Discover IKEA Vintage – furniture icons and hidden treasures

Vintage is more than just a trend. IKEA vintage furniture, in particular, demonstrates how bold, experimental, and yet accessible good design can be.

Access to design for all: IKEA was an early pioneer of democratic design with modular systems, DIY ideas, and clever materials.

High-quality materials: Many series from the 70s and 80s still use real veneer, solid wood or powder-coated metal – significantly more durable than today's mass production.

Design icons at a low price: Furniture such as the Impala or the Enetri shelf often cost several times their original price on the vintage market.

Memory & Zeitgeist: For many, these are also emotional anchors – furniture they grew up with.

From the delicate aesthetics of the Enetri shelf to the lounge-like comfort of the Impala armchair , some IKEA models today have real collector value.

Behind many of IKEA's most iconic designs are two names: Niels Gammelgaard and Gillis Lundgren . They shaped the company's visual and functional heritage for decades – with different styles but the same attitude: making good design accessible to everyone.

Niels Gammelgaard was responsible for many of the more experimental pieces of the 1980s. His designs, such as the Enetri shelf and the Järpen chair, demonstrate an industrial, pared-down approach—often made of steel, minimal, and functional.

Gillis Lundgren , the man behind the famous BILLY shelving unit, was not only a designer but also one of IKEA's first employees. His ideas laid the foundation for the famous flatpack philosophy—furniture that's easy to transport and assemble.

Both played a key role in ensuring that IKEA not only sold furniture, but also a way of life.

Not every "vintage" item on eBay or in classified ads is actually old. Here's how to tell if it's a genuine IKEA original:

• Labels with serial numbers or old logos
• Catalog comparisons (online archives, IKEA fan sites)
• Typical materials and screw systems
• Series names and numbers

The 1980s were a decade of experimentation for IKEA – not only in design but also in materials.

• Powder-coated steel instead of simply painted frame
• Real veneers on MDF – instead of foils
• Construction principles that were intended for DIY but were durable
• Partly still produced in Scandinavia, before the massive outsourcing

Are you looking for originals? In our collection, you'll find carefully selected pieces of furniture with a history – curated by design enthusiasts for those who value originality and style.