MomSkoop
For years, certain antiques have been hiding in attics and thrift stores, dismissed as outdated or too fussy for modern homes. But interior designers are now saying what was once considered tacky is actually treasure.
From colorful glass pieces to fancy gold mirrors, these forgotten finds are making a major comeback in stylish spaces everywhere. Get ready to see grandma’s old decorations in a whole new light.
1. Skirted Sofas and Chairs
Remember when sofas had those long fabric skirts that touched the floor? Designers are bringing them back with fresh energy. The covered legs create a soft, romantic look that feels both cozy and elegant at the same time.
What makes these pieces special is how they hide clutter underneath while adding texture to a room. You can tuck storage boxes or even pet beds under there without anyone knowing. Modern versions come in linen, velvet, and even fun patterns that work with today’s styles.
Pair a skirted chair with clean-lined furniture for an interesting mix of old and new.
2. Murano Glass Pieces
Bright, swirly glass from the Italian island of Murano used to feel too flashy for minimalist homes. Now, these colorful treasures are the statement pieces everyone wants. Each handblown creation tells a story through its unique patterns and bold hues.
Chandeliers with twisted glass arms add drama to dining rooms, while smaller vases become instant conversation starters. The craftsmanship behind each piece is incredible, with techniques passed down through generations of glassmakers. Even a single Murano bowl on a simple shelf can transform an entire space.
Look for authentic pieces with slight imperfections that prove they’re truly handmade.
3. Ceramic Figurines
Those little ceramic animals and people your grandmother collected are no longer embarrassing. Designers now group them together for a quirky, personal touch that mass-produced decor cannot match. Think of them as tiny sculptures with personality and history baked right in.
The key is displaying them with confidence on floating shelves or in glass cabinets. Mix different eras and styles together for an eclectic look that feels curated rather than cluttered. Vintage poodles, birds, and even those odd little children figurines work surprisingly well in modern spaces.
Start with a small collection and build from there.
4. Ornate Gilt Mirrors
Heavy gold mirrors with all those fancy carved details used to feel stuffy and old-fashioned. But designers are now hanging them everywhere, from bedrooms to bathrooms. The thick gilt frames catch light beautifully and add instant glamour to plain walls.
What changed? People realized these mirrors make small rooms feel bigger while adding a touch of luxury. They work especially well against modern paint colors like navy, emerald, or even crisp white. The contrast between ornate frames and simple surroundings creates visual interest that flat, frameless mirrors just cannot deliver.
Hunt for oversized ones at estate sales for the best finds.
5. Landscape Paintings
Oil paintings of mountains, meadows, and country scenes were once considered boring and outdated. Today’s designers are rescuing them from thrift stores and giving them prime wall space. These artworks bring warmth and a sense of history that printed posters simply cannot replicate.
The brushstrokes and aged patina tell stories of another time, adding depth to contemporary interiors. Group several smaller landscapes together in a gallery wall, or let one large piece anchor an entire room. The natural subjects provide a calming effect that works beautifully with both farmhouse and modern aesthetics.
Look for interesting frames and unusual color palettes.
6. Antique Tapestries
Woven fabric art that once covered castle walls is making a surprising return to modern apartments and homes. These textile pieces add softness and sound absorption that hard surfaces lack. The intricate patterns and faded colors bring instant character to bare walls.
Unlike wallpaper, tapestries are easy to hang and take down when you move. They work especially well in bedrooms, where they create a cozy, layered feeling behind beds. Smaller pieces can even be framed like paintings for a unique twist on traditional wall art.
Medieval scenes, floral designs, and abstract patterns all have their place in today’s eclectic interiors.
7. Drinks Trolleys and Bar Carts
Those wheeled carts with glass shelves that held bottles and glasses are rolling back into fashion. Originally popular in the 1960s and 70s, they now add both function and style to living spaces. The combination of metal frames and glass surfaces creates an airy, elegant look.
Use them for their original purpose, or get creative with plants, books, or even bathroom supplies. The mobility means you can rearrange your space easily, moving the cart wherever you need it. Brass, gold, and chrome finishes all work beautifully, especially when styled with colorful glassware and fresh flowers.
Polish them up for instant vintage glamour.
8. Japanese Antiques
Traditional Japanese furniture like Tansu chests and folding screens bring zen simplicity to busy modern lives. These pieces were built with incredible craftsmanship, featuring hand-forged hardware and multiple compartments for organized storage. The clean lines and natural wood tones fit perfectly with minimalist design trends.
Lacquered screens with painted landscapes or nature scenes work as room dividers or stunning wall art. Tansu cabinets offer both beauty and practical storage, with each drawer telling its own story through unique pulls and finishes. The cultural history behind these items adds meaning that new furniture cannot match.
They blend Eastern tradition with Western interiors seamlessly.
9. Matching Antique Dining Chair Sets
Complete sets of old dining chairs with carved backs and decorative details used to seem too formal for everyday use. But designers now appreciate the artistry and quality that went into creating matching sets. Each curve and carving was done by hand, making them true works of functional art.
The sculptural elements add visual interest to dining spaces without requiring additional decor. Whether you choose chairs with cane backs, upholstered seats, or spindle details, a matched set creates instant elegance. They are also surprisingly comfortable, designed in an era when meals were longer social events.
Reupholster the seats in modern fabrics for a fresh update.
10. Antique Clocks
Ticking clocks that sit on mantels or stand tall in corners were once seen as dusty relics. Now they are valued for their mechanical beauty and the soothing sounds they bring to quiet homes. Watching the pendulum swing or hearing the chimes mark the hour connects us to slower, more mindful times.
Mantel clocks work beautifully on bookshelves or fireplace mantels, adding height and interest. Longcase clocks, also called grandfather clocks, make dramatic statements in entryways or living rooms. Even if they do not keep perfect time, their decorative value and craftsmanship make them worthwhile additions.
Wind them regularly to keep the magic alive.
11. Chinoiserie Cabinets
Cabinets decorated with hand-painted Asian scenes and lacquered finishes were dismissed as overly ornate for decades. Today, these bold pieces are being celebrated for their artistic detail and the exotic flair they bring to interiors. The intricate paintings of gardens, birds, and figures showcase incredible skill and patience.
Black lacquer with gold accents creates high contrast that pops against light walls. Red or jade green versions add unexpected color to neutral rooms. Use them for storage in dining rooms, bedrooms, or even bathrooms where they become functional art pieces.
Each cabinet is unique, with no two painted exactly alike, making them truly special finds.
12. Victorian Plant Stands
Multi-tiered metal stands that held potted plants in Victorian parlors are sprouting up in stylish homes again. These decorative pieces elevate plants to eye level, creating vertical gardens in small spaces. The twisted metal designs and vintage patina add charm that modern plant holders lack.
Brass, wrought iron, and painted metal versions all have their appeal, working with different interior styles. Place them near windows where plants can thrive while the stand itself becomes sculptural decor. They work equally well indoors or on covered porches and patios.
Fill them with trailing ivy, ferns, or flowering plants for maximum impact and vintage appeal.