5 Overlooked Estate Sale Gems Worth Scooping Up

Seasoned shoppers share the vintage collectibles they always keep an eye out for at estate sales.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:45pm

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Estate sales can be treasure troves for savvy shoppers who know what to look for. Five professional estate sale shoppers share the often-overlooked categories they always keep an eye out for, including flatware, stools and benches, books, textiles and quilts, and china and crystal. These vintage finds may be hiding in plain sight but can add incredible value, character, and charm to any home.

Why it matters

Estate sales provide a unique opportunity to uncover one-of-a-kind vintage items that can elevate the style and character of a home. However, many of the most valuable and interesting finds are easily overlooked by the average shopper. This expert advice equips readers with the knowledge to spot these hidden gems and get the most out of their estate sale shopping experiences.

The details

According to the experts, some of the best estate sale finds are often tucked away in drawers, closets, and corners. Melanie Alexander of Lost and Found Decor recommends combing through flatware sets to find unique pieces like iced tea spoons, shell sugar spoons, and master butter knives. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design suggests keeping an eye out for small furnishings like stools and benches, which can add character and versatility to a space. Jess Ziomek of Thrills of the Hunt advises thoroughly searching bookshelves, as valuable out-of-print and first edition books can be easily overlooked. Haley Bennett and Marisa White of It Takes Two Vintage and Irving Road, respectively, both highlight the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage textiles, linens, and quilts. And Lisa Hogan of House of Happies recommends scooping up elegant china and crystal, which hold their value over time.

  • Estate sales typically occur when someone passes away or moves out of their home.

The players

Melanie Alexander

The founder of Lost and Found Decor in Arkansas, an expert in estate sale shopping.

Nadia Watts

The founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design in Denver, an expert in estate sale shopping.

Jess Ziomek

The founder of Thrills of the Hunt in Nashville, an expert in estate sale shopping.

Haley Bennett

The co-founder of It Takes Two Vintage in Raleigh, North Carolina, an expert in estate sale shopping.

Marisa White

The co-owner of Irving Road, based between Tampa and Denver, an expert in estate sale shopping.

Lisa Hogan

The founder of House of Happies, an expert in estate sale shopping.

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What they’re saying

“Often you can find single pieces that are unique and have value, like iced tea spoons, shell sugar spoons, and master butter knives.”

— Melanie Alexander, Founder, Lost and Found Decor

“A beautiful small stool can work at the end of a bed, under a console, or beside a chair as a place to stack books. They're also wonderful because they add character and patina that new furniture often lacks.”

— Nadia Watts, Founder, Nadia Watts Interior Design

“Typically, estate sale companies don't specifically highlight the books beyond a few photos of an overstuffed bookcase. While it's more of a gamble to head to the books first because striking gold isn't guaranteed, I've found many valuable out-of-print and first edition books while combing the shelves.”

— Jess Ziomek, Founder, Thrills of the Hunt

“Hand-stitched quilts, vintage linens, and embroidered textiles often get passed over because they're folded in a corner or tucked in a closet, but they can be incredibly special. Many were handmade and feature beautiful craftsmanship that's hard to find today.”

— Haley Bennett, Co-founder, It Takes Two Vintage

“The hand embroidery, scalloped edges, and old-world cotton feel are details you just can't replicate. Layer them on a table, drape them over a nightstand, or tuck them into a basket for instant, lived-in charm.”

— Marisa White, Co-owner, Irving Road

“China never goes out of style and adds a level of elegance to the everyday meal. Same with crystal glasses or crystal vases with fresh flowers; these items keep their value, and if taken care of should make it to another estate sale when that time comes!”

— Lisa Hogan, Founder, House of Happies

What’s next

Estate sales often occur on a regular basis in a given area, so savvy shoppers can keep an eye out for upcoming sales in their local community to continue their search for hidden vintage gems.

The takeaway

By keeping an eye out for often-overlooked categories like flatware, small furnishings, books, textiles, and china, estate sale shoppers can uncover incredible value, character, and charm in their vintage finds. This expert advice empowers readers to spot these hidden gems and get the most out of their estate sale experiences.