Selling a design piece requires strategy, market knowledge, research and impeccable presentation. The auction has become the most effective way to sell design furniture thanks to a model that maximizes results. With more than 20 years of experience connecting design pieces with national and international collectors, at Setdart the specialized knowledge of our experts allows us to carry out rigorous valuations and personalized advice to achieve an optimal sale result.
In this guide, we present practical and advanced tips to help your piece reach its full potential.
1. Evaluate the potential of your piece in the international market.
The first step in maximizing value when selling designer furniture is to understand who may be interested and in what context. Some key factors that directly impact price:
- Designer and signature: Pieces from recognized creators or with limited edition have a higher demand.
- Edition and rarity: A unique or limited edition piece multiplies its potential value.
- History and context: Pieces linked to historical movements such as Art Deco, brutalism or postmodernism generate international collector interest.
Recent examples from Setdart show how a correct assessment of these factors can multiply results:
- Armchair ‘The Golden Egg’ by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, limited edition 60th anniversary (2018). Its iconic design and the limited number of copies explain its sale for 14,000 €. The combination of renowned firm, classic design and special edition increases its value for collectors.
- Boardroom table of 4 meters with chairs signed by Arne Vodder, lot 35297457, sold for 20,000 €. Here, the size and coherence of the ensemble multiply the value: buyers value complete sets of signed furniture, especially if they are related to a historical designer.
- Side I chest of drawers, by Shiro Kuramata, auctioned for €10,000. Its striking design, its recognized signature and its relevance within contemporary Japanese design made it stand out in the auction. Its uniqueness and visual impact were key to its final price.
These examples demonstrate that studying and understanding what makes your piece unique is critical to maximizing its value: the designer’s signature, limited edition, rarity or size are factors that attract specific buyers and encourage competition at auction.
If you are considering selling a piece of Design from your collection and need to know its value, at Setdart you can request a confidential appraisal to see if it is a good candidate for auction.
2. Presentation and documentation: factors that increase buyer’s confidence
A piece may be extraordinary, but without the right documentation its price may be limited. When selling design at auction, collectors value:
- Certificates of authenticity.
- High quality photographs showing details, signatures or stamps.
- Information on provenance, history and previous exposure.
At Setdart we advise on how to document a piece and we take care of its optimal presentation, from the professional photographic development to the narration of its historical relevance.
3. Strategic conservation and restoration
The state of conservation can enhance or detract from the value of a piece. Not all restorations are beneficial:
- Aggressive interventions can diminish collector interest.
- Maintaining the original patina of vintage pieces often increases their value.
- Minor, reversible adjustments can improve presentation without compromising authenticity.
Our specialists value each piece and recommend the appropriate conservation strategy before auctioning it, ensuring that selling designer furniture translates into the best possible price.
4. Price and presentation of the lot
Setting a strategic starting price is essential to stimulate bidding. A price that is too high can discourage, while one that is too low can generate underpricing. At Setdart:
- We analyze real market data and international trends.
- We develop a confidential valuation to guide the reserve price.
- We organize the lots in the auction catalog in a way that maximizes the perception of value: the presentation of each piece in context, within the overall auction set, reinforces the appeal and packaging of the Design.
A good allocation strategy can be the difference between an average result and an outstanding one.
5. Access to international buyers and specialized visibility
A key aspect when selling is to have a large audience with a high interest in design furniture. One of the most important advantages of auctioning with Setdart is the access to a specialized and international audience:
- More than 100 countries connected to our platform.
- Monthly auctions that accelerate the sales process.
- Physical galleries in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia for a first-hand experience.
6. Timing and trends: when to auction to obtain maximum value.
Selling a piece at the right time can multiply its value. Some factors to consider:
- Launching of exhibitions or re-editions of well-known designers.
- Interior and design trends that revalue certain styles.
- Movements in international collecting that increase the demand for specific pieces.
Even so, at Setdart we observe a stable demand for pieces accepted for auction. Pieces with this recognition and caliber have managed to remain relevant over time and, thanks to their durability and timeless design, continue to be sought after by those who invest in pieces of this type.
Sell design furniture with Setdart
If you want to sell designer furniture or sell designer lamps with maximum results, our team of specialists offers a free and confidential appraisal, guiding you on authenticity, documentation, conservation, starting price and market strategy.
With over 20 years of experience, international visibility and a rigorous process, Setdart is the ideal partner for your piece to achieve the value it deserves at auction.
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