April 7, 2025

Where can I sell this mantle or have it priced?

Purchasing a home built in the early 1900s can uncover hidden treasures, and one homeowner recently found themselves wondering what to do with a solid wooden mantle they removed from…

Purchasing a home built in the early 1900s can uncover hidden treasures, and one homeowner recently found themselves wondering what to do with a solid wooden mantle they removed from their new house. After pulling the mantle off the wall, they were approached by a utility worker who offered them $50 on the spot. While this may seem like an easy offer, the homeowner felt there was more value to the piece and wanted to ensure they were getting what it was worth.

If you’re in a similar situation, you might wonder where to get your vintage mantle valued and how to sell it for a fair price. Here’s everything you need to know before you make a decision.

Is Your Vintage Wooden Mantle Worth More Than $50?

When a utility worker offered $50 for the mantle, it seemed like a casual and lowball offer. Many vintage pieces of furniture or architectural salvage, especially those from homes built in the early 1900s, can be worth much more than what an untrained person might offer on the spot. Depending on the material, craftsmanship, and age of the piece, your mantle could be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. It’s worth doing some research and getting a professional valuation before accepting any offers.

How to Have Your Mantle Valued

If you want to know the true value of your mantle before selling it, there are several avenues to explore for professional appraisals:

Antique Appraisers: Certified antique appraisers can give you an expert opinion on the mantle’s age, value, and potential market demand. They can assess the materials, craftsmanship, and condition of the piece to provide an accurate valuation.
Specialized Salvage and Restoration Shops: Stores that specialize in restoring or selling vintage woodwork, furniture, or architectural salvage might be able to help you assess the mantle’s value. Some shops may even be interested in buying it if it’s in good condition.
Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Etsy, and even Instagram can provide insight into how much similar items are being sold for. If you’re comfortable with it, you can list the mantle online to gauge buyer interest and get an idea of its market value.
Architectural Salvage Companies: These companies buy, restore, and sell items salvaged from older homes. They can provide a ballpark estimate of what your mantle might be worth and may also be potential buyers.

The Debate: Should You Keep or Sell the Mantle?

While the mantle might hold significant value, many people believe that such a beautiful piece should be kept with the house, preserving its original character and historical integrity. Here’s what others had to say in a recent conversation about selling a vintage wooden mantle:

“Put it back. Any value you would get selling it, you lose from your home.”
“I would prefer that you put it back in your house! If you want to sell it, it is worth over $500 in most areas. You can look into a renovation supply or reclaimed wood, etc. for a buyer.”
“Noooooooooooooooooooo. Put it back. That tile is stunning. I’m sure you can find replacement pieces for what’s missing or broken. The people over at century homes may be able to tell you the maker.”
“No idea but those tiles are antique and rare.”
“When you eventually sell your house I will no doubt see it on r/centuryhomes and everyone will be wondering what kind of monster would destroy the original fireplace hahah.”
“It’s an original to the house and in art nouveau, arts and crafts style. Please put it back and keep it!”
“It’s always sad to see an original mantle sold. Please consider keeping it with the house, even if in storage, until the next owner comes along. Congratulations on your new home!”
“Why would you remove this lol. Honest question. You will not be able to replace it with anything even CLOSE in quality today.”
“Why do you people buy old homes just to destroy its character? So infuriating.”
“The mantle pricing will be all over the place, depending on where you are. I could get a nice marble mantle for a couple hundred where I am, you’d have to give yours away. So please don’t!!! You’d be severely stripping out some gorgeous detail. I am not someone who would beg you not to paint it—it could look great in many colors, depending on how you decorate—but please don’t get rid of it. Or the tiles.”

Should You Sell or Keep the Mantle?

Ultimately, the decision to sell or keep your vintage mantle is a personal one, and there are pros and cons to both options. On one hand, selling it could provide funds to put back into renovations and possibly recoup some of the money spent on purchasing the home. On the other hand, keeping it could preserve the historical charm and integrity of your home, which is something that future owners might greatly appreciate.

If you’re still unsure, it’s worth considering how the mantle fits into the overall aesthetic of your home. Can you incorporate it into your current renovations? Does it hold sentimental or architectural value that will be important for you long-term? Whatever you choose, make sure you take the time to properly value and research your options before making any final decisions.