Midcentury Furniture in Demand

Midcentury furniture, chairs, tables, and sofas made from the 1940s to the 1960s are back in demand at shops and auctions. Scandinavian pieces are going up the fastest. Dealers say prices are double that of three years ago. The uncluttered “look” and the fine craftsmanship, plus the TV exposure on Mad Men, has led to the interest. Twenty-three years ago, a set of Finn Juhl furniture was part of an estate left to several grown children. No one wanted it. Finally, one took the six chairs for temporary dining room use. Those chairs today are selling at auction for $300 to $500 per chair.