Exploring the world of vintage IKEA furniture reveals a fascinating market where past designs, once sold for modest prices, have surged in value. Known for affordable, stylish designs, IKEA has been an entry point for many into the world of home furnishing. However, as time passes and certain pieces are discontinued, a demand has grown for these bygone items, leading to astonishing prices at auctions and resale markets. Let’s delve into some of the most noteworthy vintage IKEA gems and the talents behind them.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Bengt Ruda
Furniture: Grill Chairs, Cikada Armchairs
Location: IKEA Museum Archive
Era: 1950s-1960s
Designer: Alvar Aalto
Special Collection: Guide Shelving Unit by Niels Gammelgaard
One cannot discuss vintage IKEA without mentioning the trio of designers who significantly impacted its legacy. Among these pioneers was Bengt Ruda, the first professionally trained designer employed by IKEA. In 1958, Ruda introduced the Grill Chair, a notable design featuring a unique tripod shape, initially priced at a mere $2.40. Today, these chairs can fetch nearly $9,000 for a pair. Similarly, the mid-century IKEA teak cabinet, made in the 1950s, demonstrates the rising popularity of case pieces from this era, now valued between $3,000 to $4,000. Ruda’s other creations, like the Cikada Armchairs, continue to captivate collectors, with individual items commanding thousands of dollars.
Another fascinating piece hailing from the 1960s is the IKEA sofa by Bengt Ruda, with its eye-catching green flat-weave fabric paying homage to mid-century aesthetics. While its original pricing is unavailable, the sofa today demands around $4,000. Likewise, the Borkum 3-seater by Johan Bertil Häggström from the 1970s echoes the era’s emphasis on loungey silhouettes and chrome accents, making it highly desirable in the vintage market, with prices around $4,000 for a three-seater in good condition.
Diving into the 1980s, certain iconic pieces continue to hold significant sway. The Impala Chair by Gillis Lundgren, named after the Chevrolet Impala, was initially affordable, but now a single chair sells for over $13,000. Another celebrated item is the Scandinavian Art Deco table lamps pair, which are listed for $1,900 currently, showcasing the demand for stylish lighting solutions from IKEA’s past. It’s interesting to note the value attached to non-seating pieces like these, which cater to collectors of unique home decor accents.
The Guide shelving unit by Niels Gammelgaard shines as a prime example of IKEA’s foray into functional, stylish home organization. Originally sold for just $68, these units now cost up to $1,500 in the resale market. Thankfully for enthusiasts, IKEA plans to reissue this design and others from Gammelgaard in its upcoming anniversary collection. Lastly, the 1990s saw contributions from designers such as Carl Öjerstam and Alvar Aalto. Öjerstam’s Karlskrona Wicker Chaise and Aalto’s minimalist lounge chair, priced around $2,000 today, illustrate the enduring appeal of Scandinavian design philosophy.
In essence, vintage IKEA furniture tells a story of transformative design and the lasting impact of visionary creators. These pieces underscore the retailer’s legacy, transcending time and trends to become coveted treasures in the design world. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out these rare finds, vintage IKEA furniture serves as a testament to the timeless allure of innovative, yet accessible design.
