The Valuable Vintage Wood Furniture You Should Always Look For At The Thrift Store

Thrift stores are the perfect spot to score sturdy furniture finds. Many older wood pieces are coveted items, especially since these furnishings were typically made to last — they're often more durable than new movables. While they may have graced family homes in the '50s and '60s, certain mid-century brands and pieces can also be extremely sought after today. One such valuable vintage wooden furniture item you should always look for at the thrift store is a Lane credenza.

Founded in the early 1900s, Lane quickly became a popular furniture manufacturer, with pieces many homeowners of the era coveted. They stocked a wide variety of furnishing options, from credenzas and cedar chests to dining tables and chairs. So, what is a credenza? These wooden furniture pieces resemble long, low-slung tables or dressers, usually with short legs or none at all. They may have drawers, shelves, doors, or cabinets; boast clean, structured lines; and often mix timber with other high-quality materials, like glass, stone, or metal. While Lane produced many furniture models and series over the years, their mid-century credenzas have unique charm, making them irresistible to pass up for most thrifters in the know, especially when they sometimes go for thousands of dollars on the secondhand market. The trick is knowing when you have an authentic Lane credenza.

Confirm you have an authentic Lane credenza by looking for a maker's mark and serial number. Vintage pieces will have a maker's mark on the bottom in one of several possible renditions. One version features the words "LANE Altavista.Va." with a frame around them. Another has the text without the frame. And finally, you can look for the same phrase in a frame topped by a forest scene in a half circle. Some of the oldest Lane pieces may even have "The Red Cedar Chest Company" mark, which is the company's earliest name. Every single authentic item will have a stamp of some sort.

The serial number plays a role in determining the age of the credenza. Read the numbers from right to left — they're the date written backwards. For example, if you see "860260," then the date of manufacturer is June 20, 1968. If you see extra digits, they indicate the factory the furniture was made in. The other numerals you see are the style numbers, which tell you the line and design of the item. Struggling to find these markings? Don't forget to check the inside of drawers; they may be tucked away in a dark corner. And if you are having issues authenticating your latest thrifting find, reach out to an appraiser or Lane furniture expert.

While you can get a good amount if you sell a Lane credenza, you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to style one of these vintage-inspired finds for your modern home. Every entryway needs a spot where you can offload your items from the day, and this ultimate storage solution is calling your name — especially if you have many people coming in and out of your home. Place a tray on the top to hold keys and wallets. Use the drawers and cabinets to store grocery bags, dog-walking supplies, and shoes. Exposed shelves can be used to display other vintage finds. Style the credenza countertop with a welcoming floral arrangement.

The drawers and cabinets built into Lane credenzas make them a great furnishing option for bedrooms or guest rooms, too. Fill your lucky find with clothing (turn it into a makeshift dresser), bed linens, or anything else you want to neatly stow away. Don't forget that the top of your retro credenza is perfect for small item organization — store jewelry or make up in small trays on the top — or as a way to decorate your space by arranging your favorite books, houseplants, or cute collectables in rotating vignettes. So long as the overall look of the credenza matches your home's aesthetic, the options are truly limitless.