In addition to being a TV host, Ive been an antique collector, dealer, and restorer for more than 30 years. While the business has gone through many ups and downs, and Ive seen many trends come and go, in all that time, Ive never witnessed the significant changes in the business that occured since the beginning of Covid. Perhaps its because most of us were home for a year, or more, getting reacquainted with our belongings, exploring our attics, or maybe just having more time on our hands to read magazines. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: theres a clear resurgence in interest, and therefore in prices, in antiques, driven in large part by online auctions. Categories that had plateaued in recent years or had been mostly overlooked are fetching record prices at auction and in private sales. There will always be pop culture moments that cause specific items to soar for a short period. Barbie mania is alive and well in the antiques market, and Princess Dianas black sheep sweater is sure to fetch a tidy sum at auction. But outside of those current event or pop culture driven outliers, there are some notable trends in antique sales. Whats Soaring Signs: Many businesses are contacting me to help them search for the perfect sign to advertise their businesses, either antique or new. The touchpoint of nostalgia that these signs convey seems to be increasingly something that appeals to consumers. Cars: Antique cars are having a huge resurgence. Comics: Auction houses that specialize in comic books are reaping the rewards not only of a post-Covid surge in sales, but also from a Hollywood thats focused on recycling action heroes with prequels and sequels. Heritage Auctions, one of the big houses for comics, among other things, is about to put up for auction a huge collection of original comics discovered boxed up on a second floor of a long-closed feed store. Its expected to reach record prices. Whats Stalling Certain categories of furniture sales are starting to climb, but they remain nowhere near their peak in the 80s and 90s, when antique pieces hit peak popularity. Its no surprise that their decline coincided with a burst of technological changes that changed the way we live and entertain. Combined with the continued trend of open concept, light, airy living spaces, I wouldnt bet money on this trend changing anytime soon. Slow and Steady Jewelry: Unlike some furniture, most antique jewelry simply never goes out of style. High-end jewelry continues to have an ongoing moment. Both vintage and antique jewelry really stands the test of time and, therefore, will always fetch high prices. Toys: In this high-tech age, contrary to furniture, our new lifestyles have led to ongoing popularity in the vintage toy market. Of course, trends come and go in this market (Hello, Barbie), but classic, well-made toys continue to fetch top dollar. The one thing that seems constant in this industry is change, so for dealers and acquirers alike its wise to stay abreast of market trends. I suspect there are many people out there who regret not getting rid of their heavy mahogany armoires in the late 1980s. And while its hard to know what the future holds, its a good bet to dust off those Barbies now.