Used Gems: 13 Old-Fashioned Brands to Look For

When it comes to mid-century design, no other brand has the prestige of Herman Miller. This iconic company has been at the forefront of innovation for decades, partnering with legendary designers like the Eames duo and Isamu Noguchi to create furnishings that are true masterpieces. Finding an original Herman Miller piece at a thrift store would be the ultimate score – these products can sell for thousands on the secondhand market. Even though most owners know their value, the thrill of the hunt makes it worth keeping your eyes peeled. You might just stumble across a rare Eames lounge chair or Nelson bubble lamp that’ll have your friends green with envy.

Herman Miller has never lost its touch for mid-century magic. Many of their iconic designs are still in production today, but vintage finds will always be the holy grail for collectors. If you spot one of these gems in a thrift shop, snatch it up immediately – you may never get another chance like that.

United Furniture may not be a household name like Herman Miller, but their mid-century pieces are absolute gems. This North Carolina-based brand made a name for itself in the ’50s and ’60s with well-designed, high-quality furnishings that were still affordable for the average consumer. While the company shuttered in the late 20th century, their vintage pieces remain highly prized by collectors today. A pristine United Furniture dresser or nightstand could fetch thousands if you’re lucky enough to spot one in a thrift store. Even if the piece needs a little TLC, the craftsmanship is sure to shine through.

United Furniture may not be a household name, but their mid-century designs have serious staying power. If you stumble across one of their furnishings, don’t let it slip through your fingers – scoop it up and consider it a real investment. With a little love, you could turn that thrift store find into a stunning showpiece for your home.

Drexel Furniture wasn’t exactly a household name like Herman Miller, but they were masters at bringing mid-century style to the masses. This North Carolina brand shifted gears in the 1930s to focus on higher-quality, more contemporary designs alongside their traditional offerings. By the ’50s and ’60s, Drexel was churning out beautiful mid-century pieces that blended simplicity and functionality. While they may not fetch the same astronomical prices as rarer brands, their quality construction means Drexel furnishings are still highly sought-after, especially if you spot one in great condition at a thrift store. A classic Drexel dresser or set of nightstands could be an amazing score.

Drexel may not have collaborated with big-name designers, but their in-house mid-century designs still hold up incredibly well. If you spot a Drexel piece while thrifting, don’t hesitate – it could be a real diamond in the rough that’s worth scooping up, even if it needs a little love to restore its former glory.

If mid-century modern and Scandinavian design had a love child, it would be the work of Poul Hundevad. This Danish designer perfectly blended the clean lines and functionality of both styles, creating pieces that exude effortless sophistication. His most iconic designs, like the “rolling bar cart” and “Model 60” chair, are still produced today, but finding an original Hundevad piece in a thrift store would be the ultimate score. These furnishings have a cult following among collectors, so even if the price tag is high, you’d be investing in a true design masterpiece.

Tracking down a vintage Hundevad creation in the wild may be tricky, as his designs have been widely reproduced. But if you do spot an original, don’t let it slip through your fingers – snap it up immediately. These pieces can sell for hundreds or even thousands on the secondary market, depending on the item’s condition. For mid-century lovers, a Hundevad find would be the holy grail of thrift store treasure hunting.

To most shoppers, IKEA is known for its affordable, modern furniture and Swedish meatballs. But did you know the brand has a long history with mid-century design? IKEA has been around since the 1940s and started selling furniture in 1948, staying true to its Scandinavian roots with clean, functional pieces. Nowadays, vintage IKEA furnishings from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s are highly prized by collectors, with some designs fetching thousands on the secondary market. So if you spot an old-school IKEA chair or table in a thrift store, don’t sleep on it – that piece could be a real investment.

It may take some research to know which vintage IKEA designs are worth the splurge, but the hunt is half the fun. Staying up-to-date on the most in-demand styles, like the Grill chairs by Bengt Ruda, will help you spot a true gem when you see one. With a little luck and elbow grease, that thrift store IKEA find could become your next prized possession.

Knoll is another mid-century darling, blending the clean lines of modern design with the timeless Bauhaus philosophy. Founders Florence and Hans Knoll built the brand up by partnering with legendary creatives like Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer. The result? Furnishings that are true works of art, oozing sophistication and style. While Knoll pieces can be pricey even on the secondhand market, stumbling across one in a thrift store would be a real coup. These are the kinds of finds that could pay serious dividends down the line if you decide to resell.

Tracking down an authentic Knoll piece in the wild may be a tall order, but it’s not impossible. And if you do get lucky, consider it a major score – these are the kinds of furnishings that design buffs and collectors go gaga over. Even if you don’t want to part with your Knoll treasure, you’ll have an incredibly stylish statement piece to enjoy for years to come.

When it comes to mid-century furniture, Thonet has serious street cred. This German brand has been churning out iconic chair designs since the 1800s, with their famous No. 14 chair becoming a staple in cafes, restaurants, and homes around the world. Even in the mid-20th century heyday, Thonet’s sleek, bentwood pieces remained hugely popular. And the best part? These timeless designs are relatively easy to find in thrift stores, especially compared to rarer brands. While you may not score a major investment, a well-maintained Thonet chair can still be a fantastic addition to your home.

Thonet’s long history and widespread popularity mean their pieces are less of a rarity these days. That’s good news for thrifters, as it makes them a bit more accessible and affordable than harder-to-find mid-century gems. But don’t let that diminish their appeal – a quality Thonet chair or table is still a fantastic find, especially if you can scoop it up for a steal at a secondhand shop.

Hooker Furniture may not be a household name for mid-century design, but this family-owned brand has definitely dipped its toes in the style over the years. While they’re better known for their traditional furnishings, Hooker did produce a mid-century line called Mainline that’s worth keeping an eye out for in thrift stores. These solid wood pieces can still hold their own, even if they don’t quite command the same sky-high prices as the big-name mid-century brands. So if you spot a Hooker find while treasure hunting, give it a closer look – you might just stumble across a hidden gem.

Hooker Furniture may not be a mid-century icon, but their quality craftsmanship means their vintage pieces can still be a smart investment. The Mainline collection is your best bet for scoring a stylish mid-century find, though really any Hooker piece you spot in a thrift store is worth a second glance. With a little TLC, you could turn that secondhand gem into a stunning centerpiece for your home.

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