Posted by I get a kick out of seeing what experts in the design biz predict will be the hot antique sellers for a given year. I don’t know how the experts come up with these trends and predictions. I’m guessing they look at current sales and search data and talk to other folks in the design biz. Or maybe it’s just what they are hoping will strike a chord.
For 2026 I found both extremely specific items listed and wide-open categories and trends. One of the most unusual and specific item came from House Beautiful with their prediction that Staffordshire spill vases were going to come into their own. So not just spill vases (containers found on a mantel filled with paper wicks to transfer fire) but Staffordshire ones. And the truth is how many of us would recognize a spill vase from an ordinary vase?
Photo courtesy of The Queen of Toy Land on Ebay.
Three of my five sources believe that wall art is going to be big, with one specifying oil paintings. A fourth highlighted “pieces with provenance” which included portraits. So really four of the five. This is one of my favorite categories, both personally and as a seller. But I don’t find artwork an easy category to source for my Etsy store. I used to find more at my neighborhood thrift store, but lately all they’re putting out are mass-produced junk art and really bad amateur pieces. Sometimes the flea market comes through and occasionally Ebay. Estate sales can be good, though some price at full retail.
by Stephanie Hoppen.
Country Living had a broad category titled “homespun charm” which amongst homemade things included paint-by-numbers paintings. Hmmm. I feel like PBNs have had their day. Or is that just me? Do you see them being hot this year? I do think this framed set of four is attractive, but at $240 that makes each painting $60 each. Yikes!
For me, I’d rather spend the $$$ on one investment-quality piece.
Country Living also believes antique silver is having its moment. (They don’t specify if it’s sterling silver pieces or silver plated.) Of course the problem with silver is that it tarnishes and honestly I don’t see younger generations interested in polishing silver. My two adult daughters could care less about it. Still I have loved (and collected) antique silver for decades and always look for it when I’m out and about.
Veranda is keen on Art Nouveau and Art Deco glass this year. “From intriguing vases echoing the shapes of flora to quirky animal figurines, these works of art add a sense of whimsy and color to tablescapes and everyday decor.” They highlight pieces made by Lalique and Gallé–items beyond my knowledge and budget like this Rene Lalique vase for $15,000 from G.K. International on Ebay.
Though I did find that one Lalique koi ashtray at a thrift store and did well with it (paid $7.16, sold for $148), but it wasn’t a one-of-a-kind piece nor had the age they are espousing. Still it was Lalique!
One source also cited antique French tapestries as a hot category. I do adore the Old World look of a tapestry on a wall, but for the real deal you’re going to pay a pretty penny. Typically in the low thousands to one I found for $128,000.
There were a number of furniture predictions including Victorian brown wood furniture, dressers with marble tops and demi-lune hall tables. I don’t pay much attention to that as I don’t deal in furniture. I know heavy Victorian wood pieces have been out of vogue for a long time. It will be interesting to see if that turns around.
In general, this information will not influence how I’m sourcing other than perhaps searching more diligently for good artwork!
How about you?
Sources: House Beautiful, Country Living, Veranda, Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping.
Hunting for Vintage 