Since it was founded by a 17-year-old in Älmhult, Sweden in 1943, Ikea has become the go-to store for those looking to spruce up their home on a budget.
But long-time devotees of the homeware hypermarket may be (literally) sitting on a small fortune, as auction experts say vintage Ikea furniture is now in high demand among collectors.
Barneby's, the world's largest auction search engine for art and antiques, has noticed a surge in interest for Ikea furniture from the 1970s in particular, as decor inspired by the decade is set to be a top interiors trend for 2025.
But it is not just any old Billy bookcase. Designer collaborations and limited runs are most in favour among furniture aficionados.
Pontus Silfverstolpe, Barnebys co-founder, says: 'Vintage Ikea furniture is gaining traction as a new collectible category, with early and limited-edition designs commanding higher prices.'
Take the Cavelli armchair, which was created by Ikea's first-ever in-house designer Bengt Ruda.
This was sold in Ikea stores at a modest price when it made its debut in the 1970s - but that has now changed.
One went under the hammer at a recent auction in Stockholm for £14,000.
As well as its eye-catching high back and curved design, the fact it was part of a limited edition collection by a big-name designer has added to its appeal.
Silfverstolpe says: 'Interior design trends in 2025 will celebrate 1970s-inspired aesthetics, marked by sculptural, organic shapes, playful designs, and natural materials.
'These imaginative and often daring styles are set to shape demand across both the auction and second-hand markets.'
The 1970s trend is set to encompass earthy tones like mustard yellow, olive green, and chocolate brown, as well as curved and sculptural furniture and textured materials such rattan, macramé, and velvet.
There is also interest in Ikea designs from the 1990s according to Barnebys.
The striking multi-coloured Vilbert chairs, which sport an angular design and fold down for convenience, were created for Ikea by Danish designer Verner Panton in 1993.
A set of four previously sold at auction for £1,404 in 2023, many times more than their original price.
However, their value seems to be rocketing even higher as a set of two is now listed for sale online with a price of nearly £2,500.
The chairs did not sell particularly well at the time, but buyers now seem to be enjoying their retro appeal.
They were created as a limited edition of 3,000, and the rarity may now be driving the higher price.
Away from Ikea, other previously modestly-priced furniture items from the 1970s and beyond are also fetching astronomical prices at auction.
An example of the Camaleonda sofa, designed by Italian Mario Bellini and first sold in 1970, went for $40,625 (£32,030) at a Billings auction in 2024.
The plush velvet sofa is modular, comprising nine separate pieces which can be taken apart and arranged in different combinations.
Elsewhere, a vintage 1970s Togo chair, designed by Michel Ducaroy for the French brand Ligne Roset, sold for $1,800 (£1,419) at auction in 2024.
The design, which has no base and curves in at the edges, is said to be inspired by a toothpaste tube - but its signature wrinkles have also been compared to those of a Shar Pei dog or a newborn baby.
Ligne Roset still produces sofas to a similar design today, which are on sale in the UK at Heal's.
Those with a Joe Colombo Elda chair could also cash in on the 1970s furniture trend.
A version of the seat, which comprises a plush leather upper and a rotating fibreglass base, sold in September 2024 at the Venduehuis auction house for £2,695.
Another unique chair design from the era, Eero Aarnio’s ball chair, previously sold for around £2,917 at Bukowski's auction house.
Do you have any vintage Ikea gems? Get in touch: [email protected]
