IKEA is the world's largest furniture retailer, but its origins were far humbler than its global footprint suggests. Founded in 1943 by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in the Swedish village of Älmhult, the company began as a mail-order business selling pens, wallets and picture frames. It wasn't until 1948 that the IKEA catalog started featuring furniture, altering the course of modern domestic design.
IKEA is rooted in democratic design, or the belief that well-made, beautiful objects should be accessible to everyone. This philosophy took shape in the 1950s when IKEA began working with independent designers to develop its own furniture lines. The pivotal innovation came in 1956, when IKEA introduced flat-pack furniture, a practical solution born out of necessity when designer Gillis Lundgren removed a table's legs to fit it into a car. This single insight reshaped how the world thinks about manufacturing, shipping and the relationship between consumer and object.
The 1970s and 1980s are now widely considered the golden age of IKEA design, a period when the company regularly collaborated with outside designers before transitioning to entirely in-house production. These decades produced some of the brand's most collectible pieces, and vintage examples are today actively sought after by collectors worldwide. Karen Mobring's safari-influenced seating — including the Diana, Natura and Amiral chairs — captures the organic, relaxed spirit of the era, while Noboru Nakamura's Bore chair and Lundgren's Pixi lounge chair round out the most coveted 1970s offerings. The 1980s brought a sharper, more industrial sensibility through Niels Gammelgaard's work in wire and tubular steel, among them the Enetri shelf, the wire Jarpen chairs and the foldable Ted chair, as well as Tord Björklund's Skye chaise and Klinte armchair.
Beyond these core collaborators, IKEA has worked with some of the most significant names in 20th-century design. Kai Kristiansen, Ettore Sottsass, Verner Panton and Mats Theselius all produced pieces for the brand, and rare examples of their IKEA work are among the most prized finds for collectors today. More recently, collaborations with designers such as Ilse Crawford, Tom Dixon and Hella Jongerius through its IKEA PS (“post scriptum”) collections have continued to push the brand into more expressive territory.
IKEA has also shaped retail culture itself. Its sprawling, maze-like store format — introduced in Älmhult in 1958 — transformed shopping into an experience, complete with room vignettes, a Swedish café and a one-way path designed to inspire. The brand has since expanded to more than 60 countries, while its annual catalog, once one of the most widely distributed publications in the world, became a cultural artifact in its own right.
IKEA continues to balance its founding tension: mass production in the service of good design. As Kamprad once put it, "to design a desk which may cost $1,000 is easy for a furniture designer, but to design a functional and good desk which shall cost $50 can only be done by the very best."
Find a range of vintage and collectible IKEA chairs, shelving and furniture on 1stDibs.
$902Sale Price|19% Off
1963 Oak Storage Bench Sideboard MTP collection by Marian Grabinski IKEA
By IKEA
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This is a rare oak storage bench from the MTP collection, designed by Marian Grabinski for IKEA in 1963. Crafted in solid oak with clean Scandinavian lines, the piece reflects the mi...
Oak
IKEA Wall Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard, Mid-Century Modern Design
By IKEA, Niels Gammelgaard
Located in Den Haag, NL
Ikea String spirit shelf from tomado / enetri by niels gammelgaard. 2 chrome metal uprights. 5 pine spokes. Attaches to the wall and stands on the floor with two points.
Wire
Vintage Model Märd Rolling Storage Box from Ikea, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Model Märd Rolling Storage Box from Ikea, Sweden, 1991 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Plastic, Wood Color: Red Period: 1990s Item ...
Plastic, Wood
Original Enetri Bücherregal Vintage IKEA Niels Gammelgaard
By Niels Gammelgaard, IKEA
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Regal von IKEA aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Niels Gammelgaard und wurde unter dem Namen Enetri bekannt. Das Möbel...
