? Bailey and Lev share a few tips for incorporating these pieces into your decor.

• Let one piece stand out. “I recently styled a Spanish antique mirror with modern side chairs, which created balance and interest in the space,” says Bailey. “I recommend letting one standout vintage piece anchor the room while keeping the surrounding elements clean and simple.”
• Stick to a cohesive palette. When you’re mixing both high-end and affordable furnishings within a space, Bailey says sticking with a palette that feels cohesive is a good place to start. From there, you can mix textures and layer in accessible finds that create charm and personality without fear of overwhelming the space.
• Start with the right pieces. When Lev advises clients who are just starting their antique journey, she often recommends that they begin with smaller pieces, such as books, boxes, and porcelain, which can be easier to incorporate and rearrange. “An antique chest can often stand alone as its own vignette, so I also often recommend clients starting there,” she says.