Over the last 10 years the market for collectible design pieces has exploded. Investing in a mix of museum-worthy design items, expertly crafted with long lasting materials, has fast become a plausible asset, especially if you can acquire an original piece. But how can you tell what's a good investment? Which design pieces are increasing in value? As the influx of collectible vintage design continues to keep our experts busy, we share their tips for some lucrative investments. Check out these 5 design pieces that are increasing in value.
5. LC4 Chaise Longue, Le Corbusier, 1928
To this day, the LC4 remains a fresh and functional classic. Designed by a trio of modern design thinkers; Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, the LC4 was eternalised in 1965 when Italian brand Cassina bought the rights to its manufacture. An LC4 in good condition and hallmarked by Cassina can fetch anywhere between €2,000 and €3,500 at auction. An undamaged, leather recliner, like the one below, sold for a comfortable €3,245 in our Design auction in 2017. As the years go by, this one is sure to increase in value even further, making it a worthwhile investment.
4. Tube Chair, Joe Colombo, 1969
A permanent member of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection in New York, the Tube Chair was hailed as the world’s first modular sofa. One of Joe Colombo’s last pieces, the Italian designer comprised the chair from 4 different sized tubes, which can be placed concentrically inside each other and handily transported on one’s back. Last year Cappellini brought the innovative design back into the mainstream after Flexform halted its manufacture in the 1970s. A Flexform original can be sold for anywhere between €4,000 and €6,000. This design piece is increasing in value as well so if you can get one for a nice price now, you can likely make a profit in a few years.
3. PH Artichoke, Poul Hennigsen by Louis Poulsen, 1960
The world’s first 'lighting architect', Poul Henningsen succeeded in manipulating electrical lighting design to recreate the softer, nostalgic petroleum lighting of his youth. Henningsen’s Artichoke Lamp created for Louis Poulsen stands as one of the best examples of his accomplishment. Originally designed for the Langelinie Pavillonen in Copenhagen, the PH Artichoke is a sculptural masterpiece. It casts romantic rays of light by arranging 72 copper 'leaves' in 12 circular rows to conceal the light bulb within. An original of this coveted classic is hard to come by. Two early examples of the design appeared on Catawiki this year and sold between the sunny margins of €3,000 and €6,700. The value is increasing, so imagine what you could sell this design piece for in a few years!
2. “Cansado” side board, Charlotte Perriand, 1958
Iconic French designer Charlotte Perriand’s mahogany sideboard continues to compliment any modern interior and remains in great demand. Perriand combined woodwork techniques she learned in Japan in the 1940s to create a unique piece blended from mahogany, formica and steel. The sideboard was designed for the city of Cansado, a new mining city founded in Mauritania after World War II. These sideboards are increasing in value and this particular example fetched over €7,500 on Catawiki earlier in 2017.
1. Felt Chair, Marc Newson, 2005
The very name of a designer can often cement a design as a profitable classic, especially if they have created a limited edition piece. Marc Newson’s multi-coloured Felt Chair, produced for Cappellini, is no exception. An Australian industrial designer who designs for the likes of Apple, Newson’s standard Felt Chair usually sells for around €2,500 as part of Cappellini’s catalogue edition. However, his rare multi-coloured Felt Chair has been known to fetch considerably more. The example below was number 4 in a series of just 99 chairs made by Newson and was valued between €10,000 and €13,000 on Catawiki in October. With estimations like this, you can be sure that investing now will result in increased values in a few years!
Inspired to make your own design investments? Our weekly Design auctions are the best place to find these, and other design pieces that are increasing in value online. Equally, our design experts are always ready to help those looking to make a profit from their own unique collectible design pieces. Registering as a seller on Catawiki is sure to be a valuable next step!
You may also like these articles: