Antiques may be built to last, but their popularity can ebb and flow. Even in a market where nearly everything eventually finds a buyer, some pieces go through quieter periods – making them a bit more challenging to sell at any given moment.
To find out which items are seeing less interest right now, we asked antique experts and dealers to share what’s currently being passed over. From pressed glassware to red mahogany, these once-popular finds are taking a backseat to more in-demand pieces like antique silver and colourful quilts.
Still, pros say there’s a bright side: these under-the-radar treasures could be well worth adding to your collection while they’re less sought-after.
Matching dining sets
As formality at home has decreased, so too has the need for a large, classic dining set with a matching table, chairs and even a china cabinet. For Jill Arden Lukeman, co-owner of The Mariner and the Muse, these traditional pieces don’t move off the floor like they used to.
“The way people entertain today is simply more relaxed, and many homes no longer have a dedicated formal dining room,” she says. “That said, the individual pieces are still wonderful; an antique table or a pair of chairs can feel incredibly fresh when mixed with other styles rather than used as a full suite.”
Certain mid-century modern classics
Once the darling of the vintage world, mid-century modern aesthetics are slowly falling out of favour. “We’ve seen mid-century modern dominate interiors for years, but buyer tastes are beginning to broaden,” says Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior.
“Pieces like low teak sideboards, minimalist Scandinavian coffee tables, or simple ladder-back dining chairs were once the fastest to sell. But because they’ve been such a staple for so long, they can now take a little longer to find the right buyer. They’re still timeless designs, but people are increasingly looking for pieces that feel a bit more distinctive.”
Deconstructed furniture
With a distinctive “skeletal” look and country flair, deconstructed furniture – a hallmark of the once-ubiquitous “shabby chic” aesthetic – gives an inside look into the anatomy behind bench-made furniture. Oftentimes, these pieces remain “unfinished” in the traditional sense to expose the raw wood frames and other inner workings of the piece. While beautiful, the look can be very specific.
“Five or six years ago, we couldn't keep deconstructed pieces in stock and struggled to keep up with demand,” says Ashley Tullinen, who runs Canvas and Cargo alongside her husband, Jake Snell. “Recently, we started to see a drop in demand for these pieces, and in 2026, it's pretty nonexistent. We're really seeing clients gravitate more towards playful colour and patterns in vintage English upholstery pieces, which we've seen a rise in.”
Pressed glass pieces
Once the first thing to fly off the shelves of an antique mart, pressed glassware is becoming more commonplace, and therefore, the demand for it is decreasing. “As a self-proclaimed dish lover and hoarder, the decreased interest in pressed glass is rather personal,” says Noelle Nicolai, owner of Coleville Home. “I'll never give up on Indiana glass goblets, but the ornate nature of pressed glass and the pieces that were once no brainers aren't moving with the same fervour. Studio glass and Scandinavian pieces seem to be of more interest recently, while ornate cake stands or bowls stay on our shelves a little longer.”
Red-toned mahogany furniture
While you can pretty much guarantee that any solid wood antique is a good investment, certain species and finishes are more in-demand than others – and right now, red-toned mahogany falls pretty low on that list. “Highly polished mahogany case pieces have become a bit harder to place as buyers gravitate toward lighter woods and softer finishes,” says Lukeman. “That deep reddish tone can read very formal in today’s interiors. Still, the craftsmanship in these pieces is remarkable, and they often come alive when paired with lighter textiles or contemporary art.”
English advertising pots
In today’s market, Tullinen says that English advertising pots are being passed up in favour of a more timeless aesthetic. “I remember a decade ago the thrill of discovering English advertising pots, like Frank Coppers or Dundee, ‘in the wild’ at an antique store,” she shares. “Now, market saturation of these items has made them feel less special. Instead, we’re seeing clients drawn to green, blue, and brown transferware. Asiatic Pheasant dishes also remain a popular pattern in our store.”
Neoclassical and architectural engravings
Art is inherently subjective, which can make it one of the most fun categories to collect – and one of the hardest to sell. While architectural engravings certainly have their audience, many shoppers are looking for something different visually these days.
“Neoclassical and architectural engravings have been a bit slower for me lately, which always surprises me because they’re some of the most impactful pieces you can use,” says Anna Teague of Blackbird Grove Vintage. “I think they require a slightly more trained, detail-oriented eye. They’re quieter visually, more tonal, and not as immediately attention-grabbing as, say, an oil painting. But when they’re framed well, they completely change the tone of a room and make everything feel more considered.”
Brass finishes
Warm metals have been the choice du jour in design for a while now, but dealers have noticed the slow decline in interest for pieces finished in brass or gold – and the sharp increase in cooler finishes.
“Brass seems to be cooling off lately,” says Alexandra Williams, owner of Hudson Home Edit. “It had a major moment across both decorative and functional pieces, but demand has softened a bit in 2026. I’m seeing a move toward cooler tones, with silver and chrome becoming more popular in interiors.”
Victorian teacups
"When you are looking at antiques it all depends on whether you are buying for profit or for passion – if you are a collector then the wonderful thing about antiques is that there truly is something out there for everybody and you should just buy what you love, whether it’s Staffordshire spaniels, 19th-century Willow pattern plates or Edwardian champagne saucers," says Sasha Wilkins, Country Living's antique supplement editor.
"However, I think the only things that I never ever purposefully buy are Victorian teacups as they are impossible to shift, however beautiful, because most people don’t drink from teacups anymore, they prefer larger mugs and pieces that are less delicate."
Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in interior and lifestyle content. Her work helps readers digest design trends and provides actionable expert advice for creating a home they love. She has over a decade of experience in the media industry, and her work has appeared in Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, SELF, Apartment Therapy, The Knot, Domino, HGTV Magazine, Country Living, and more. Alyssa holds a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from Marist College and interior design certifications from NYIAD and RIDQC.
