New York - In a global landscape increasingly defined by trade tensions and the looming shadow of tariffs, one unlikely decorative arts sector is quietly preparing for a potential boom: the market for antiques, vintage items, and collectibles. While governments around the world debate levies on manufactured goods, this unique segment of the economy (largely exempt from these proposed tariffs), stands to benefit significantly, with industry experts now predicting a surge in interest and value as investors and consumers alike seek refuge in a market insulated from the pressures of mainstream commerce.

The current climate is one of economic uncertainty. Proposed tariffs between major trading partners threaten to inflate the cost of everyday goods, impacting consumer spending and potentially slowing economic growth. Industries reliant on international supply chains are bracing for increased costs, which will inevitably be passed down to the consumer. However, the antique, vintage, and collectibles market operates on a different playing field. These items, by their very nature, are not part of the continuous flow of newly manufactured goods subject to these tariffs. They are pre-owned, often unique, and their value lies in their history, craftsmanship, rarity, and aesthetic appeal rather than their status as mass-produced commodities.   

​This inherent exemption provides a significant advantage. As the price of new furniture, décor, and even certain luxury goods potentially rises due to tariffs, the relative affordability and intrinsic value of antiques and vintage items will become increasingly attractive. “We’re already seeing a shift in consumer sentiment,” notes Eleanor Vance, a renowned antiques dealer and author of The Timeless Appeal: Investing in Antiques. “People are becoming more conscious of where their money is going and are seeking out items with lasting quality and character. In a tariff-heavy environment, this trend will only accelerate.”

The appeal extends beyond mere cost savings. In an era of mass production and fleeting trends, antiques and vintage pieces offer a tangible connection to the past, a sense of individuality, and often superior craftsmanship compared to modern equivalents. This resonates with a growing segment of consumers who prioritize sustainability and are looking for unique items that tell a story. “There’s a growing desire for authenticity and pieces with history,” explains Dr. Alistair Finch, an art market analyst at The Global Art Review. “Vintage furniture isn’t just a cheaper alternative; it’s often a more stylish and environmentally conscious choice.”  

Furthermore, the exemption from tariffs positions the antique and collectibles market as an increasingly attractive investment opportunity. In times of economic volatility, investors often look to tangible assets that hold their value or even appreciate over time. Unlike stocks and bonds, which have seen wild market fluctuations recently, well-chosen antiques and collectibles can provide a stable and potentially lucrative alternative. “We’ve seen a consistent upward trend in the value of certain categories of antiques and collectibles over the past decade,” states Julian Howard, a senior specialist at the prestigious auction house, Sotheby’s. “The proposed tariffs will likely amplify this trend as investors seek safe havens for their capital.”

Specific sectors within the antique, vintage, and collectibles market are particularly well-positioned for growth. Fine art, rare books, vintage watches, kitchenware, decorative items, antique rugs, classic cars, and antique furniture are all areas where demand is expected to surge. The limited supply of these items, coupled with their inherent desirability, makes them somewhat resilient to economic downturns and potentially highly profitable in a tariff-influenced market. For instance, consider the market for mid-century modern furniture. Its timeless design and enduring popularity have already made it a sought-after category. If the cost of new, contemporary furniture that mimics the MCM style increases due to exceptionally high tariffs on imported materials, the demand for authentic vintage pieces from this era is likely to skyrocket.  

​However, it’s also important to acknowledge potential nuances that could occur within the market. For example, should the whiplash of tariffs between countries suddenly abate, then rising prices on used decorative items and furniture could return to their previous baseline selling points rather quickly. "It's a bit of timing game," says Terry Shaw, from his antique mall in Texas, "but I think the odds are in favour of prices rising on almost everything now, especially when it comes to usable antique and vintage items."

While there are of course some risks associated with buying and selling on a manufactured market play, most industry analysts believe that the looming prospect of global tariffs has put the antique and vintage markets in a rare and unique position to thrive. Exempt from these levies, this sector could offer consumers and investors alike a compelling alternative to newly produced goods and a potentially profitable haven in a tariff-burdened world. 

- A.I.A. Staff Writers
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​New York - For most people the allure of antiques and vintage pieces lies in their ability to transport us to a bygone era, whispering stories of craftsmanship, history, and timeless design. But for those working within the industry, dealers say it's more about zeroing-in on the actual items that customers want from bygone eras, rather than just whispers of what might be popular. In order to drill down on what some of those trends could be, writers at the Institute reached out to some industry-insiders, decorative experts, and knowledgeable long-term business owners, to get their take on six antique and vintage trends they say are likely to continue growing in popularity throughout 2025.​

1. Swedish Antiques
Antiques from Sweden, particularly those from the early 20th century, are gaining renewed interest. Celebrated for their simplicity, functionalism, and elegant design, these pieces blend modernist aesthetics with human-centric warmth. Interior designers like Giancarlo Valle and Lee Mindel appreciate Swedish antiques for their ability to provide comfort and connection in contemporary homes. Hannah Karlsson, a vintage dealer who's been importing items from Sweden for over twenty years, says prices have been jumping recently, citing a Josef Frank cabinet that recently sold for a record price of $347,600, highlighting the growing demand for what Karlsson says is, "all things Swedish."

