Investment Pieces: 5 Vintage Furniture Styles That Are Appreciating in Value
Let’s be clear from the start: the best reason to buy vintage furniture is because you love it. It’s the joy of living with a beautiful, well-made object that has history and character. But in a world of fast-fashion flat packs that depreciate the moment they’re assembled, it’s worth noting that the vintage pieces you fall in love with can also be a remarkably savvy financial choice.
Unlike a new mass-produced sofa that might be worth a fraction of its original price in a few years, the best examples of vintage design have a proven track record of holding, and often increasing, their value. They are tangible assets you can enjoy every single day.
This isn’t about fleeting trends; it’s about investing in enduring design quality, historical significance, and craftsmanship that is increasingly rare. If you’re choosing with a careful eye, your furniture can become part of your financial legacy. Here are five vintage styles and categories that have consistently shown strong investment potential.
1. Iconic Mid-Century Modern (By Recognised Masters)
This is the blue-chip stock of the vintage furniture world. Pieces by the most celebrated designers are not just furniture; they are collectible works of 20th-century art.
Why it Appreciates: Scarcity, provenance, and historical importance. These pieces are finite. As time goes on, the best examples enter museums and established collections, making those remaining on the market even more sought-after. A chair by Hans Wegner, Charles and Ray Eames, or Eero Saarinen is a piece of design history.
What to Look For: Original condition is paramount. Look for pieces with their original labels, stickers, or stamps. Be aware that professional, sympathetic restoration can maintain value, but heavy modifications or poor repairs can destroy it. Originality is key.
2. Scandinavian Modern (Particularly Danish Teak)
The timeless appeal of Danish Modern design, with its clean lines and unparalleled craftsmanship, has seen a huge resurgence. The market for high-quality teak furniture from Denmark remains incredibly strong.
Why it Appreciates: Exceptional craftsmanship and enduring design. Danish cabinet makers were perfectionists. Their furniture was built to last for generations, using solid woods like teak and rosewood. This inherent quality, combined with a design aesthetic that fits perfectly in contemporary homes, creates constant demand.
What to Look For: Look for pieces by renowned makers like Arne Vodder, Børge Mogensen, and Finn Juhl. Focus on items made from solid wood, not veneer-over-particleboard. Check for the maker’s mark stamped on the underside or inside a drawer. A well-made rosewood desk or a teak sideboard by a known designer is a solid investment.
3. Bauhaus and Early Modernism
As the foundational movement for much of 20th-century design, original Bauhaus pieces are the holy grail for serious collectors.
Why it Appreciates: Historical significance. These pieces are rare and represent a radical shift in design thinking. Ownership is like owning a fragment of art history. The value is in their provenance and their perfect embodiment of the "form follows function" philosophy.
What to Look For: This is a high-stakes market. Look for pieces by the movement's masters like Marcel Breuer, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Marianne Brandt. Documentation and authenticity are everything here. Due to their high value, be wary of reproductions and ensure you’re buying from a reputable source.
4. The "Sleepers": Top-Tier Italian Designers (e.g., Franco Albini, Gio Ponti)
While the big Mid-Century names command high prices, the work of certain brilliant Italian designers from the same period can still be found for relative value, though this is changing fast.
Why it Appreciates: Growing recognition. As collectors and design aficionados look beyond the most famous names, they are discovering the incredible innovation and artistry of designers like Franco Albini, Ico Parisi, and Gio Ponti. Their work is now being re-evaluated and celebrated in major design auctions, and prices are rising accordingly.
What to Look For: Pieces that showcase incredible craftsmanship and unique design. Albini’s rattan works, for instance, represent a breathtaking fusion of artisanal technique and modernist form. Getting ahead of the curve on these designers can be a very smart move.
5. Exceptional British Mid-Century Design
The UK had its own vibrant Mid-Century design scene, and the best of it is being rediscovered and reassessed.
Why it Appreciates: National heritage and quality. British manufacturers like Ercol and G-Plan produced furniture of fantastic quality, but pieces by their in-house designers or by British architects are particularly desirable. As interest in preserving British design history grows, so does the value of its finest examples.
What to Look For: Look beyond the standard production lines. Seek out pieces designed by known figures like Robin Day or those made by smaller, high-end British workshops. Pieces in rare woods or with unique design features are most likely to appreciate.
The Golden Rules of Vintage as an Investment
Condition is Everything: Original finish and sympathetic restoration are best. Significant damage or poor DIY repairs can drastically reduce value.
Rarity and Originality: Limited edition pieces, early productions, or items with unique features are more valuable than mass-produced items from the same era.
Provenance Matters: Can its history be traced? Did it belong to someone interesting? Was it featured in a publication? This adds immense value.
Buy What You Love: This is the most important rule. The market can fluctuate, but if you genuinely love and use the piece, you’ll never feel like you’ve made a bad investment. You’ll have years of enjoyment from it, which is the ultimate return.
Investing in vintage furniture is ultimately about investing in better things: better design, better materials, and a better story. It’s a choice to surround yourself with objects that have inherent and lasting worth.
Curious about the potential of a specific piece? While we can’t give formal valuations, we’re always happy to share our knowledge. Feel free to get in touch with us about a designer or item you’ve got your eye on.