6 min read
While the younger population loves to hate on the decorating choices from generations past, you may not want to badmouth the way your grandmother accessorized her yard too much, because there could be some hidden treasures hiding inside her backyard shed that are way too valuable to donate or sell at a garage sale. As we collect things throughout our lives, it’s normal for valuable pieces to get pushed to the back of our minds—and storage spaces.
“You’d be surprised how many beautiful, valuable pieces end up forgotten behind an old potting table or tucked into a garden corner,” says Leah Bailey, a designer and antiques lover. That old cement statue might look like a crumbling piece of junk to you, but it could be worth a shocking amount of cash, depending on where it originated. And if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon any outdoor furniture pieces by François Carre stuffed in the back of your grandma’s shed, then you’re in for a big payday. “Some of my favorite finds—both personally and professionally—have come from family sheds or estate sales,” Bailey adds. “Sometimes the most overlooked garden pieces are the ones with the most soul and value.”
From everyday items to fancier finds, there’s surprising value to be found in your grandma’s old garden shed. We asked antiquing experts and interior designers to reveal the most valuable pieces you could find while you’re helping clean out your grandma’s yard or shed, and they did not hold back. So, before you toss that old lawn ornament in the “give away” pile, take a closer look and do some research to find out if it’s actually worth the big bucks. Ahead, find 10 garden treasures in your grandmother’s shed that are seriously valuable.
Hand-Carved Limestone Birdbaths
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Birdwatching is a popular “grandma hobby,” so keep an eye out for any birdbaths hidden among your grandmother’s things. If the piece is hand-carved from limestone, it could be worth between $300 and $2,000, says Bailey.
“Bird baths are one of the first things I’ll keep an eye out for. The stone ages beautifully, and the detailing on older birdbaths is often so unique,” she adds. Many of these specific baths were made in the early 20th century, making them likely over a century old. They bring an old-world charm and timelessness to a garden space.
François Carre Sunburst Chairs and Benches
Finding a François Carre piece is essentially hitting the jackpot when it comes to garden treasures, says Noel Fahden, the VP of Global Merchandising for Chairish. Carre’s pieces are iconic for their distinctive sunburst designs and their ability to provide a comfortable seat without a cushion due to the way he bent steel and used springs.
“The design is both sculptural and surprisingly comfortable, making them a favorite of interior designers and garden enthusiasts alike,” Schwartz adds. “Their combination of French elegance and industrial practicality makes them timeless.”
A single chair can sell between $800 and $2,500, but dining sets and benches can well exceed $4,000, depending on their condition. These pieces are just as beautiful in a country garden as they are on a rooftop terrace, Fahden says. And while it may be popular to paint over worn and aged conditions of metal furniture, try to resist doing so with these items.
Cast-Iron Garden Urns and Planters
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Cast-iron anything is always a great find, and in the garden, cast-iron urns and planters can bring in a nice sum of cash. Because these pieces are heavy, solid, and beautifully made, a good set could sell between $500 and $4,000, depending on the size and detailing, Bailey explains. Plus, they last so long, making them highly desirable for both modern and traditional aesthetics.
Margaret Schwartz, the owner of Modern Antiquarian, a shop that curates highly covetable antiques, specifically says to look out for cast-iron pots circa the late 19th century to the early 20th century. “These substantial pieces are often decorated in classical motifs. Think fluted urns, lion heads, or acanthus leaves in the Neoclassical style,” she adds. “They were built to last and develop a beautiful patina over time.”
Arras Furniture or Plant Stands
As you’re sorting through your grandma’s shed and you come across a piece of metal furniture with clawed or hoofed feet, count your lucky stars. Arras garden furniture was manufactured in the French town of the same name, and it’s known for its elegant proportions and exceptional craftsmanship, as well as its hoofed or clawed feet, Schwartz says. Despite being created in the mid-to-late 19th century, Arras pieces are still found to be extremely sturdy, even with their delicate appearances and curved details. “Prices range from $1,200 for a plant stand to $5,000+ for seating pieces with provenance,” Schwartz adds.
