Vintage Ikea Obsession

From classic midcentury chairs to a Verner Panton collab

September 21, 2023

Hi y’all 👋

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner.

I'll keep it short and sweet today - yes, I snagged another lot of discontinued IKEA items. Yes, my shipping box torn open in the lobby was embarrassing. Yes, I have a problem. But in my defense, you're about to see why we're all jonesing for vintage Scandinavian goods. Onward!

In today’s email:

  • The Story: Vintage Ikea's modern appeal 📈

  • Snippets: Art x Mid-century furniture ✨

  • On The Market: First time ever on the market picks 🏠

Not yet a subscriber? Join The Midmod Corner Today!

📰 The Story

Vintage IKEA is The New Cool

The Green Gables House. David A Lee

Typically, when you think of Ikea, you probably think of furniture made for wear and tear and dorm-room decor. It’s where you pop for just a few things - yet somehow leave hauling bags of random stuff, a belly full of Swedish meatballs, and a stuffed shark. But let me tell you, Ikea is way more than that. And, any design enthusiast knows that the company has serious design roots.

In fact, since they opened their doors in Älmhult in 1958, the company created tons of chic and contemporary designs, many of which are now highly sought after by furniture enthusiasts and design fanatics alike.

A 1972 tubular-steel-framed armchair sold for $13,200…

…So, like, nothing super crazy about it, given the low-slung, wine-red seat is a perfect evocation of 1970s design. What makes the sale somewhat surprising, however, is that the Impala chair was actually designed by Gillis Lundgren for Ikea. If you had snagged one back in the day, it would have only cost you around $40. Can you even imagine?

First appearance of Impala by Gillis Lundgren, in Swedish catalog 1972

Lundgren joined Ikea in 1953 as its fourth employee and is the designer behind the Billy bookcase – a shelving unit so ubiquitous that financial index Bloomberg uses it to compare purchasing power across the world.

Vintage Ikea sounds like a fancy way of saying "old Ikea" that someone might use to sell their used Ikea furniture on Marketplace. And while you might think of Ikea as just cheap and basic, they've always been focused on good design.

In fact, founder Ingvar Kamprad made design a priority when he started the company as a mail order business when he was only 17. During the company's almost eighty-year history, heavyweight designers like Verner Panton and Niels Gammelgaard have passed through its doors. And even though you probably think of Ikea as just particleboard furniture, they used to have a lot of steel and fiberglass pieces in their catalogs. There are actually still some really cool vintage Ikea pieces out there that combine that sleek midcentury Swedish design with a built-to-last ethos.

LEFT: ‘Guide’ shelving system by Niels Gammelgaard RIGHT: ‘Vilbert’ chair by Verner Panton

While some of those cool vintage Ikea pieces can totally steal the spotlight, they all share that down-to-earth vibe that made Ikea famous. This familiarity makes these classic items a natural choice for those who appreciate contemporary design trends characterized by eccentric, organic shapes, and bold color palettes. Speaking of nostalgia, Ikea has embarked on reviving some '80s items and has even established an Instagram account for its museum, serving as an archive of its rich design history.

In the end, the appeal of vintage Ikea goes beyond the pieces' resemblance to midcentury classics or the fact that they are rare; it's the thrill of discovering something surprising from such a familiar brand.

🗃 Snippets

The Creme de la Creme of web gems. From DIY projects to home inspirations and the latest trends, it's all here!

Fallingwater in Miniature: Dreaming of owning the Fallingwater House? It may be your lucky day. The Atom Brick™ Company is releasing a building model that pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright's renowned structure. This little model, meticulously crafted, allows you to bring the beauty of architectural history into your own home.

Raise Your Coffee Game: Explore this gallery of coffee bar ideas. Elevate your daily caffeine ritual with stylish and functional setups. Whether it's a cozy nook or a sleek, modern station, find inspiration to turn your coffee corner into a daily delight.

Art Meets Design: Keith Haring's iconic artworks find a unique canvas in mid-century chairs by Modernica. This fusion of street art and furniture design brings fresh life to classic pieces. Explore the vibrant collision of creativity and function.

Concrete Elegance: Casa Azul rises like a modern masterpiece amidst lush Brazilian greenery. This raised concrete home, blends seamlessly with nature while boasting contemporary design. Explore the harmony of architecture and the wild.

Patterns in Light: Liberty collaborates with Hay's Matin Lamp, infusing it with their iconic designs. The result is a fusion of illumination and artistry, casting Liberty's distinctive patterns into every corner. It's a symphony of light and style, a true visual delight.

🏘️ On The Market

House hunting made easy! Handpicked homes up for grabs, spanning city gems to charming countryside retreats—all for you to explore.

A first offering since 1975, the W. E. Tucker House by famous architect R.M. Schindler can be yours for $3.2M

Two nearby residences by the great Frank Lloyd Wright are being sold together in a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

This $2.5M L.A. Home is inspired by Catalan design with barrel-vaulted ceilings, limewashed walls, and a Mediterranean-style pool area.

Listed at $1.6M, this Portland Midcentury home, which received a Gold Medallion award in the 60s, still boasts a strikingly contemporary appeal.

Reply

or to participate.