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5 Home Items to Buy Now That Will Gain Value as Collectibles
When decorating your home, making wise investment choices is crucial. While it’s tempting to follow the latest design trends popping up on social media, the reality is that trends are short-lived, and the items they highlight may not always have lasting appeal.
To get expert advice on what’s worth investing in, we spoke with Debbie Mathews, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs. She explains that she always takes a long-term approach when shopping for her clients, focusing on pieces that will endure over time.
If you’re interested in finding home items that could become valuable collectibles in the future, Mathews suggests looking for items that patina beautifully, are made from durable materials, and are hand-crafted rather than mass-produced. By focusing on quality over quantity, she provides tips for curating a collection of timeless home items that can increase in value and remain with you through all stages of life.
- Solid Wood Furniture
Many pieces that appear to be wood are actually made from synthetic materials, such as manufactured wood (MDF). While these options are more affordable, they don’t have the same potential to become collectibles. Mathews recommends investing in solid wood furniture, especially larger, more prominent pieces like sideboards, cabinets, dining tables, and beds made from high-quality woods like walnut, mahogany, cherry, and alder. “These items are often focal points in a room and can become treasured pieces that create lasting memories,” she says.
- Materials that Age Beautifully
For design longevity and durability, Mathews suggests opting for materials that improve over time, such as leather and certain types of wood. “Wood species like walnut patina beautifully over time and just get better with age,” she shares. Look for pieces that will develop a beautiful patina, telling the story of your home while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Handcrafted Furniture and Decor
“Handmade or bench-made pieces, as opposed to mass-produced items, have the potential to grow in value over time,” says Mathews. Adding unique, handcrafted items such as pottery or a hand-carved table gives your home character and personality. These one-of-a-kind pieces, crafted by artisans, often gain collectible status as they age.
- Pieces with Classic Appeal
To determine whether an item could become a collectible, consider whether it is timeless enough to endure over time. “Timeless, classic pieces that appeal to a wide range of people and cultures are more likely to become valuable,” Mathews explains. While trendy items may be fun to include in your home, they typically won’t stand the test of time and are unlikely to become collectibles.
- Quality Pieces with Lasting Appeal
So, how do you shop like a professional to find items that will become collectibles? “When I shop for my clients, I approach it with the mindset that we are looking for pieces they’ll want to live with forever,” Mathews says. This mindset leads to a key priority: quality. “Investing in high-quality pieces ensures they’ll remain relevant and valuable over time,” she adds. By mixing older, well-made items with newer furniture, you can create a beautifully layered space. Mathews also suggests including at least one antique in every room to give your home a sense of history and richness that’s difficult to replicate.
