The rising value of vintage IKEA
by Julie AthanasiouThe Rising Value of Vintage IKEA Furniture: Is There a Hidden Treasure in Your Home?
Did you know the vintage furniture in your living room might be worth thousands of dollars? If you own pieces from the Scandinavian superstore IKEA, you could be sitting on a collector's item without even realising it.
IKEA has long been known for making furniture accessible to everyone, with its iconic designs blending functionality with affordability. Collections by renowned designers like Virgil Abloh and Sabine Marcelis have cemented IKEA's reputation for merging high-end design with mass appeal. However, a surprising trend has emerged: vintage IKEA furniture—once sold at affordable prices—is now commanding significant sums in the online vintage furniture market.
Why Vintage IKEA Furniture is So Valuable
Furniture that was originally designed for mass production and widespread appeal is now considered highly collectible. On various e-commerce platforms, vintage IKEA furniture from the 1980s and 1990s is particularly sought after. Pieces that were once purchased for a fraction of today's prices are now fetching thousands of dollars.
Wava Carpenter, founder of Pamono e-commerce and director of Design Miami, explains the phenomenon: "The most sought-after vintage IKEA furniture pieces hail from the 1980s and 1990s. This period marked IKEA's transformation into a brand designed for a youthful, urban, and contemporary audience. The designs from this era are whimsical, vibrant, and minimalist."
Moreover, there's an increasing demand for 1960s IKEA furniture, which often mirrors the mid-century modern Scandinavian style. These pieces, while less emblematic of the IKEA brand, are becoming increasingly rare and valuable as the years go by.
The Future of IKEA Collectibles
In 2018, Barnebys, a leading auction platform, predicted that furniture from the popular Swedish retailer would "emerge as coveted collectibles in the future." They estimated that IKEA's 1956 LÖVBACKEN side table could be worth as much as $9,700 in two decades. Today, this projection is becoming a reality, as more people recognize the value of vintage IKEA furniture. Barnebys suggests that these pieces will continue to appreciate in value, making them not just functional items but also valuable investments.
Discover and Shop for Your Own Vintage Treasures
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the world of vintage homewares, the growing value of vintage IKEA furniture is a trend worth watching. At Vintage Upcycle, we understand the importance of preserving history through beautifully restored vintage furniture. Our curated collection includes unique and rare pieces that bring character and style to any space.
Shop our collection today to find the perfect piece of vintage furniture for your home. Whether you’re looking for something with the iconic mid-century modern aesthetic or a distinctive industrial-style vintage item, you’ll find treasures that are both timeless and valuable. Don’t miss the chance to add a piece of history to your home—visit Vintage Upcycle now and discover the stories behind each of our carefully selected items.