11 Valuable Vintage Wall Art Pieces You Should Be Looking For At Thrift Stores

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For years, minimalist walls were in fashion, but that trend has shifted. These days, people are looking for vintage pieces not only for reselling but also to decorate their homes. However, not every piece you find will be worth buying. While browsing, you'll likely encounter modern reproductions; check for markings or signatures that verify authenticity. Some of the best places to search for these indicators are on the bottom, on the back, or even on the corner of items. When in doubt, reach out to an appraiser or an expert who can assist.

Before selling or displaying your finds in your home, some pieces need to be cleaned and sanitized. To clean anything with a frame, remove the contents carefully, if possible, before cleaning. If not, you'll need to wash it gently. Wipe down the frame to remove dust, dirt, and grime. For tougher stains, follow the appropriate cleaning methods for the material. For wood objects, you can use salt and lemon or even baking soda and vinegar. Wall art featuring fabrics should be washed in a tub with warm water and laundry detergent, letting it air-dry before hanging. For all metals, ceramics, and glass, you can use mild soap and warm water to give them a good scrub.

Venetian masks are a popular vintage '80s wall décor item you can thrift that deserves a comeback. Over the years, there have been many renditions, and while they are appealing in their own right, you'll want to look for handmade leather, ceramic, and paper mâché Italian versions if you're looking for high-value pieces. Authentic versions are typically hand-painted with a non-removable sticker and a 'Made in Italy' certificate. Once you discover your find, suspend it on the wall to add some character to your space. To protect them, you can place them in a shadow box before hanging.

A William Dorsey painting is considered a 'Holy Grail' thrift store find. Depicting life in the early 19th century and his heritage, most of the works highlight Black culture and history. Although much of his collection is believed to be lost, occasional discoveries – such as one found for a remarkably low price in Philadelphia – still occur. Don't only look for paintings, because he was also known for his scrapbooking, creating hundreds of them throughout his life.

An artist who has numerous valuable pieces is Salvador Dalí. He is best known for his surrealist work, creating funky, one-of-a-kind pieces that would make a statement in any home. While you're thrifting, keep an eye out for his other creations, including fashion, photography, sculptures, films, graphic art, books, short stories, and animations. Though rare, some have discovered unique Dalí pieces, such as a wood-carved print that was found in North Carolina.

If you come across vintage grape harvest tapestries at your local thrift store, you need to immediately buy them. One of the best ways to know you've found one is by a design depicting the harvest of grapes or Louis XII of France and Anne of Brittany's engagement banquet. These 15th-century pieces were produced in various formats by European weavers. These tapestries can range in price, with some reaching almost $1000. If you plan to keep this in your home, it's a great look for a dining room, kitchen, or even bar.

These days, decorative plates are gracing the walls of people's homes, making them unique art pieces. Typically, dishware like plates is in abundance at resale shops, so you have high chances of scoring some valuable brands, such as Fiestaware, CorningWare, and Spode. You just need to remember to get a sturdy bracket, like the Hillman Brass Plate Hanger available from Amazon, and properly secure it in place. Arrange them by look and design, or dedicate an entire wall to mixed styles. Just remember to give them a good dusting every so often.

Ferraro prints are a valuable vintage '80s wall art you can snag at the thrift store if you're lucky. These pop art or Art Deco pieces typically fall under the title of 'Glam Girl', with multiple versions often featuring a fashionable lady in a large hat covering her face. Created in the '80s, some prints come as a set, so while digging, don't just stop when you find one, because the pair could be hiding amongst the other framed items. To determine authenticity, look for a cursive signature featuring a prominent 'F'.

Resale shops are full of random items, and sometimes an item you don't normally see, like antique religious triptychs, may be worth more than you ever thought. A triptych is a three-panel piece of art that typically displays a recurring motif or scene. In most cases, you'll see many religious renditions, especially in Catholic churches. They come in a variety of colors and materials, and some even have candle stands. While many people keep them on a side table or altar, they work just as well on the wall.

Stroll through your local antique store and you'll find many mirrors, but the most valuable are Chinese Chippendale Pagoda mirrors. These pieces are typically made from hand-carved wood and feature a gilded finish that follows a pagoda-like or Chinoiserie design, with patterns influenced by Oriental styles. If you happen to come across one for a bargain, grab it because they resell for thousands of dollars. However, be mindful that replicas of this style are common, so examine the piece carefully before buying.

John Constable's art is valuable, centuries-old wall art you should always look for at thrift stores. Known for his breathtaking landscapes of his hometown, he made a variety of paintings that will look stunning in almost any home. While he was a British artist, most of his works were sold abroad, particularly in France. So don't forget to stop by an antique shop abroad because you may come across one of his creations. Just make sure to pack or ship it securely to avoid damage.

Neon signs are not just for storefronts; instead, you can find some amazing, high-value vintage options at your local resale shop. The most sought-after options include businesses that have since ceased to exist, old logos of current brands, unique designs, and even specific manufacturers. It's also important to know that these signs don't have to work for them to be valuable, but you can always check if they do light up before taking them home by plugging them in at the store.

While metal signs are common, finding a rare or valuable one can mean a significant profit or a standout décor piece. In the 19th century, America was booming with tin signs, but once signage transitioned to plastic or neon, metal versions were tucked or thrown away. Over the past few years, they have been making a comeback. However, be mindful that some of these pieces may be rusted, dented, and faded, reducing the price, so carefully choose the ones you want.