The Iconic Investments Index
Interior design trends may come and go, but some timeless pieces are more than a phase.
Your home should be a treasure trove of pieces that bring in joy and make your space yours - but what if some of your furniture was considered actual treasure?
From vintage classics to up and coming designs, we’ve tracked the data behind the trends to find which furniture to invest in now that will pay off later. As well as affordable classics, we have also looked into the glamorous world of big-ticket antiques and the latest furniture phases that will garner a return on your purchase.
Vintage or well-made furniture is not only a fashion statement but a statement for sustainability. We have looked at the carbon footprint of ‘fast’ furniture and how preloved items can help the planet. Did you know that the carbon emissions from the manufacture of the average sofa are the equivalent of 11,478 smartphones being fully charged?
Whether you’re looking for an item to cherish forever, an investment piece to bring you profit or just want to take in some beautifully designed furniture then read on.
The Most Iconic Furniture Pieces to Invest In
If you’re looking for a stylish investment piece that will bring you joy and maybe a bit of cash when the time comes to sell, we have found the furniture for you. By analysing sales prices and popularity over the last five years, these are the pieces that will be not only a win aesthetically but might also reward you for your investment.
The Wishbone Chair from Hans Wegner tops that chart. Originally launched in 1949, this design has truly stood the test of time. With an average resale value of £780.50 and a 200% increase in popularity this beautiful chair is a stylish addition to any home, but sit on this purchase and find bigger profits when the time comes.
With ten pieces on the list, the 1960s have the most mentions. From the instantly recognisable Stacking Chair from Verner Panton to the timeless Arco Lamp by Flos, mid-century styles reign supreme. Many of the items on the list wouldn’t look out of place in a modern furniture catalogue, and the appeal of enduring design can be epitomised by these pieces.
Endurability is key when it comes to selecting investment pieces. This design quality ensures that furniture catches a buyer’s eye but also grows on you in time.
The World's Most Expensive Antiques
After taking a look at some more modest investments, we dug through the archives to find the showstopper sales which brought in the biggest amounts.
These aren't your average furniture pieces while some aren’t for the faint of heart. Rich in design history, many of these items are accompanied by a story.
At first glance, Charles Ray’s ‘Table’ may seem simple but this is a piece of modern art, representing the conundrum of illusion versus reality. The vessels are bottomless and affixed to the tabletop allowing the viewer to see through ordinarily solid items. Critics celebrated the piece when it was released in 1959. It was subsequently sold for over £3 million in 2011.
Also featured on our list is the provocative table from Allen Jones, described as an ‘icon of Pop’ and, by way of contrast, a more simple design of a 17th-century folding chair which sold for over £67,000. This shows how some items gain value by becoming infamous, whereas others earn their price tag from skilled craftsmanship that lasts for centuries.
The Future Furniture Classics
Now we have seen the classics of years gone by, it’s time to look to the future. By tracking global Google search trends and Instagram data, we have calculated the popularity increase and predicted the items from more recent times that are growing in interest.
Many of the pieces feature effortless chic design and come in earthy, neutral tones which complement any passing trends.
The list features some more quirky designs: The QEEBOO Rabbit Chair brings a touch of modern and classy kitsch to any room, while the Anissa Kermiche Love Handles vase offers a modern callback to nude renaissance sculptures of the past.
The Carbon Cost of ‘Fast’ Furniture
We’ve all heard the old adage of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ but budget furniture might not only cost you financially, but it might also cost the environment.
While ‘fast fashion’ has come under the spotlight recently, ‘fast’ furniture also has a carbon cost associated with its manufacture. As we marvel at the beautiful designs of the last hundred years carbon emissions might not be the first thing you consider. Investing in vintage pieces, well-made furniture or second-hand effects is a great way to be sustainable.
A sofa is normally a big purchase, but it can also come with a big carbon cost, largely down to the foam and stuffing inside it. The longer you use it the more you ‘offset’ its carbon footprint. So it pays to buy items that are better made and have a more timeless design.
Similarly, choosing wisely when selecting big-ticket items for your home is essential. By picking something well made that you will love and cherish ensures it’s not heading to the landfill site within a couple of years. Not only is investing in vintage or well-made furniture an investment in your future fortunes, but it is an investment in the future of the planet too.
