"How Much is That Chair Worth?" The Value of Vintage Treasures

Even the particularly design-savvy among us might not know the going rate for certain models of Wegner or van der Rohe, but it might be worth your while to find out. Here are 10 vintage chairs that can fetch a pretty penny and (who knows?) might be sitting in your house right now...

You can see the whole list at Lushpad (found via shelterrific). We were surprised by some of the values of items that we swear we've seen on Craigslist or at flea markets for much less. Of course, the values listed here are for items in great condition, and these iconic shapes have also inspired a lot of impostors out in the world, so don't go laughing all the way to the bank just yet. For the complete list, click here.

Jean Prouvé, The Standard Chair, Model No. 305 worth $4,800

Hans Wegner, Folding Chair, Model 512 worth $22,800

Finn Juhl, Delegate’s Armchair worth $6,000

Gio Ponti, Cassina Lounge Chairs worth $22,000

Hans Wegner, Valet Chair worth $20,000

Mies van der Rohe, MR20 chair by Thonet worth $19,890

See more here.

Image: Wright 20th Century

Comments (8)

The prices are for the originals. Not the knock offs, unlicensed copies or even licensed copies. So, don't get too dreamy about a wad of cash from selling that Czech-made knock-off of your "Wegner" folding rope chair.

I recently bought a set of 6 original Niels Møller dining chairs as pictured in beautiful condition recently on e-bay. I was the only bidder and got them for a fabulous price. I love them regardless but the purchase is sweeter knowing the $$ value.

Thanks austinjohn, Master Of The Obvious.

I guess it is sort of nice to be master of something.

Oooh...back in the early or mid-1990's I happened upon a small antique shop in a town I won't identify, and the owner had a collection of this furniture... some amazing pieces...for such low prices that I was sorely tempted. But I had a tiny SF house then, and no place to put the stuff without getting rid of all my existing furniture. How I wish I'd done that and bought the whole lot of it! Hindsight is, etc.

HOLY CRAP!! thats expensive but the standard chair is lovely

Yes, these are for early production vintage pieces; and yes, these are fairly extraordinary prices....but to a lesser extent this same sort of overlooked value IS all about us.

I found a 1952 Eames plywood dining chair at the dump. I found another set of 4 matched 1946 Eames plywood & metal dining chairs for $100/ea on Craigslist. I found a Plycraft lounge & ottoman on the side of the road (it benefitted from complete reupholstery) And I found a 1940 Aalto side stool for $20 in a thrift store. None of them made me a millionaire, but they all made me happy. :)