Why The Resale of Vintage & Antiques is Booming

The Resale Renaissance: Why Vintage Furniture and Decor Are Reigning Supreme in an Inflated Age

'Reseller' Sales Reaching New Heights

New York - There's no question about it - the secondhand market is currently experiencing a golden age. The resale of antique and vintage goods, particularly furniture and decorative items, has become one of the most popular and profitable market sectors in today's economy. With the recent rise in inflation, and the cost of living hitting new highs, consumers are turning to secondhand treasures for both aesthetic satisfaction and financial practicality. This movement, driven by economic necessity, has transformed the way people perceive pre-owned goods, elevating the antique and vintage sector to a level of prominence not seen in decades.

This perfect storm of factors, including high inflation, a renewed focus on sustainability, and the allure of unique, high-quality craftsmanship, has created an unprecedented demand for many antique and vintage pieces, says decorative arts analyst Sam Waterman. Pulling aggregate data mined from industry related sources, Waterman's New York based analytics firm says that sales are not just strong, but "growing almost exponentially." Waterman points to a recent report by Business of Home, which revealed that when the U.S. inflation rate reached a four-decade high, it quickly prompted consumers to rethink their spending habits. "Where once people might have turned to brand-new, mass-produced furnishings," says Waterman, "today they are increasingly embracing the antique and vintage market, not only to save money but also to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time."

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For Sarah Hamilton's vintage-collective site on Etsy, it's about the affordability of vintage goods compared to new items that she sees as one of the main drivers of this trend. "As prices for new furniture continue to rise, buyers are finding that antique and vintage items offer more value, often at a fraction of the cost," she says. However, it’s not just about saving money; Hamilton notes that many consumers are discovering that the craftsmanship and durability of older pieces far surpass that of many modern, mass-produced alternatives. "A lot of our buyers today are now looking beyond just the simple price point - they want quality and they're willing to pay for it," she says.

Current online platforms have now also made it easier than ever for buyers and sellers to connect. Websites like 1stdibs, Chairish, and Etsy have grown into massive marketplaces where people can browse through an endless supply of antique furniture and vintage decor. 1stdibs, often referred to as the “Amazon of antiques,” reported in a 2023 financial disclosure that its revenue from vintage and antique home goods surged by 25% year over year, highlighting the continued strength of the market. Similarly, Chairish, a popular platform for mid-century modern and antique furnishings, has also seen strong growth, with its CEO, Gregg Brockway, attributing the rise to both the high cost of new furniture and a cultural shift toward more sustainable consumption.

Younger Generations Are Fueling The Reseller Market

"You're not just buying something old, you're buying quality," says Jennifer Litwin, a home furnishings expert and author of Furniture Hot Spots. "These pieces have already survived decades, sometimes centuries, of use. If they've made it this far, chances are they'll last a lot longer than some particleboard furniture that costs twice as much." Litwin has been closely observing the shift in buyer preferences, noting that people, especially the younger generations, are no longer viewing secondhand items as a compromise but rather as an opportunity to own something with history and character.

The financial advantages of vintage and antique goods extend beyond their initial purchase price. Many buyers view their acquisitions as investments, understanding that high-quality, rare pieces will likely appreciate over time. "There’s a reason people refer to antiques as 'timeless,' says Margaret Schwartz, owner of Modern Antiquarian, a New York-based antique dealership. "Good antiques hold their value, and in many cases, they increase in value, especially as people start to recognize the scarcity of certain materials and craftsmanship."

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18th & 19th Century Furniture As Long-Term Investment

Schwartz, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and European furniture, has seen firsthand how demand has evolved. “When inflation hits and people are spending more on everyday expenses, they look for places to save. Buying antique furniture is not just about saving money in the short term; it's about making a smart financial decision for the long term," she explains. Her clients, she says, are increasingly aware of this, viewing their purchases as both practical and as part of a larger investment strategy.

It’s not just luxury items driving this trend, though high-end antiques are certainly enjoying their moment in the sun. Everyday vintage finds are also in high demand. Flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores are bustling with activity as buyers look for affordable ways to bring character to their homes without breaking the bank. The antique and vintage sector has become a democratized market, where savvy shoppers can discover pieces that are affordable and steeped in history, whether they are searching for a 19th-century oak armoire or a mid-century modern side table.

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Instagram's 'Love Antiques' Boasts Large Following

This shift toward affordability and sustainability, combined with a growing appreciation for the artistry and individuality of older pieces, has also given rise to a new wave of dealers and collectors. Many of these dealers have turned to social media platforms like Instagram to showcase their finds, turning the platform into a visual catalog of eclectic treasures. Accounts like Olde Good Things and Love Antiques have grown large followings by tapping into this trend, offering items that range from industrial salvage to Victorian furniture. As The Wall Street Journal reported in early 2024, Instagram has become a primary tool for antique dealers, who now use it not just to sell but to educate their followers on the historical significance of the pieces they offer.

In addition to Instagram, auction houses are also seeing a resurgence in activity. Sotheby’s and Christie’s, two of the most prestigious names in the auction world, have reported strong sales in their furniture and decorative arts departments, fueled by a younger generation of buyers eager to own a piece of history. The New York Times reported in 2023 that many first-time buyers at these auctions are not seasoned collectors but rather homeowners seeking distinctive furnishings that speak to a sense of individuality and permanence in a world where trends come and go at a dizzying pace.

This combination of factors - rising inflation, high cost of living, sustainability concerns, and a growing appreciation for unique craftsmanship - has turned the resale of antique and vintage goods into a booming industry. For buyers, it represents not only a practical solution to economic challenges but also a chance to invest in something that holds both financial and emotional value. As Schwartz aptly puts it, "People are recognizing that antiques aren't just relics of the past; they're a smart way to live in the present."

- AIA Staff Writers

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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.

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