5 min readAnyone with a strong sense of personal style knows that some of the most interesting design pieces draw inspiration from the past. It’s not hard to see why—long before mass-produced furniture, lighting, and decor became the norm, items were made by hand with incredible craftsmanship and a distinctive character that feels rare today. With that in mind, we asked interior designers who love antiques to share which pieces are suddenly seeing a huge uptick in interest.
These designers are calling out the exact styles, materials, and pieces they think deserve a revival. From classic lighting and furniture to vintage-inspired details, here’s what they recommend keeping an eye out for at the next estate sale you attend.
Murano Glass
Designer Crystal Sinclair uses vintage pieces sparingly in contemporary settings. She believes the aesthetic contrast of old and new is one of the most effective ways to create a timeless look in pretty much any space.
"I love a good juxtaposition, and Murano glass usually brings a classic vibe to a modern room," she says. "It brings down the modern, making it feel more cozy." Any room that risks looking overdone in highly contemporary pieces can always use a touch of the past to rekindle that unique warmth, as the above space demonstrates.
Mushroom Lamps
In this foyer, Sinclair opted for mushroom-style lighting that's as stylish as it is whimsical, which is a hard balance to strike. Mushroom lamps have been around for a while, but they were most popular during the peak of the midcentury modern era, the 1960s.
"When you think of mushrooms, you picture either delicious umami or fairytales. Whatever it reminds you of, it brings a little magic and funk to a room," Sinclair notes. "Its quirky shape brings a smile to people's faces. It's especially fun with something like this floor lamp, which resembles a mushroom without being too spot on."
Travel Trunks
Long before sleek luggage from brands like Away and Carl Friedrik existed, travelers packed their belongings into leather-clad wooden trunks and set off for weeks at a time. While those days are behind us, the timeless elegance of a vintage trunk is making a comeback—and not just for jet-setting.
"If you're looking to bring some character and patina to a living room, a beautiful vintage trunk can be a great solution. They offer an easy way to introduce a combination of materials, like metal and leather," says interior designer Sarah Montgomery. "There's usually a story behind them, and they often have storage—even better."
Delicate Desks
Designer Clive Lonstein stocked this office with prized antique pieces—including a Nakashima desk.
"You don't want to over-style it because the surface itself is the point of beauty," Lonstein says. "With antique desks, the richness of the material should come through, so if you're looking to incorporate one into your space, I recommend keeping it minimal—a lamp, a vessel, and a few books are all you need." Let the antique desk do the talking in your space.
Folding Screens
Few pieces of decor recall the subtle elegance of a folding screen, which has historically been used to provide privacy while dressing. Of course, these never really went out of fashion, but they are far more of a rarity to find in contemporary homes these days.
Designer Marty Dykas, an appreciator of antique folding screens, says, "It can be a minimal backdrop or a decorative focal point. A folding screen can make a statement with special finishes and colors, but without taking over the space."
For more than 100 years, the sizes of folding screens ranged from petite three-panel versions to more opulent eight-panel designs—all of which are still on offer today if you're willing to hunt for them.
Burl Wood Accent Tables
With so many wood types out there, finding one that fits your style and space is fairly easy—but let’s be honest, not all woods are created equal when it comes to cool factor. Case in point: burl wood. It's a '70s-era icon that's ready for a comeback.
Designer Sarah Solis agrees, saying, "Burlwood has this incredible natural movement that instantly warms up a contemporary space. Its grain feels artful and soulful, which balances clean lines and modern silhouettes." It’s also nature’s answer to a subtle, neutral pattern. "I love it because it brings character without overpowering a room. I think we’ll see a resurgence in 2026 because people are craving materials that feel authentic, crafted, and a little nostalgic," Solis adds.
Leather Club Chairs
Few pieces evoke nostalgia quite like a leather club chair. It’s the definition of comfort—and a welcome contrast to many modern alternatives that may look great but fall short on function. Designers Tanya Selway and Benjamin Stelly, co-principals of Stelly Selway, share this sentiment, tucking a vintage club chair into this living room corner.
"Vintage elements like club chairs, especially in a classic, familiar leather, incorporate into modern interiors in a way that texturizes them, almost like a memory book," Selway explains.
What makes the club chair so versatile is that it doesn’t belong to just one design style. As this space proves, it can seamlessly complement just about any room. "In this project, we used French vintage leather club chairs to create a layered feeling, mixing old-school comfort with the sharpness of other contemporary elements. We're incredibly intentional about striking these balances, particularly in a new build like this. The chairs helped create a bridge to different eras, making the home feel collected and lived-in rather than overly curated," Stelly adds.
Metal Task Lighting
While Pixar may have made the task lamp iconic, this style of lighting has long been a favorite among designers—and its cultural cachet is still going strong. Camille Muhtar, creative director of Annabode Interior Design, is one such fan of this practical lighting solution.
"The classic desk lamp on this built-in desk exemplifies exactly what Annabode values: the quiet meeting of history and function," she says. "A piece like this isn't chosen just as a light source; it's chosen for its story. The patina of the aged brass, the curve of the arm, and the integrity of its craftsmanship all carry the language of care and permanence." Plus, in a modern setting, a vintage task lamp shines even brighter.
