The Brazilian-Inspired Furniture Line You'd Be Lucky To Find At The Thrift Store Today

Thrift store furniture shopping is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Among the piles of standard IKEA furniture that looks stunningly vintage but isn't, worn-out pieces from mismatched furniture sets, and outdated entertainment centers designed for hulking box televisions, you'll occasionally come across a gem. Broyhill's Brasilia line is one such diamond in the rough, and if you happen to stumble upon it, you could be looking at a hefty payday.

This mid-20th century line features stunning, sweeping motifs inspired by the architecture of Brazil's then-new capital city, the brainchild of Oscar Niemeyer. It was developed by designer Melbourne F. Smith and has remained a favorite of mid-century modern furniture collectors for decades. From certain angles, Broyhill Brasilia may look like ordinary wood furniture. The pieces are sleek and clean structurally — a trademark of the era — but they include arch-shaped decorations that nod to the once-futuristic design of buildings in Brasilia.

These arches adorn everything from china cabinets to bed frames, allowing customers in the '60s and collectors today to bring a bit of South American retrofuturism to every room in their homes. The line didn't last for long, though — the Brasilia collection was only sold from 1962 to 1970, making these pieces of furniture a rarer find nowadays. Thanks to their sturdy walnut construction, pieces from this line have stood the test of time, making them holy grail items for modernist collectors.

Broyhill's Brasilia line is easily recognizable. The arch motif runs consistently through most of the line, whether it adorns the front of a cabinet or forms the base of a table. The solid walnut construction and wood grain are other good signs that you're looking at something genuine. There have, however, been plenty of cases where eagle-eyed shoppers find Broyhill Brasilia pieces at thrift stores that have been painted by former owners. If you've been restoring furniture for years or know the number one rule for stripping furniture — always use the right tools for the job — this could be a great opportunity to bring a piece back to its former glory.

If you're lucky, you'll come across an interior label that reads "from the Brasilia Collection by Broyhill Premier." Unfortunately, these labels were made of paper, so there's a high chance they have peeled off, been torn, or otherwise become unreadable over the years. If you come across a piece you think may be from Broyhill Brasilia but aren't sure, you can try to authenticate your latest thrifting find through a reverse image search, consultation with a vintage furniture expert, or a post in an online collectors' forum.

Broyhill Brasilia pieces vary widely in price depending on where you're buying them, what they are, and their condition. You can regularly find items in good shape for between $1,200 and $10,000 on online auction sites like 1st Dibs. Reseller sites like eBay have similarly priced pieces, and you can also find individual parts like drawers, cabinet pulls, and even drawer slides for between $100 and $200. Whether you plan to keep your thrifted Broyhill Brasilia find or sell it, it's safe to say that these items are a good investment.