It feels a little strange to call antiques “trendy,” since they’re so inherently classic—after all, they’ve stood the test of time for over a century! Design, like most things, is cyclical and different types of antiques see a surge in popularity each year. And in case you didn’t know: People are buying more antique pieces than ever before because they can bring them home the same day (no wait time!), they’re typically well-made, and they’re a much more sustainable choice than buying new furniture. Plus, antiques add instant charm and patina to your home.
Not to mention, with certain antiques rising in value every year, it can be prudent to pay attention to what’s trending in the design world. In 2023, for example, we saw an uptick of brown furniture, Swedish pieces, and Turkish rugs. This year, we saw plenty of covetable antiques at the Antiques & Gardens Show of Nashville, but certain items stood out as prominent trends among the rest. Here, the biggest antiques trends for 2024 and beyond.
Forget everything you know about tapestries; the antique versions popping up today are a far cry from Medieval Times-inspired decor or a groovy ’70s bachelor pad. These wall hangings can range from handmade quilts to global-inspired textiles to intricate weavings. Whether you choose a massive statement-maker behind your sofa or a small framed piece, it’s a beautiful way to incorporate texture and a sense of history into your home.
Faux Bois
Faux bois certainly isn't a new concept, yet our editors observed its textured effect gaining prevalence in various items, including indoor furniture, garden stools, and outdoor dining tables. This antique trend felt especially modern when it had a concrete or white-washed finish—and we think these pieces only get more beautiful with age!
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One antique garden trend that took us by surprise was the popularity of heirloom seeds. Heirloom vegetable, flower and vegetable seeds are considered a type of antique because they’re passed through generations of gardeners; they also offer a sense of place and heritage (some cultivars are well over 100 years old!).
Many people claim that heirloom seeds are higher quality, the flowers bloom more prolifically, and the produce tastes better than what you can find in today’s garden stores.
Pastoral and hunting scenes reigned supreme in the art found at the Antiques & Gardens Show of Nashville. Taking it one step further, our editors spotted pups of all shapes and sizes—from hunting hound garden statues to chunky bulldog door stoppers to Neoclassical-inspired dog paintings. No matter how you display your new four-legged friend, this is one antique that’s sure to add instant charm to your home.
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Mushrooms and other botanical objects are about to be everywhere this year. We’re moving past the TikTok-inspired, psychedelic-colored mushrooms and into a more elegant look with natural textures, handcrafted shapes and authentic antique botanical specimens.
We’re also seeing antique pottery imprinted with leaves, carved bowls made from trees, and nature-inspired sculptures (think: stone morels, ceramic leaf-shaped bird baths, and toadstool-shaped garden stools). Consider this the refined return of the cottagecore aesthetic.
Venetian glass, or glassware made in Venice (or on the nearby island of Murano), is an antique that dates back to the 13th century. These time-honored treasures are traditionally made from soda-lime “metal” and elaborately decorated using techniques such as gilding, enamel, or engraving.
Even if you lean towards more contemporary design in your home, Venetian glass is the perfect gateway antique since it adds just the right amount of sparkle. Whether you choose to add some antique Venetian glassware to your bar cart or go all out with a statement chandelier in your foyer, you truly can't go wrong.
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Surrealist antiques were everywhere at the Antiques & Gardens Show of Nashville, from hooved foot stools to dream-like paintings. Though surrealism certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, that’s kind of the point: These weird and wonderful conversation pieces are a surefire way to add whimsy to your home.
Jaime Milan
Deputy Digital Editor
Jaime Milan (she/her) is the deputy digital editor for VERANDA, where she manages the brand's cross-platform digital strategy. She also writes and edits dozens of stories each month about design, architecture, gardening, jewelry, travel, entertaining, shopping, news, and trends. Prior to joining VERANDA, Jaime was a digital editor for over 10 years at national news and lifestyle brands and has written everything from in-depth packages and celebrity news to features and holiday gift guides. In her spare time, she can be found shopping at the antique store, cooking, gardening, or teaching her mini Australian Shepherd, Gumbo, new tricks. Follow her on Instagram at @jaimemmilan.