Steel
Large "Peter" Shelving Unit by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980s
By Niels Gammelgaard, IKEA
Located in Lyon, FR
Large freestanding chrome-plated metal shelving unit, “Peter” model, designed by Niels Gammelgaard for IKEA, 1980s. Practical and sturdy, the shelves are made of perforated metal wit...
Metal
1980s Ikea Guide Shelving unit or Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard
By Niels Gammelgaard, IKEA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic 1980s Ikea Guide Shelving unit or Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard. 67w 12.5d 62.5h
Laminate
Danish Modern Teak Bar Cabinet by Arne Wahl-Iversen for IKEA
By IKEA, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Teak bar designed by Arne Wahl-Iversen for Ikea in the 1960s. 39.5w 18d 44.5h
Mirror, Wood
IKEA ‘MTP’ Cabinet in Natural Oak, Designed by Marian Grabinski in 1963
By IKEA
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful IKEA cabinet that was initially designed as a wedding gift for Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. The cabinet is made of natural oak veneer with all edges in full oak, w...
Oak
Knut & Marianne Hagberg Sideboard IKEA 2010 Eiche Design Kommode
By IKEA
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Sideboard von IKEA aus dem Jahr 2010 zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Knut & Marianne Hagberg und zeichnet sich durch die ...
Oak
IKEA Märd Rolling Storage Box in Red Plastic, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vintage IKEA “Märd” rolling storage box from the 1990s, executed in durable molded red plastic. Designed as a compact and mobile storage solution, the piece features integrated whee...
Plastic
Bookcase with display case by Marian Grabinsky for IKEA
By IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Oak bookcase from the early 1960s with storage compartment with two hinged doors and upper part articulated into open compartments and hutch with sliding glass door. Elegant oak boo...
Oak
Mid-Century Swedish Modern Teak Credenza by Erik Wortz for IKEA, 1960s
By IKEA, Erik Wortz
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by Erik Wortz for IKEA’s sought-after Korsor collection, this exceptional Danish modern teak credenza captures the quiet classiness that defines the best Scandinavian furnit...
Teak
Mid-Century Rosewood "Ladoga" Sideboard by Erik Wortz
By IKEA, Erik Wortz
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century rosewood sideboard by Erik Wortz for Ikea Möbel is a true representation of timeless Scandinavian design. Dating back to the 1960s, this piece is part of the iconic ...
Rosewood
Sideboard "Ulvö" by Erik Wörtz for Ikea
By IKEA, Erik Worts
Located in Brescia, IT
Oak "Ulvö" sideboard by Erik Wörtz for Ikea, 1964: drawers with crescent handles, sliding doors, and compartments with shelves. Warm oak and strict proportions define Erik Wörtz's "...
Oak
Sideboard "Ulvo" by Erik Wørts for IKEA, 1960s
By IKEA, Erik Wørts
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian oak sideboard designed by Erik Wørts for IKEA, 1960s. Clean line with shaped drawers. Sideboard model "Ulvo" designed by Erik Wørts for IKEA in the 1960s. Scandinavian ...
Wood
Kørsor model sideboard from IKEA in 1960s teak
By IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian sideboard by IKEA model Kørsor in teak with sliding doors and central drawers, 1960s. Scandinavian sideboard by IKEA model Kørsor, made of teak in the 1960s. The cabine...
Teak
Sideboard “Korsør” in teak di IKEA
By IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Sideboard “Korsør” di IKEA in teak, produzione 1967, due vani con mensole e ante scorrevoli, cassetti centrali con maniglie scavate. Linee sobrie e proporzioni equilibrate per il si...
Teak
2x Original Karin Mobring Vintage Schrank 1970er Vadstena IKEA
By IKEA
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Vintage Schränke von Karin Mobring für IKEA aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design zeichnet sich durch seine Einfachheit, Funktion und die klar...
Pine
2x Original Karin Mobring Vintage Regal 1970er Vadstena IKEA
By IKEA
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Vintage (Bücher-) Regale/ Sideboards von Karin Mobring für IKEA aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design zeichnet sich durch seine Einfachheit, F...
