10 Valuable Vintage Tables You Should Be Looking For At Thrift Stores And Estate Sales

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Hunting for great vintage tables at thrift stores and estate sales can be a thrill. But if you don't know what you're looking for, you could end up missing out on some really great pieces. You might have walked right past a valuable collectible. The reality is, some of the most prized vintage furniture brands everyone should know to look for at thrift stores include side tables, dining tables, coffee tables, and even small accent pieces that blend style and history and really hold their value. These aren't just dusty old tables — they're pieces that collectors are actively on the hunt for, and you should be too.

Spotting a valuable vintage furniture brand you can thrift that collectors always look for takes a little practice, but it can pay off big time. Midcentury modern tables, farmhouse classics, and even some vintage IKEA pieces have shown that the right table can carry serious resale value. Knowing the hallmarks of craftsmanship, checking for labels or markings, and recognizing design styles are key to finding a great treasure.

And the good news? You might not even have to travel that far. Some of the best places to shop for vintage furniture are most likely right on your doorstep. Local thrift stores, estate sales, and even flea markets often have a ton of overlooked gems. You just have to know what tables to keep an eye out for.

This teak glass oval 'Fresco Astro' coffee table by G-Plan is a great example of midcentury modern pieces. Keep an eye out for clean lines, tapered legs, and warm wood tones — midcentury modern tables are timeless. Danish or American pieces from the 1950s and 60s can fetch a pretty penny, especially if the original wood finish is still intact. Watch for names like Eames, Knoll, or G-Plan. Even lesser-known brands can be valuable if the table is in good condition.

This clever and unique teak wood table should be easy to spot with its mechanism to store its four chairs snugly under it. Designed by Olsen for Frem Rojle in the 1950s, this table can fetch a good price and would be the perfect vintage centerpiece for any dining room. This table can expand to meet various entertaining needs as well.

Following the 1960s trend of all things modern and space-age, Eero Saarinen designed a unique table that resembles a futuristic tulip. These pieces are easy to spot by their distinctive shape and authentic aluminum bases. You can identify an original by checking for the nameplate under the table, which includes the manufacturer's name — Knoll Industries — and Saarinen's signature. In good condition, these tables can sell for thousands.

In the 1920s, Art Deco was in full swing, with bold shapes and colors even showing up in furnishings. This Bauhaus-style side table by Marcel Breuer and Josef Hoffmann is a striking example of their use of tubular steel, with hints of Art Nouveau influence. Thonet teamed up with these designers to produce some amazing pieces during the Jazz Age — pieces that are still stylish today. So, if you spot one at an estate sale, don't just walk on by.

There's no missing this midcentury modern coffee table when you're out at an estate sale. Charles and Ray Eames created this 1951 piece to break away from traditional furniture designs. This version features a black laminated top over plywood and was built for large spaces — it's long, bold, and makes a statement. Not only is it impressive in size, but it can also fetch a hefty price, sometimes in the region of $5,000.

The Acclaim collection of tables by Lane from the 1960s is a wonderfully timeless design. This range of dining, side, and coffee tables features walnut wood with visible dovetail joints on the tabletops. They make a fantastic collectible — perfect to incorporate into your own design style, or they can fetch an impressive price for resale of around $2000. A classic mid-century modern wood collection, definitely worth picking up.

Milo Baughman, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, was a mid-century modern designer who created furniture that was modern but never fussy — appealing to the average homeowner of the time. An OG minimalist, he used clean lines, glass or laminated tops, and shiny chrome legs to bring a modern vibe to any space. Collectors love his tables for their timeless design and quality craftsmanship. If you spot one at a thrift store or estate sale, take a closer look — they hold their value and can make a stunning centerpiece in your home.

If you're out thrifting and spot a set of these interesting stone tables, consider yourself the 1980s lottery winner. Magnussen Ponte tables are a clear example of the 80s postmodern design trend. These tables feature wave-like or orb-shaped bases and glass tops — think Tropicana meets Miami Vice. They usually sell for upwards of $1000 online. Clean them gently, then flip for profit or keep as a fun conversation piece in your home.

If you were around in the 90s, you know there was a flirtation with whimsical home decor. Seemingly inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this MacKenzie-Childs accent table is an absolute treasure. These tables feature a mix of vibrant hand-painted enamel with steel or wood bases. Playful details like scalloped edges or brass accents give them a feel of English countryside charm with a postmodern flair. These tables can sell from $500 to $2500. So, if you spot one on your thrifting adventure for a reasonable price, snatch it up. Remember, MacKenzie-Childs artisans stamp the bottom of their pieces with their two-letter initials.

These Henredon French Country side tables from the 1980s are definitely worth keeping an eye out for on your next thrift store trip. Henredon is known for its craftsmanship and furniture that is not only durable but also timeless. In the late 1970s and 80s, French Country was experiencing a surge in popularity, and these tables would have fit in perfectly with the aesthetic of the time. If you find a pair like this for a good price and in good condition, you've hit a thrifting jackpot.