Limited Editions
It seems like more and more manufacturers are giving clients the option of buying collectable limited editions of their furniture.
Last year Herman Miller offered the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman for a limited time only with a 50th Anniversary emblem and also included a free book called:
"The Eames Lounge Chair"
"An Icon of Modern Design"
A great read which can also be purchased seperately.
Anyway, I’ve seen the likes of many more limited editions this year as well. Some worth mentioning:
The Grand Prix Chair by Fritz Hansen (mentioned in a previous edition),
The Componibili storage units by Kartell in Red,
and
The Panton chair by Vitra, available while supplies last in Orange.
You just know that one day, all of these iconic pieces will be worth more than the asking price, as good old supply and demand comes into play and creates a market for these limited pieces.
Can furniture actually be an investment?
Stay tuned for another unbiased opinion.
March 18th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I noticed the same with limited editions on the market. George Nelson’s clocks come to mind. Can furniture be an investment? Absolutely. An investment both short and long-term. Look at how many backyard capitalists have gotten into the "20th-century design" dealer game in the last few years. Craigslisters have made a fortune buying modern design elements for pennies at local estate sales, auctions, thrift stores and yard sales then flipping them for major bucks on craigslist. And why not? The resurgent popularity of modern design has spurred a whole cottage industry of eBayers, craigslisters, and other small dealers all who have added significantly to our economy. This popularity towards modern design spurred by the craigslist and eBay community has, in my opinion, allowed Vitra and Herman Miller to opportunity to unveil some awesome limited editions elements you are writing about. One piece of advice I will give to those contemplating this subject of furniture as investment is this: Buy and Hold! As someone that has sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of modern furniture online please don’t make the mistake of thinking that furniture is like stocks. Quite the opposite. There will always be a buyer just around the corner. My suggestion is hold out for your very best selling price and let those ridiculous offers fall off your back like water on a duck. Go on to Mr. and Mrs. Next. They’re an email or phone call away. I’ve seen (and also plead guilty) too many dealers just give something away because they had poor cash management, got worried that the item didn’t sell immediately, or just got bored at looking at the thing. Taking a great piece of modern design and just giving away with some silly low figure "whores" the market to people that will just turn around and do the same thing again and again. It drives prices down and chips away at popularity.