3) Weight
4) Burl Wood
5) Maker's Marks
6) Signed Artwork
7) Limoges Porcelain
8) Slight Imperfections in Murano Glass
10) Superior Craftsmanship
11) Timeless Designs
12) Functional Details

3) Weight

Next time you’re in a thrift shop or yard sale, pick up those bookends or candlesticks you’re eyeing and feel how heavy they are. According to Prince, the weight of an item can tell you a lot about its quality. “There's no real science to this, but if it feels heavy, it could be a good piece to add to a collection. For example, a lightweight bookend is most likely hollow, whereas one with weight is probably solid or at least typically better crafted,” she explained. “Lighter, hollow pieces are more for mass production, but heavier pieces show that the maker or company cared more about the quality of their pieces.”

4) Burl Wood

If you spot a burl wood piece, Vartanian recommended buying it immediately during our chat. “I like to say there’s wood, and then there’s burl wood! Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it’s entirely unique, as no two pieces of burl will ever be the same. Burl wood is made from tree burls, and the wood is available in different natural shapes and designs and isn’t man-made. Because of its scarcity and unique character, it’s in high demand,” she shared.

5) Maker's Marks

No, not like the whiskey. “Just like clothing tags, a maker's mark—signature, stamp, or label—can show the quality of an item,” said Prince. “Furniture can have anything from a paper label or wood-burned name to a freehand signature on older pieces. And, of course, you could stumble upon a familiar brand like Royal Copenhagen or Haeger Pottery, whose name denotes quality.”

6) Signed Artwork

When it comes to artwork or even pottery, Vartanian said that signed pieces tend to be more valuable, which can mean the work is either original or part of a limited series. “While the signature may be that of an amateur art student, it’s likely one-of-a-kind, which lends value (and character) to the piece. A signature is also a great indicator of a piece’s potential worth. I typically search the name right there on the spot using Google Lens to get more information about the artist,” she added.

7) Limoges Porcelain

If you love searching for dining sets, small dishes, or figurines, Prince said the name Limoges can be a sign of quality as long as it's truly from the city of Limoges, France, known for its clay. “Because these pieces are hand painted, you’ll often find two marks, one denoting the company and the other telling who decorated the piece.” However, Limoges is often copied and reproduced, so she suggested tips for finding the real thing, like looking for intricate hand painting, signs of age (such as patina, but never crazing), and markings. “You can also hold it up to the light to see if it's translucent or tap it to see if it produces a nice ring, which is also a way to tell if your Limoges piece is genuine,” she shared.

8) Slight Imperfections in Murano Glass

One of the top items on Vartanian’s thrift list? Italian Midcentury Glassware. To check for quality and authenticity, she suggested looking out for slight imperfections. “This may seem counterintuitive, but authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. The imperfections are part of what makes their glassware collectibles.”

10) Superior Craftsmanship

So, how do you know something is well-made? “Attention to detail, symmetry, and finishing touches distinguish well-made items from mass-produced ones,” said Nakov. He suggested inspecting seams, stitching, and finishing details if you need a start on what to spot. “In furniture, look for smooth, even finishes and well-aligned edges. In textiles, check for tight, even stitching. Also, the types of fabrics used, if original, is a tell-tale sign,” he noted. “Are the pillows stuffed with down and feathers or polyester? High-priced items use natural fibers like silks, cotton, leather, wool, and feathers. Lower-cost goods use synthetics like polyester, faux leather, rubber, and rayon.”

According to Nakov, some more modern designers may use high-quality synthetics for durability and style, so this is not an absolute rule but more of a general guideline. “Look for how the seams are blended and if stripes on the arm of a chair or sofa meet with the back or the cushions perfectly. The better the item is upholstered and patterns matched, the higher the quality of the workmanship.”

11) Timeless Designs

“High-quality items often feature timeless designs that remain stylish regardless of trends,” Nakov said during our interview. “These pieces can blend seamlessly with various decor styles and stand the test of time. If it looks like it came from your grandmother’s house, it’s probably an antique and something worth more than an item that looks like it came from a hotel or furniture store.” He recommended looking for classic shapes and neutral colors and researching designs that have been popular across different eras.

12) Functional Details

Functional details can indicate a high-quality item, especially in kitchenware, Nakov pointed out. “This includes ergonomic handles, balanced weight distribution, and practical features. Test the functionality—handles should feel comfortable and secure, lids should fit snugly, and items should balance well when in use,” he said.