Vintage Ikea furnishings auctioned for $40,000

 Vintage Ikea furnishings took center stage at a chic Stockholm auction house, attracting collectors’ interest and fetching a total of 37000 euros (Around $40000). The Swedish retailer, known for its budget-friendly pieces, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, and its iconic designs have become sought-after design icons.

The world’s oldest auction house, Stockholm’s Auktionsverk, showcased 122 curated items with the unmistakable stamp of vintage Ikea furnishings. From tubular sofas to lacquered chests of drawers and even “space age” lamps, these pieces from the 1950s to the 1990s delighted collectors.

According to Li Pamp, head of the auction house, hosting an Ikea auction would have seemed unlikely 30 years ago. Ikea has had its fair share of controversies, including being accused of copying and following trends and facing criticism for environmental and sustainability reasons. However, Pamp acknowledged that Ikea produced some standout items, and many influential designers started their careers with the Swedish brand.

More than 100 carefully selected pieces, including tableware, furniture, mirrors, and lights, were sold at the auction. One notable sale was a red sofa that originally cost 120 euros in 1972 but sold for 2000 euros at the auction.

The emergence of a high-end vintage market has not gone unnoticed by Ikea. The Mix Davidsson, collection curator at the Ikea Museum, expressed flattery, seeing it as confirmation that they have built the greatest brand in over 80 years. However, she also noted that the high prices are contrary to their vision of designing for everyone.

Recognizing the trend, Ikea has launched a new collection featuring fresh takes on its iconic designs under the slogan “return to the future.” As the vintage market continues to boom, many people may unknowingly possess valuable Ikea items at home. The auction house encourages these individuals to reach out for evaluations and assistance.

For many, the auction of vintage Ikea furnishings is a nostalgic journey back in time. Thomas Raber, a visitor to the showroom, reminisced about Ikea being the go-to for affordable furniture that people would assemble themselves and eventually discard. Seeing these pieces showcased and auctioned as art and antiques after 80 years is a fascinating transformation. But it should be .