Collecting rare furniture is more than just an aesthetic pursuit, it's a smart, tangible investment that appreciates in value while transforming your living space into a showcase of design heritage. As design lovers and collectors rediscover mid-century and modernist classics, certain pieces have emerged not only as timeless icons but also as high-performing assets in the world of collectible furniture.

Here are five rare, investment-worthy furniture pieces you should start collecting now. Each of them carries a story, a legacy, and remarkable market value growth.

Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table (1947): Sculpture Meets Function

In 1947, sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi created what is arguably the most recognizable coffee table in modern design history. Composed of a thick, curved glass top set atop two interlocking wooden legs, this table represents harmony between art and utility, merging organic forms with minimalist principles.

When first released, it cost just €95, but by the 1980s, its value had increased fivefold. In the early 2000s, the table typically sold for around €1,000, and today it ranges between €1,400 and €2,000, depending on production period and condition. This consistent growth, combined with its universal appeal and placement in design museums worldwide, makes the Noguchi table a subtle but powerful collector's investment.

Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair (1958): Design Cocoon With Soaring Value

Originally designed for Copenhagen’s SAS Royal Hotel in 1958, Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair became an instant modernist icon. With its high-back, sculptural curves, and upholstered privacy, it embodied both innovation and elegance. Its unique form was one of the earliest uses of a synthetic foam shell, wrapped in fabric or leather. Radically different from traditional seating at the time.

Over the years, the chair’s value has risen exponentially. Priced at just €480 in its early days, it reached €2,200 in the 1980s, surged to €4,500 by the early 2000s, and now commands between €7,000 and €18,000 depending on provenance and condition. Its combination of rarity, iconic status, and enduring comfort makes it a core piece for collectors building a serious furniture investment portfolio.

If you're exploring how to start or elevate your design collection, this piece is often listed among the must-have pieces for a serious collector.

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (1956): American Luxury with Lasting Returns

No list of rare furniture collectibles is complete without the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, created in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames. Designed to combine the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt” with high craftsmanship, this piece quickly became a symbol of mid-century American luxury.

What began as a €290 product evolved into a cultural milestone. By the 1980s, it was worth €1,200. In the early 2000s, its price surged to €3,200, and now this chair can command up to €7,400, especially if made with original materials like Brazilian rosewood. Its desirability hasn’t diminished, and its comfort and craftsmanship ensure it’s as usable as it is collectible.

For anyone interested in combining comfort with capital appreciation, this chair offers both, making it one of the smartest investment pieces on the market. Collectors often start with accessible icons like this one when building out a long-term furniture collection, especially for small spaces or multifunctional living rooms.

Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair (1929): Bauhaus Royalty

Commissioned for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (in collaboration with Lilly Reich) was created to seat the Spanish royal family, making it a throne of modernist minimalism.

Crafted from leather and stainless steel, it reflected the Bauhaus principles of form following function, with a regal flair. Originally priced around €280, its valuation in the 1980s rose to €2,800, then to €5,800 by the early 2000s. Today, collectors pay anywhere between €7,000 and €9,000 for a well-preserved model.

Its historical significance and minimalist silhouette ensure its status as an enduring favorite among architects, designers, and collectors. For a deeper dive into the history of Bauhaus masterpieces like this one, don’t miss our upcoming EBook on Icons of Bauhaus.

LC4 Chaise Lounge (1928): The Machine for Relaxation

Created by the powerhouse trio of Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret, the LC4 Chaise Lounge remains one of the most functional yet collectible designs ever produced. Introduced in 1928, it was dubbed the “relaxing machine” for its ability to adapt to the natural contours of the human body.

Originally valued at €1,200, the chaise rose to €2,500 in the 1990s, and now fetches as much as €9,800. Its tubular steel frame, adjustable angle, and leather or hide upholstery make it a favorite among collectors who prize both form and function.

Why Rare Furniture Is a Smart Investment

Tangible Assets with Proven Growth

Unlike stocks or cryptocurrency, rare furniture offers tangible, usable value and its market trend is remarkably positive. The pieces mentioned here have increased in value by 300% to 1500% over several decades, making them as much a financial asset as they are a design statement.

Built-In Storytelling

Every rare furniture item has a story: who designed it, when it was made, and how it was used. These pieces turn homes into living museums and give collectors the joy of historical connection.

Limited Supply, Timeless Demand

What makes these pieces particularly compelling as investment opportunities is their scarcity. Most are no longer in production or are only available as limited reissues, ensuring demand will always outpace supply, especially for vintage originals.

Conclusion: Curate with Confidence

Whether you’re a design aficionado or a discerning investor, rare furniture offers a compelling dual benefit: it elevates your living space and serves as a growing financial asset. By collecting icons like the Egg Chair, Noguchi Table, Eames Lounge, Barcelona Chair, or LC4 Chaise, you're not just decorating, you're curating a legacy.

Now is the time to invest, because great design never goes out of style, and its value only goes up.

Photo Credits:
Fritz Hansen; Vitra and Knol