The Valuable Mid-Century Modern Brand You Can Get At The Thrift Store (If You're Lucky)

There are several mid-century furniture lines that are worth a pretty penny, but there's one visionary brand you should definitely seek out. In 1910, Eero Saarinen was born in Finland to a family of creatives; it seemed fated that he became one of the most iconic designers of the mid-20th century. Rather than viewing furniture as a utilitarian necessity, he used his architectural vision to blend artistry with spatial awareness. This resulted in several iconic pieces that are still highly coveted today.

Saarinen worked closely with Charles Eames, and they collaborated on items such as the famous molded plywood chairs from 1940. Perhaps even more well-known are Saarinen's tulip chairs and tables, still a symbol of mid-century American interiors. If you get lucky enough to see an original Saarinen design at the thrift store — don't hesitate! Authentic pieces sell for a pretty penny online. For example, a small side table can easily reach $800 on eBay. Whether you decide to resell your find or furnish your own home, a Saarinen chair or table is an incomparable piece of furniture for a mid-century home.

Beyond the side tables, several other pieces are priced sky-high on resale websites. Saarinen's armless dining chairs — with an iconic curved body and an arched cut-out — are priced anywhere between $395 and $1,000 per piece. While you might get lucky stumbling on Saarinen furniture, the price tag of a genuine Saarinen piece is likely to be high, even if you source it from a thrift store. If you love the look but can't quite afford a real piece, consider a dupe like this Lajeri Swivel Tulip Side Chair or the Armen Living Summer Modern Chair. These are two great vintage-inspired finds for your modern home.

When it comes to ensuring a Saarinen is authentic, there are several ways to tell. If the piece was designed for Knoll Studio, it will come with a chrome plaque with the brand and Saarinen's signature. Relying on the material itself can be tricky, since the tops were made from several different materials depending on the line. The piece should also display a date underneath, and the year should line up with its original date of production. If you're still unsure, you can take a picture and turn to online forums to help authenticate your latest thrifting find.