Don't throw away your IKEA furniture, it could be worth $15,000 – I spoke with an IKEA historian to find out how to spot a potential IKEA collectible

Mid-century modern design is witnessing a major revival. Furniture, art, and decor from the middle of the last century are now deemed 'collectible', visual reminders of the era's originality and fine craftsmanship. Many of today's valuable pieces have been designed by Europe's most recognized designers and makers, and interestingly, this mix includes a name we all know and love, popular Swedish homeware brand IKEA.

I spoke to Andreas Siesing, one of Sweden’s leading design historians and Auctionet’s IKEA and interiors expert, who spilled all the secrets on the most valuable IKEA pieces and how to spot a collectible. Despite IKEA's affordability, Andreas reveals that all kinds of pieces are sought after today, from rare midcentury gems to furniture produced in more recent years.

Here are Andreas' top tips for finding a hidden treasure at auction, online, or in your local thrift store, sharing exactly what to look out for, including eras, notable names, and the most iconic styles.

What are your tips for spotting a collectible IKEA piece?

There are plenty of collectibles interior designers look for when antique shopping, and while you might not initially think IKEA pieces are one of them, Andreas's tips prove otherwise and will help you seek out the treasure from the trash.

Andreas says, 'Keep an open mind – collectible IKEA doesn’t always mean decades-old. In fact, IKEA furniture already makes up one‑fifth of the average home (rising to a quarter among Millennials), which means more recent pieces are increasingly in demand.'

As midcentury modern homes become more trendy, Andreas says to consider the condition and seek out certain styles. 'Armchairs, in particular, are perennially sought after. Don’t overlook the 1990s – a period only now being rediscovered.'

If you're unsure where to start, take a look at past auctions to understand what styles and makers are collectible. Andreas explains, 'A great shortcut is to explore Auctionet’s archive of over 10,000 sold IKEA items. Their recent ‘IKEA Through the Years’ auction was the largest IKEA auction ever staged. It showcased over 200 lots, including rare and elusive pieces like the “Holken” hanging chair from the 1970s and Rutger Andersson’s striking black-and-white furniture for postmodern interiors, which were heavily featured at launch but soon almost entirely forgotten. But act fast, according to our recent research, 32% of buyers today consider IKEA “collectible,” and prices are climbing; what felt like a fair deal two years ago might now look like a bargain.'

From your experience, what IKEA piece has reached the highest sum?

Midcentury modern ideas embrace retro furniture styles, like slow slung chairs, plush armchairs, sleek coffee tables, and metal-framed furniture. Keep an eye out for these shapes, as recently, a 1950s curved wood armchair, pictured above, reached the highest price an IKEA piece has ever reached at auction.

When I asked Andreas the highest price an IKEA piece has sold for, he told me, 'That would be Bengt Ruda’s Cavelli armchair. In autumn 2021, it set a world record, selling for 151,000 SEK (around $15,619) at Stadsauktion Sundsvall.'

'Designed in the late 1950s, the model hails from the era when teak was the most popular wood in Scandinavia, yet it features an Italian-style design. It was produced in very limited numbers, making surviving examples exceptionally scarce and highly sought-after.'

Which makers and designer are deemed as the most collectible?

When buying antique furniture online, always look out for pieces designed by certain names. IKEA has had many collections over the years, but pieces from lines designed by notable names are often more valuable.

Andreas says, 'In the IKEA world, provenance matters less than you might think – but giving an item a clear identity is everything. The more information you can provide, the better. That said, some names do stand out. Gillis Lundgren (who designed the infamous Impala chair), the designer behind many iconic pieces, is unquestionably at the forefront. More recently, IKEA’s collaborations with external designers have produced models that are gaining momentum in the secondary market and are likely to become increasingly sought after.'

Another name Andreas mentioned was Karin Mobring. He says, 'She designed a wealth of pieces throughout the '60s, '70s, and '80s, yet remains somewhat under-the-radar. The fact that no comprehensive biography of her work exists still amazes me. Her designs, such as the safari chair Diana, were highlighted in the ‘IKEA Through the Years’ auction, underscoring her enduring appeal.'

Is there a certain period of IKEA furniture that is more popular or valuable?

While you might think midcentury pieces are more valuable than more contemporary styles due to their age, Andreas suggests that furniture from as late as the 1990s is deemed collectible.

We are seeing a huge resurgence in '90s trend making a comeback so don't neglect the 1990s and 2000s when you're hunting for an IKEA piece. Andreas explains there isn't just one valuable period. 'IKEA never goes out of fashion, which means virtually any decade could hold tomorrow’s collectible. Ten to fifteen years ago, collectors focused almost exclusively on the 1950s and 60s.'

'But today, buyers are casting a much wider net and looking for IKEA pieces from all decades – even pieces from the 2000s are seeing rising interest. The 1970s and, increasingly, the 1980s are especially hot right now, but really, there’s potential across all decades.'

How can you familiarize yourself with IKEA's past collections?

IKEA has a longstanding history, meaning a vast number of collections have made their debut over the years. While it might seem overwhelming getting to grips with these lines, past catalogues will come in handy and help you understand IKEA's timeline of collections and their makers.

Andreas explains, 'For years, IKEA catalogues offered an ever-evolving showcase of what was considered cutting-edge design. Now, that vast archive of discontinued models is proving to be a goldmine.'

'We believe that many of the most exciting IKEA pieces have yet to reach the auction world. Some have been lost, of course, but many are still out there, tucked away in attics, garages, or holiday homes. Design detectives should dig into old IKEA catalogues – now digitized and accessible online – and take a close look. A magnifying glass wouldn’t go amiss!'

While IKEA was long thought to be an affordable household name, some past styles are deemed highly valuable collector's items today. Midcentury pieces, and styles from the 1990s and 2000s, are becoming more prized and are most definitely not vintage and antique decor to avoid. Hold on to your IKEA pieces they could be worth $1000s in years to come!