If you’ve been searching for modern art buyers, contemporary art buyers, or buyers of designer furniture, you may have overlooked us because of our name.
Although we’ve proudly been known as Syl-Lee Antiques for generations, a large percentage of what we purchase today isn’t technically antique at all.
In fact, we actively buy modern and contemporary art, mid-century modern furniture, designer lighting, luxury watches, fine jewelry, gold, silver, and important collectibles throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the surrounding areas.
We Buy More Than Antiques
The word “antiques” is part of our history, but it doesn’t define everything we buy.
Today’s strongest markets often include pieces created during the 20th and 21st centuries. As the market has evolved, so have we.
If you’re looking to sell modern art, sell contemporary art, sell designer furniture, or sell mid-century modern furniture, you’ve come to the right place.
Jeff Koons
“Puppy Vase”
Niki de Saint Phalle
“Nana Vase”
Pablo Picasso Ceramic
“Pichet Espagnol”
Modern & Contemporary Artists We Purchase
We regularly evaluate and purchase works by artists including:
- Andy Warhol
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Jeff Koons
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Keith Haring
- KAWS
- Banksy
- Damien Hirst
- Yayoi Kusama
- Takashi Murakami
- George Condo
- Alex Katz
- David Hockney
- Richard Prince
- Niki de Saint Phalle
- Ed Ruscha
- Robert Indiana
- Tom Wesselmann
- Donald Robertson
- Pablo Picasso
- Jonas Wood
- Mr. Brainwash
Whether you own an original painting, sculpture, drawing, print, or limited edition, we’re happy to evaluate it.
We Buy Mid-Century Modern & Designer Furniture
We’re also active buyers of exceptional furniture and design, including pieces by:
- George Nakashima
- Charles & Ray Eames
- Hans Wegner
- Finn Juhl
- Vladimir Kagan
- Paul Evans
- Karl Springer
- Harvey Probber
- Florence Knoll
- Isamu Noguchi
- Gio Ponti
- Jean Prouvé
- Pierre Jeanneret
- Le Corbusier
- Ettore Sottsass
- Philippe Starck
- Christian Liaigre
- Maison Jansen
From a single designer chair to an entire estate, we’re interested in quality pieces with strong collector demand.
Why Sellers Contact Syl-Lee Antiques
Unlike many companies that specialize in only one category, we purchase across a wide range of valuable items. This allows homeowners, collectors, estate executors, attorneys, and families to work with a single trusted buyer.
We regularly purchase:
- Modern & contemporary art
- Mid-century modern furniture
- Designer furniture
- Fine art
- Luxury watches
- Fine jewelry
- Gold
- Silver
- Rare coins
- Sterling silver
- Decorative arts
- Estate collections
Looking to Sell Modern Art or Designer Furniture?
Don’t let our company name fool you.
Some of the most valuable pieces we purchase each year were made within the last 50 to 75 years—and some are even contemporary.
If you’re looking for experienced modern art buyers in NYC, contemporary art buyers on Long Island, or someone to purchase designer furniture, mid-century modern furniture, or an entire estate, we’d be happy to help.
Contact Syl-Lee Antiques today for a confidential evaluation. We’ll help you understand what you have and determine whether it’s something we’re interested in purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you buy modern art?
Yes. We actively purchase modern art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and limited editions by many of the world’s most collected artists. Whether you’re selling a single work or an entire collection, we’re happy to evaluate it.
Do you buy contemporary art?
Absolutely. We regularly purchase contemporary artwork from established and emerging artists whose works have an active secondary market. We evaluate each piece individually based on artist, provenance, condition, rarity, and current market demand.
Do you buy Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Banksy, or KAWS?
Yes. We regularly evaluate works by artists including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, KAWS, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, George Condo, Alex Katz, David Hockney, Richard Prince, Jonas Wood, and many others.
Do you buy mid-century modern furniture?
Yes. We’re active buyers of high-quality mid-century modern furniture by leading designers such as George Nakashima, Charles and Ray Eames, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Vladimir Kagan, Paul Evans, Florence Knoll, Isamu Noguchi, Gio Ponti, Karl Springer, and many others.
Do you buy designer furniture?
Yes. We purchase designer furniture from both classic and contemporary designers. Whether you have a single statement piece or an entire home’s contents, we’re interested in quality pieces with collector demand.
How do I know if my artwork is valuable?
Value depends on several factors, including the artist, authenticity, condition, size, provenance, edition (if applicable), and current market demand. Even if you’re unsure what you have, we can often provide guidance after reviewing photographs and any available documentation.
Do you buy prints and limited editions?
Yes. We purchase many original prints, lithographs, screenprints, etchings, photographs, and limited editions by collectible artists. Signed and numbered editions are generally the most desirable, but we evaluate every piece individually.
Can you buy an entire estate that includes both antiques and modern items?
Yes. One of our specialties is purchasing estates with a mix of antiques, contemporary art, designer furniture, jewelry, watches, silver, and collectibles. Sellers appreciate working with a single experienced buyer rather than coordinating multiple specialists.
Do you make house calls?
Yes. For larger collections, estates, and significant individual items, we frequently travel throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and surrounding areas for on-site evaluations.
What information should I send for an appraisal or purchase offer?
The best starting point is clear photographs of the item, including signatures, labels, maker’s marks, dimensions, and any known history or provenance. The more information you can provide, the faster we can determine whether the item fits our buying criteria.
Do you offer free evaluations?
Yes. Initial evaluations are confidential and provided without obligation. After reviewing your photographs or speaking with you, we’ll let you know whether we’d like to inspect the item in person.
Why should I sell to Syl-Lee Antiques instead of an auction house?
Selling directly can often be faster, more private, and more convenient than consigning to auction. Instead of waiting months for a sale and paying commissions, many sellers prefer the certainty of working directly with an experienced buyer.
What areas do you serve?
We purchase items throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester County, and the greater New York metropolitan area. Depending on the collection, we also travel farther throughout the Northeast.
What other items do you buy besides art and furniture?
In addition to modern art and designer furniture, we purchase fine jewelry, luxury watches, gold, silver, sterling silver, coins, decorative arts, antiques, collectibles, and complete estate contents.