3. Oxblood Furniture & Interiors
The deep, earthy hue of oxblood is making a significant comeback in many interior design circles. Historically prominent in ancient art and the Art Deco period, oxblood offers a sophisticated and rich aesthetic. Interior designers such as Stephania Kallos and Abigail Turin are incorporating this color into their projects, signalling a shift from the neutral palettes of previous years to a bolder, more maximalist approach. "This trend reflects a desire for interiors that exude warmth and timeless elegance," says Rachel Higgins, a leather furniture expert, whose UK antiques collective specialises in antique and vintage leather items from the turn of the twentieth century. "Leather furniture never really goes out of style," says Higgins, "but recently, its surged, as almost all areas of decorating are returning to more traditional and wood themed interiors." Higgins says that pricing for classic leather oxblood club chairs and sofas is up over eighty-percent from last year, and believes that those numbers will continue to climb as the general availability for authentic and untouched pristine examples continues to decline.  

4. Vintage Bathroom Fixtures
Unique and coloured vintage bathroom fixtures are experiencing a new found life says Dominic Taylor. A long-time staple of the community, Taylor's family-run Boston based antique and vintage salvage business has pivoted in recent years towards old plumbing and lighting fixtures. "We're still doing large-scale architectural salvage says Taylor, "but recently it's been about some of the 'innards' from these buildings that have really taken off." Taylor says that in the past, old plumbing fixtures were often overlooked, but that today people are willing to pay a premium for something you can't find at a big-box store. "Most of the older fixtures were simply made to last longer.," he says, "you're buying quality craftsmanship, but at half the Home-Depot price." Interior design specialist, Natalie Young also echoed that sentiment, and says that homeowners are seeking out rare and well-manufactured pieces from designers like Luigi Colani and Gio Ponti to add character to their spaces, while embracing these types of fixtures for their authenticity and distinctiveness. ​

5. Japandi's Gentle Embrace: Wabi-Sabi Charm
The fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, known as Japandi, is gaining momentum. This aesthetic emphasizes natural materials, clean lines, and a sense of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection). "Antique Japanese ceramics, wooden furniture with a natural finish, and textiles with subtle textures are perfect for achieving the Japandi look," says Hana Tanaka, a long-time collector and interior designer who utilises Asian antiques throughout her work. "These pieces bring a sense of tranquillity and harmony to a space," she says, "and are a perfect foil for the somewhat austere and rigid modernity associated with the Mid-century motif." Tanaka says she probably had fewer than ten requests a season for Japandi two years ago, but that today she's now seeing that on a monthly basis. "It's a trend for sure," she says, "but Japanese minimalism mixed with Scando has always had it's followers, it's just that there's a lot more of them now." 

​6. Eclectic Mix: The Art of Curated Collections
"In 2025, the focus is going to be on creating curated collections that reflect personal style and tell a story," says Sherry Golding of Seattle's Active Interiors & Antiques. Mixing different eras, motifs, and materials is going to be key she says. "We're decorating with everything under the sun this year - from Art Deco furniture blended with space-age 70s modular shelving units - to Victorian marble-topped tables and bean bag chairs." Golding says that interest in combining styles has really picked up over the last couple of years as many of her clients have begun to shy away from a one-size fits-all decorative look for their homes. "It's a nice mesh for the store too," says Golding, "since it means we're able to offer a broader range of antique and vintage items rather than having to compete with other dealers for a particularly popular style like MCM." Interior designer Scott Harvey, who also works with Golding at a number of national shows and display events, says the key to the 'curated' trends continued popularity is making sure that the look feels cohesive, personal and unique. "There's a lot of decorative items to choose from,  he says, "but in the end, they all have to blend."

As with any field that involves speculation, actual outcomes can differ widely from expectations. However, with careful planning, thorough research, and a keen eye for emerging decorative arts trends, savvy dealers can potentially position themselves ahead of the curve when it comes to anticipating this year’s best bests for top antique and vintage buys. And if things don’t pan out exactly as hoped—well, there’s always next year.

- A.I.A. Staff Writers​

​NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. 

Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.