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Teak Low Bench Cabinet Credenza Attributed Arne Wahl Iversen
By IKEA, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous 1950-1960’s Scandinavian Modern teak 2 drawer low bench, dresser, cabinet, or credenza attributed to Arne Wahl Iversen for vintage IKEA. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials however it is not signed or marked in any way. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. We have repaired/filled some nicks & dings. It has small scratches as you would expect, and it has a fresh coat of Danish oil. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1950-1960’s. There are cabinets… and then there are MARVELOUS, not to mention VERSATILE cabinets like this Scandinavian Modern teak low dresser, cabinet, credenza, or bench cabinet...
Teak
Vintage Oak Chest of Drawers by Marian Grabinski, Swedish Design, 1960
By IKEA
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage chest of drawers cabinet 1960s Swedish period 1960s design Marian Grabrinski IKEA Sweden condition good light signs of use size 64 x 57 x 47 (hxwxd) details oak...
Oak
"Domino" entryway cabinet by A. Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen, IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian teak entry cabinet from the 1960s, model "Domino" by Arne Wahl Iversen for IKEA, with strict geometric balance. Scandinavian teak entry cabinet, designed by Arne Wahl I...
Teak
$3,400
H 67 in W 18 in D 18 in
Shelving Unit or Bookcase, Modern Chrome Shelving, C 1960, Midcentury Design
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic square, chrome shelving unit from the 1960's. Finished all around. Can be floating in a room for decorative objects. Glass shelves ar...
Chrome
Stack Shelving Unit
By Noah Spencer, Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stack Shelving Unit is a grouping of architectural and abstract sculptures by Noah Spencer that together make a shelving unit. When these sculptures are ...
Maple
$2,750
H 3 in W 32.25 in D 18.5 in
Original Alvar Aalto Shoe Rack Designed for the Stora Enso Building Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this rare and custom shoe rack designed by Alvar Aalto circa 1960 featuring solid birch wood slats. Custom designed by Alvar Aal...
Wood, Birch
Amuneal's Collector's 1 Bay Shelving Unit
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
This single bay version of Amuneal’s Collector’s shelving unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts in a warm brass finish. The unit mou...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
IMid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Wood
$6,347Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 46.46 in W 42.52 in D 11.82 in
Grete Jalk Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Design Teak Bookcases, 1950s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design teak bookcases set designed by Grete Jalk and produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, movable vertical partition...
Teak
$9,200
H 40 in W 77.5 in D 19.5 in
1940s French Art Deco Oak Sideboard, Three-Door Design, Sturdy Storage
Located in Chicago, IL
1940s French Art Deco oak sideboard, with three keyed cabinet doors. Classic Art Deco details include the diamond patterned wood top and wood tone checker inset on each cabinet door....
Oak
Mid-century Italian Bookcase Or Shelving Unit, 1960's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A unique 1960’s bookcase or shelving unit. Italian designer manufacturing, consisting out of a brass structure with wooden shelves. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinate...
Brass
$6,100
H 23.63 in W 61.03 in D 15.56 in
Sideboard with Metal Top by Charlotte Perriand, 1970s, kitchen storage.
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Sideboard in solid pine with brushed metal top, designed by Charlotte Perriand for her Les Arcs collection.
Metal
Vintage Rattan Etagere Bookshelf
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Large rattan etagere features Gabriella Crespi style Rising Sun inlay across arched top and glass shelving for storage and display. Leather wrapped supports. Very good vintage condit...
Leather, Rattan, Glass
$3,232
H 43.31 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in
IKEA ‘MTP’ Cabinet in Natural Oak, Designed by Marian Grabinski in 1963
By IKEA
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful IKEA cabinet that was initially designed as a wedding gift for Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. The cabinet is made of natural oak veneer with all edges in full oak, w...
