What’s new in antiques? That was the joke line that started many collectors’ conversations, but today, it’s a serious question. What is wanted? What is now being ignored that was once popular? Why is this happening?

It’s easy to see what is not wanted from auctions and flea markets. “Brown furniture” is out, but that’s only partly true. It is coming back to flea markets at irresistibly low prices, so those just starting out or on a budget are buying average pieces to use in an apartment or a new house. Sets of clear glassware are not needed. Parties today are informal and fewer types of glasses are used. Mother’s set of formal glasses had at least four different shapes and sizes to serve wine, water, champagne, and cocktails, as well as others for juice, martinis, brandy and shot glasses for whiskey. Space in the middle of a room is open now with high ceilings and less furniture. Collections of Hummel or Royal Doulton figurines don’t “make a statement,” but a large, colorful Royal Doulton vase is wanted as the lone piece on a long, plain table. Simple is in, carved trim is out. And strangely enough, patterned rugs with huge flowers are in and solid colors are out. So here are two lists, one in, one out, that help you know what to search for at a garage sale, antiques shop or auction if you want the latest “look.”

OUT

Small figurines; salt and pepper collections; cookie jars; arm chairs with thick, patterned upholstery; glass door cabinets; landscape paintings by unknown artists; antique dangling earrings; tennis bracelets; 18th-century porcelain collections; Christmas plates; Greek and Roman artifacts; silver tea sets; Victorian furniture; Bakelite jewelry; and old toy trains.

IN

Mix-and-match sets of chairs, dishes, and even silverware; furniture made of curved, molded wood; large vases or statues; 3-D printed objects; white or beige walls with huge, bright abstract pictures; formal portraits; life-sized marble or marble-like busts; Tiffany anything, including lamps with leaded glass shades, silverware, and iridescent glass vases; Georg Jensen silver; costume jewelry; button earrings; hoop earrings; collections of large travel, sport or music posters; baseball cards; vinyl records; old video tapes and equipment; brass electric fans; unusual clocks; aluminum bottles, bowls, and candlesticks; Asian art; fossils and rock specimens; couture handbags; sneakers; pottery crocks; advertising signs; original Disney art; antique and vintage toys, games, robots, and anything space-related that would look good on display.

So, we still say buy what you love at a price you can afford. Then forget about the value and enjoy it for years.

Order information: Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2020 – $29.99 plus $4.95 and shipping and handling – and as a newsletter subscriber, get two freebies: a “Fakes, Fantasies & Reproductions” booklet with clues to spot fakes at sales; and a bookplate personally signed by Terry Kovel. To order by phone, call 800-303-1996, or send us your book order by mail, (check payable to Kovels) to KOVELS, P.O. Box 22900, Beachwood, OH 44122-0900.