13 Home Décor Pieces People Regret Selling at Garage Sales
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Garage sales are a two edged sword. On one hand, they’re an opportunity to get some money, clear some space, and maybe even take back your garage from the insanity. But they are synonymous with those moments of seller’s remorse — those moments where you find yourself saying, “Why did I let that go?” Some items that seemed like junk could turn into something you really cherish, or even a valuable collectible after a bit of time.
From the thrill of tidying up to a quick spur of the moment decision, many people have sold home décor items they later wished they hadn’t. These are not just decorative things, they’re pieces of personal history, they’re reminders of loved ones, or they’re things that get more valuable over time. Here are a few home décor treasures that often leave their previous owners wishing they’d thought twice.
Vintage Mirrors
When it comes to mirrors, those from decades ago usually come with ornate frames and craftsmanship that’s hard to find now. Other than the practicality, they add character and charm to a space. When people find out how much it costs to replace something comparable, many of them regret selling them. Vintage mirror can immediately elevate a room— it’s like jewelry for your walls.
Antique Lamps
The look of antique lamps tends to be unique and recognizable in a sea of mass produced lighting. Modern designs can sometimes lack that warmth and character. Many old lamps can be rewired to work as new ones, and they remain functional and stylish, too. A study discovered that lighting plays a huge role in mood, and that’s why people miss these special pieces when they let them go.
Handmade Quilts
If you’ve ever sold a handmade quilt, you’ve probably regretted it. Not only are these labor-intensive works of art cozy, they’re also often sentimental. As heirlooms, handmade quilts are passed down through generations and their designs to duplicate are hard. Also, with age, their resale value goes up, provided they’re still in good shape.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
At garage sales, mid-century modern pieces can be undervalued because their minimalist aesthetic doesn’t immediately say “collectible.” But these pieces have endured and are still in demand. Sleek coffee tables or retro dining chairs could fetch a fortune at vintage stores and be the reason you kick yourself in regret.
Ceramic Planters
The old ceramic pots you sold for a dollar each? Now, they are probably gracing someone else’s living room, and they look stunning. There is nothing more functional or more beautiful than a ceramic planter from the mid 20th century or earlier. They’re a regretful loss for many green-thumbed homeowners because of their durability and timeless design.
Family Heirlooms
In the rush to declutter, sometimes, people part with heirlooms without realizing the history behind them. That dusty old clock or worn picture frame, that, upon first glance, doesn’t seem to have much meaning; once it’s gone, you feel the loss. Heirlooms are irreplaceable and often come with a story that future generations would love to hear.
Artwork
Stacks of forgotten art—in the form of prints, paintings, or original pieces—can often be found at garage sales. When people sell this, later they regret it because they find out the piece was valuable or because they’ll never find another one like this. Even art that is just amateur can be meaningful, reminding you of someone or where they used to live.
Vintage Rugs
While old rugs can be a pain to clean, they’re also full of charm and character. And many are hand woven with patterns that are impossible to replicate. When sold, people realize that modern rugs are hardly as durable and as unique vintage ones. A vintage rug can make a room, and if you keep it in good condition you may even watch it appreciate in value.
Record Players and Vinyl
While not strictly décor, vintage record players and turntables, or vinyl collections, have an aesthetic or sentimental value that people miss once they’re gone. These add a nostalgic vibe to any home and the resurgence of vinyl popularity means that these are harder and more expensive to replace.
China Sets
Your old china set collecting dust in your cabinet might have seemed clutter at the time, but it’s a common regret. Fine china can be a wedding gift, a family heirloom, a beautiful pattern, it doesn’t matter, it just gets more precious with age. Most people regret selling these once they understand how great they would have been for special occasions.
Brass Fixtures
Candlesticks, trays, or vases with brass décor pieces may seem outdated, but their timeless beauty usually falls back into fashion. These items are polished brass and add warmth to a home, and are versatile enough to work with a number of styles. The worst part? They can cost far more than what they sold for at the garage sale to replace them.
Wooden Trunks
Vintage wooden trunks are common storage and eye catching decor. Rustically charming, they can be doubled as coffee tables or statement pieces. So many people kick themselves after having sold them because they come to realize how much they could have done with one in their home.
Collectible Figurines
Figurines may seem grody at times, but lots of them have significant sentimental or monetary value. Pieces from well known brands like Hummel or Lladro or even pop culture collectibles can be worth far more than they were when bought. If you sell them too quickly, you often feel like you’ve let go of something special.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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