These 7 “Everyday” Antiques Are Having a Major Comeback, and You Can Find Them in Your Grandma’s Closet

Designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy likens antique wooden boxes to “little treasure chests” as they “can be beautifully embellished with carvings, decorative inlay, brass strapping, and ivory inlay.” Whether you find a watch box, jewelry box, or hatbox, don’t ignore the wooden marvels that can come in all different shapes and sizes. “Some may be rectangular, but others might be domed or slanted,” says Mathews LeRoy. “A collection of these boxes can instantly elevate a bookcase, console table, or side table.”

"One of the items that I personally inherited from my own grandmother was a collection of vintage perfume bottles," says Mathews LeRoy. "Many of these perfume bottles date back to the 1920s and 1930s. They are all different shapes and sizes; some have interesting-shaped stoppers, many feature cut glass with sterling silver overlays, some have atomizers, and others are colorful glasses in shades of pink, blue, or blush."

This collection inspired the designer to gather more antique perfume bottles. "Many vintage perfume bottles are quite valuable, as can be seen on 1stDibs and Chairish, fetching hundreds to thousands of dollars," she says. "Don't let these small treasures slip by without a second look—they can be displayed beautifully on a mirrored tray or on a windowsill where the light can capture their beauty and uniqueness!"

"A couple of old hard-edged suitcases or train cases are great filler to stack under console tables or on top of an armoire," says designer Maggie Griffin. "Think vintage Hartmann luggage or cool older Louis Vuitton pieces!"

Peek into Grandma’s linen closet for embroidered or monogrammed pieces. "I love layering these on trays and also using them for cocktail napkins," says designer Liz Williams. "They are fun to mix and match."

If Grandma is known for her handmade quilts, don’t pass them up. “There are so many ways to repurpose them; the most obvious is draped over a bed, sofa, or lounge chair, but if they’re in good condition, they can also be hung as beautiful tapestries,” says designer Cortney Bishop. “I also love the look of quilts folded over a wooden blanket ladder—so charming and such a lovely way to keep a daily reminder of someone you loved.”

Mathews LeRoy also recommends using quilts as picnic blankets. The designer adds: “Many vintage quilts were made from clothing fabric scraps and can truly tell the story of grandma's wardrobe, which gives you a glimpse into the past. Quilts, like tapestries, often tell a story depicting scenes of the times, or even have a theme like a wedding quilt.”

Plus, Mathews LeRoy says, “Quilts can be highly valuable based on how intricate the pattern is, the condition of the quilt, and approximately how long it might have taken to fabricate.”