These specific items are highly collectible for the beauty they bring to both the outdoors and interior spaces, as well as their historical value. “Arras furniture was originally designed for use in public gardens and greenhouses,” Schwartz explains. “Today, it’s prized for its patina and rarity, especially when original paint remains.”
Wrought-Iron Trellises or Gates
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Wrought iron has been having a moment as of late, appearing in home collections and bespoke architectural details. If you find a trellis or gate crafted from this metal, Bailey suggests holding onto it tightly. Depending on when they were forged, these treasures were likely handmade by blacksmiths and can be of great value, especially if they’re adorned with ornate scrollwork or interesting shapes, she adds—you can “feel the craftsmanship in the weight and welds.” Though these pieces vary by condition and size, they can be worth anywhere from $200 to $1,200, according to Bailey.
Russell Woodard Sculptura Furniture
Don’t worry if your grandma wasn’t big into traditional design; there are plenty of midcentury items that are worth a lot, too. Russell Woodard’s Sculptura line was created in the 1950s and 1960s, and is “beloved for its airy, modern design and distinctive mesh construction,” Schwartz says. There are plenty of Woodard designs to be found today, from lounge chairs to love seats to entire patio sets, and most of them feature mesh, curves, and powder-coated wrought iron.
Though they hail from the 20th century, these pieces are often viewed as timeless by collectors and designers because of their versatile silhouette and functional outdoor use. According to Schwartz, a pair of chairs could be sold between $1,500 and $3,000, and complete sets command even more.
Vintage Garden Statuary and Ornaments
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Consider yourself lucky if your grandma always had stone creatures displayed around her yard and garden, because they’re surprisingly pretty valuable. Concrete statues or small stone ornaments are “always worth considering,” says Bailey. The resale price varies depending on the type of statuary you find; simple midcentury pieces are really just collectibles and may earn you around $150. However, something older, European, intricately carved, or made from marble could boost the price to well into the thousands.
“Whether it’s a Neoclassical goddess, playful animal figure, or swan planter, concrete garden ornaments from this era are in demand for their whimsy and charm,” Schwartz says of items from the 1920s to 1970s. “Look for signatures or foundry stamps for added value.” Overall, these pieces bring a sense of personality to a garden, and their weathered surfaces only add to their appeal, Schwartz adds.
Salterini Wrought-Iron Furniture
Wrought iron is very collectible due to its durability and versatility, but Salterini furniture pieces specifically are highly desirable thanks to their graceful designs. A single chair can start around $600, and an entire dining or lounge set can sell for $5,000 at least. John B. Salterini was an Italian immigrant and furniture maker specializing in wrought iron in 1930s New York, and his pieces have an undeniable romanticism to them.
“The craftsmanship is exceptional, with solid, welded construction and intricate scrollwork and curves,” Schwartz says. “His designs merged classical inspiration with American durability, creating pieces that feel equally at home in a city terrace or country garden.”
Metal Watering Cans
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There’s a certain charm to an antique metal watering can, so much so that people are willing to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on them, depending on the origin.
“Originally a strictly utilitarian object, vintage watering cans are now valued for their beautiful form as much as their function,” says Fahden. Since these older pieces were typically constructed in brass or copper, they’re usually smaller than our modern watering cans, making them ideal for indoor plants as well as outdoor ones. Some are even chic enough to simply live on as decoration. “Some of the most valuable examples come from groundbreaking Austrian designer Carl Auböck, who designed over 1,000 objects,” Fahden adds.
Metal Plant Stands
Though your grandma’s old plant stand may be rusted and rickety, that doesn’t take away from its potential value, so don’t immediately overlook it. Fahden explains that these pieces are seeing a resurgence in value due to their versatility in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
And before you even think about painting or refurbishing this piece, know that their “patina is a big part of their appeal, and the chippier the better,” Fahden adds.
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