Before you haul it to the curb or list it for $50, that old dresser or chair might be worth a lot more than you think.
Age alone doesn't equal value. A mass-produced oak dresser from the 1940s might be worth $50-100. But a Herman Miller Eames lounge chair from the same era is worth $3,000-5,000. What matters is the maker, the design, the materials, and current demand.
The hottest segment of the furniture market right now. Clean lines, organic shapes, and functional design. Key makers to look for:
Look for labels and stamps. Check underneath, inside drawers, and on the back. Manufacturer labels, stamps, or branded hardware help identify the maker.
Check the construction. Dovetail joints = quality. Handcut dovetails (uneven spacing) suggest pre-1900. Machine-cut dovetails are 20th century. Staples and particle board = mass produced, likely not valuable.
Research the style. Take photos and search "identify furniture style" to match your piece to an era and design movement. This narrows down the maker and value range.
Point your phone at any furniture piece. AI identifies the style and era, then pulls real sold prices.
Try finna — it's freeFacebook Marketplace — best for local sales. No shipping hassle for heavy furniture. Large buyer pool.
Chairish — curated marketplace for design-focused furniture. Higher prices but they take a 30% commission. Best for mid-century and designer pieces.
1stDibs — luxury marketplace for high-end antiques. Best for pieces worth $1,000+. Dealer-focused.
Estate sale companies — if you're clearing a whole house, hire an estate sale company. They handle pricing, marketing, and selling for 30-40% commission.