Catawiki celebrates 125 years of legendary seating and reveals the top five brands to invest in this year
From functional objects to collectible pieces, iconic design chairs are emerging as key players in the investment market. This is confirmed by Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, which recently concluded its auction The Art of Sitting, celebrating 125 years of seating history and highlighting the five brands with the greatest growth potential in 2025.
Iconic design chairs as reflections of their time
A chair is a domestic archetype, but when shaped by design, it becomes narrative, culture, and style. The “The Art of Sitting” auction explored over a century of iconic design chairs, from the elegance of Josef Hoffmann and the Bauhaus innovation of Marcel Breuer to the sculptural 1960s flair of Pierre Paulin’s Butterfly Chair and Mario Bellini’s beloved Cab Chair. These pieces are everyday artworks that transcend time, trends, and tastes — while holding or increasing their value.
Beyond popularity: when a chair becomes an investment
According to Catawiki’s data, brands like Kartell, Thonet, Driade, Stokke, and Vitra lead the market in sales volume. But what truly sets a collectible piece apart is its growing market value. Here are the five brands that recorded the highest average price increase in 2025 compared to the previous year.
1. Artifort (+109%)
Dutch modernism takes the spotlight once again. The bold, curvy silhouettes of the Butterfly and Ribbon Chairs are making a strong comeback, fueled by mid-century nostalgia and the revival of statement interiors on social media.
2. Thonet (+78%)
A pioneer of bentwood furniture, Thonet continues to charm collectors with its minimal material use and timeless craftsmanship. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and sustainability that resonates with today’s conscious buyers
3. B&B Italia (+51%)
The Italian brand blends luxury with innovation. Its iconic design chairs, such as the UP collection and Africa Chair, are increasingly sought-after thanks to their refined aesthetics and enduring appeal.
4. Cassina (+47%)
With an archive that includes Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Gio Ponti, Cassina embodies the postwar Italian design legacy. These pieces offer not just beauty, but historical and cultural relevance for design-savvy collectors.
5. Fritz Hansen (+41%)
Scandinavian simplicity continues to conquer global markets. Designs like Arne Jacobsen’s Series 7, the Egg Chair, and the Grand Prix prove that clean lines and discreet craftsmanship never go out of style — especially when paired with a sustainable legacy.
Iconic design chairs: the power of scarcity
“Scarcity is what’s driving value,” explains Jochen Kloeters, design expert at Catawiki. “Fewer and fewer of these iconic chairs are appearing on the market, and that inevitably increases their appeal. It’s a classic case of ‘the less you see it, the more you want it.’ Rarity makes it harder to ignore.”
The chairs of the future? The ones with a past
Balancing form, function, and history, iconic design chairs have become some of the most coveted items on the collectibles market. These objects tell material stories of creativity, innovation, and cultural evolution — making them both beautiful and smart investments.
