The 5 Rare Vintage IKEA Pieces That Are Now Worth Thousands
IKEA is known for its affordability; it’s why we all love it. It offers design-led pieces at accessible prices. But hold onto those “cheap” pieces for long enough, and they might end up being worth hundreds of thousands.
Much like its new collections, vintage IKEA has a cult following too, with stores like Etsy, Chairish, and 1stDibs all stocking retro IKEA pieces from decades past that are only becoming more covetable as the trend for decorating with vintage continues to rise. But which of these are the most valuable? We spoke with vintage experts and the IKEA Museum itself to find out more about the vintage IKEA pieces that are going for eye-watering prices at auction.
1. CAVELLI – 1959
(Image credit: Ikea Museum)
One of the most valuable vintage IKEA pieces to date is (unsurprisingly) one of the first to ever be designed. Created in 1959, the CAVELLI chair was designed by Bengt Ruda, one of the first IKEA designers.
Featured in the 1959 IKEA catalog, Ingvar Kamprad wrote: ‘A confident designer has given this piece a bold construction. CAVELLI will get noticed in your home – and indeed admired. No expense has been spared and no stone left unturned to make CAVELLI an aristocrat of the 1960s.’
The IKEA Museum told us a little about Ruda’s design background. ‘When Bengt Ruda joined IKEA in 1957, he was the first qualified designer to be employed. He had designed furniture for the Stockholm department store NK in the late 1940s and early 1950s. With his background, he had an important part to play, especially when IKEA started moving towards flat packs.’
The last CAVELLI to be sold was in 2022. It reached an astounding price of over $18,000 so keep your eyes peeled for this signature chair.
And if you are looking for a 2026 replica, there’s something a touch CAVELLI about the EKENÄSET armchair.
2. IMPALA – 1972
(Image credit: Mid Century Møbler)
The most well-known of IKEA’s mid-century style and furniture designs is likely the highly sought-after Impala lounge chair. The chair was designed by Gillis Lundgren for IKEA, Sweden, in the 1970s.
Dubbed ‘very rare’ by Anthony Barzilay Freund, Editorial Director at 1stDibs, the chair has been a bit of a hot commodity in recent years, making it tricky to find, let alone afford.
‘The IMPALA has a unique, inviting form, with a plush, tufted fabric seat suspended within a modern tubular steel frame. In early promotions, IKEA compared the IMPALA to both a sofa bed and an easy chair,’ says Anthony.
Julian Goldklang, Owner of Mid Century Møbler has sold many vintage IKEA pieces over the years. The IMPALA is one of Julian’s all-time favorites, saying that the space-age style piece is ‘maybe the most collectible’. Referring to a previously sold sofa, Julian says that the last IMPALA they had in stock (pictured above) ‘was a beauty and still covered in its original fabric.’
The closest thing to the IMPALA sold nowadays? Nothing quite matches that incredible silhouette and the stainless steel accents, but the very affordable KLIPPAN series has the same low-slung shape and bold colors.
3. DIANA – 1972
(Image credit: IKEA Museum)
Karin Mobring designed a minimal, lasting piece of furniture for IKEA around the time the IMPALA chair was launched. Although their styles are different, the DIANA chair has been equally popular among designers and collectors for years.
An earlier version of the DIANA was designed by the renowned Borge Mogensen in the 1950s. Taking inspiration from the initial design, Mobring introduced a pine frame and a fabric seat secured with leather straps.
‘This leather and pine chair has developed a beautiful patina over time and calls to mind Borge Mogensen’s Safari chair,’ says Anthony. ‘Designers like Karin Mobring created pieces that reflect what we recognize today to be iconic Scandinavian design and are great alternatives to harder-to-find models by such designers as Borge Mogenson.’
‘DIANA was an incredible success, and over the years IKEA launched several safari models – including the best seller CIKADA. But DIANA lasted the longest with 11 years in the IKEA catalog.’ says the IKEA Museum.
The POÄNG Low-back armchair has a similar square shape and colorway. And if you are after something really similar, have a search for ‘vintage safari chair’, and you’ll see plenty of similar designs which are easy to pick up second-hand.
4. SKYE – 1970s
(Image credit: Vinterior)
Leather lounge chairs are a classic piece of mid-century furniture. With the Eames chair’s debut in 1956, leather lounge chairs were seen as both contemporary and practical, making them the go-to choice for affluent homeowners. There are now several iconic examples of mid-century leather chairs, making the style an absolute staple for lovers of the past.
Drawing inspiration from trending furniture styles, IKEA created a minimal lounger made from leather and metal. Designed by Tord Bjorklund, one of IKEA’s biggest trailblazers, the SKYE chair is now deemed a collector’s item. ‘No vintage IKEA collection is complete without a piece from the iconic Tord Björklund,’ says Sophie Salata from Vinterior.
‘This ’70s lounge chair feels more imposing in nature, the leather continues to wear well with age, and combined with the chrome, it’s a particularly eye-catching piece for those bold enough.’
Pieces designed by some of the iconic names are usually the most valuable. ‘Well-made mid-century furniture designed by Karin Mobring (the Diana chair) Bengt Ruda (the Cavelli chair), Gillis Lundgreen (the Impala chair), and Tord Bjorklund are the standouts in the IKEA lineup of designs,’ says Anthony from 1st Dibs.
5. Peanut Stool – 1980s
(Image credit: Vinterior)
Drawing inspiration from a peanut that makes it rather unconventional in shape, the stool is undoubtedly one of the most novel pieces of IKEA furniture that we’ve come across. It couldn’t be more different from the SKYE leather lounger despite being designed not long after. Its uniqueness only emphasizes the distinct individuality of each decade that makes up the 20th century.
‘The ’80s rattan Peanut Stool is another one to look out for if you can find one in good condition. These organic shapes feel timeless and playful,’ says Sophie from Vinterior.
This is such a fun, unique piece, and nothing quite matches the quirk, but in terms of rattan pieces going on at IKEA right now, of that there is plenty. The TOLKNING Bench is a best seller and great for adding chic storage to small spaces. The FRYKSÅS Storage unit will add rustic texture and is really practical. And the FRYKSÅS Chair, like the Peanut Stool, is made from handwoven rattan.
IKEA is typically known for its affordable nature, but despite its low prices, it’s known for its quality and how long these pieces can last. Hold on to your well-loved IKEA pieces! They might just end up making you thousands.
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