Oak
$1,850
H 38.5 in W 26 in D 15 in
Clean Lined Brass and Black Glass Shelf or Bar circa 1960s Great Original Patina
By Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Brass and Black Glass Shelf, American, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookshelf, vitrine, or bar. It retains it's warm original patina with some...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 63 in W 63 in D 13.78 in
Scaffale libreria vintage anni 80 "Enetri" design Niels Gammelgaard per Ikea
By Niels Gammelgaard, IKEA
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Libreria con struttura in metallo e quattro grandi ripiani in legno, modello “Enetri” disegnata da Niels Gammelgaard per Ikea, anni ’80. CONDIZIONE: In buone condizioni, presenta se...
Metal
Sold
H 38.5 in W 18 in D 14 in
Niels Gammelgaard Yellow Post-Modern Clothing Valet / Dressing Stand, 1980s
By Niels Gammelgaard, IKEA
Located in Vienna, AT
A postmodern minimalist vintage valet / coat stand / clothes butler in bold yellow from the 1980s. Model Järpen, designed by Niels Gammelgaard for IKEA....
Metal
Swedish oak "Ulvo" sideboard by Erik Wørts for IKEA, 1960s
By IKEA, Erik Wørts
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage oak sideboard model "Ulvo," designed by Erik Wørts for IKEA, with sliding doors and shaped direct-action drawers. Swedish sideboard model "Ulvo" designed by Erik Wørts for I...
Oak
Swedish oak "Ulvo" sideboard by Erik Wørts for IKEA, 1960s
By IKEA, Erik Wørts
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage oak sideboard model "Ulvo," designed by Erik Wørts for IKEA, with sliding doors and shaped direct-action drawers. Swedish sideboard model "Ulvo" designed by Erik Wørts for I...
Oak
Vintage chest of drawers sideboard 1990s Swedish
By IKEA
Located in Lemmer, NL
Vintage chest of drawers sideboard 1990s Swedish Period 1990s Design Karin Möbring & Tomas Jelinek Ikea Sweden Condition Excellent Minor signs of wear Size 83 x 114 x 45 c...
Cherry
Scandinavian vintage sideboard IKEA Klippan Korsør 1960s
By IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Original IKEA sideboard with two sliding doors and five central teak drawers. Vintage Scandinavian sideboard produced by IKEA in the "Korsør" model in the 1960s, made of solid teak,...
Teak
Scandinavian vintage sideboard IKEA Klippan Korsør 1960s
By IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Original IKEA sideboard with two sliding doors and five central teak drawers. Vintage Scandinavian sideboard produced by IKEA in the "Korsør" model in the 1960s, made of solid teak,...
Teak
Small Drawer Cabinet ‘MTP’ by Marian Grabinski for IKEA, 1963
By IKEA
Located in Beerse, VAN
Charming and good looking IKEA drawer cabinet that was designed as a wedding gift for Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. The cabinet is made of natural oak veneer with all edges i...
Oak
Sold
H 43.31 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in
IKEA ‘MTP’ Cabinet by Marian Grabinski for IKEA, 1963, Natural Oak
By IKEA
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful IKEA cabinet that was designed as a wedding gift for Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. The cabinet is made of natural oak veneer with all edges in full oak, which limit...
Oak
Sold
H 58.27 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in
IKEA ‘MTP’ Wardrobe by Marian Grabinski for IKEA, 1963, Natural Oak
By IKEA
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful IKEA wardrobe that was designed as a wedding gift for Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. The wardrobe is made of natural oak veneer with all edges in full oak, which lim...
Oak
Vintage Korsör sideboard in rosewood for Ikea
By IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s sideboard in rosewood, with central drawers and side doors equipped with an interior shelf. Model Korsör, made by Ikea in the 1960s, features a compact, linear ro...
Rosewood
Scandinavian vintage sideboard model Ulvö
By Erik Wørts, IKEA
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s oak sideboard with two sliding doors, four side drawers, and carved round handles. Scandinavian Ulvö sideboard designed by Erik Wörst for Ikea, made ...
Wood