Mid-Century IKEA Armchair Gets Record Price

Swedish-based Ikea is famous for large, warehouse-like stores designed precisely to steer consumers through hundreds of room vignettes filled with affordable furniture and accessories. But at a November sale by the Swedish auction house Stadautkion Sundsvall, a world record price was set for a rare 1958 Ikea armchair. A copy—one of only five made—of the Cavelli armchair designed by famous Ikea designer Bengt Ruda was sold for $16,725. The armchair with a dramatic curved back is described as the “most elusive and sought-after model in Ruda’s collection,” and “something of a holy grail for design enthusiasts” because of its rarity. Other vintage IKEA furniture designed by Ruda can also sell in the thousands.

Photo: Stadsauktion Sundsvall