Methodology:
To work out the top 27 iconic investments, we used a seed list of furniture originally sold from 1800 to 1990. To this seed list, we analysed sale prices from the last five years, along with the number of Google searches, the most popular country for sales and Google Trend data from 2015 - 2020. Most expensive antiques came from Christie’s most valuable listed sales. While modern classics were judged on:
Current RRP
Instagram popularity data
Google search volume
Google Trend data over the past 12 months
Using carbon emissions data from the FIRA Carbon Footprint of Furniture report, we assessed the CO2KG of the most popular furniture purchases. By using this research, we were able to calculate the number of owners a piece would need to reduce its carbon footprint.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
Lights are both essential and a chance to express your creativity. A lot has changed within the lighting space in recent years and with many new styles coming out every year it is hard to keep up.
But looking at the most Instagrammable lights is a great place to start. With the dark of winter almost here, a lighting update is the perfect way to make your home as cosy as possible - especially with many of us spending more time indoors again due to lockdown restrictions.
To find out which lights are the most popular, the researchers at Heal’s have created a list of the designs that have been shining through on Instagram. Plus the lighting buyer at Heal’s, Claire Anstey, solves the lighting mistakes we’ve all been making and offers her top tips on creating the perfect atmosphere.
LED - 8,010,263 posts
LED lights take centre stage on Instagram with over eight million posts featuring these eco-friendly lighting options. And with a wide range of styles and colours you can tailor this lighting choice to suit your own style. LED lights are not only eco-friendly, they are wallet-friendly too with bulbs lasting up to 15 years. They are also a safe option for the home as they contain no toxic elements.
Chandelier - 2,948,840 posts
Chandeliers are a great choice for those who want to add some elegance to their home. Entry halls, staircases and even above dining tables are the perfect places to make this sophisticated addition.
Expert Top Tip: Chandeliers don’t have to be old fashioned and exclusive to manor homes, you can find some great modern pieces that reflect you.
Neon - 2,145,021 posts
Not just for nightclubs, neon lights make a statement in any room. As the perfect mood lighting for dark rooms, they are also excellent for capturing epic Instagram shots.
Expert Top Tip: From statement custom signs to small quirky table lamps, a neon light brings a sense of fun and personality to any room in an instant and makes for a great talking point.
Table Lamp - 338,330 posts
Whether it’s for a bedside, coffee or console table these portable pieces are a staple non-committal piece. Plus no dangerous acrobatics needed to change the bulb.
Expert Top Tip: Table lamps look best in pairs, nothing completes a bedroom more than matching bedside table lamps.
Pendant lighting - 165,190 posts
Pendant lights are great statement pieces, a classic choice to hang above kitchen tables. These Instagrammable lights can be mixed and matched for an interesting and eclectic display.
Expert Top Tip: Clustering pendants gives an effortlessly classy look and will add extra dimension to a room.
Desk Lamps - 81,106 posts
A desk lamp completes the office setup, plus they don’t have to be standard Pixar shaped lamps, they now come in many shapes and sizes to suit any aesthetic.
Expert Top Tip: According to studies, cool light bulbs are best for studying and learning performance.
Architectural sconces - 58,810 posts
These beautiful wall mounted Instagrammable lights may seem high commitment but they can be easily switched up with different bulbs. Perfect in pairs or stand-alone they add the right amount of light to any room.
Expert Top Tip: Sconces look amazing either side of your bed, and make great alternatives to bedside table lamps for that clean look.
Wall lights - 48,715 posts
Wall lights are an excellent way to both light up the room and fill wall space without disturbing the look and feel of the room.
Expert Top Tip: These Instagrammable lights look great when synchronised throughout different rooms to create that clean organised look.
Floor Lights - 8,101 posts
Floor lights and lamps are the perfect finishing touch for any room, with the freedom of movement, you can put it wherever you like.
Expert Top Tip: Floor lamps that have removable lampshades are great for people who love to swap out seasonal colours, having a customisable lamp will give you complete design freedom.
Art Deco Lights - 6,453 posts
This simple addition to a room will take you back in time, perfect for the quirky individuals who love everything vintage.
Expert Top Tip: Art Deco lights come in many different styles if you want a mix of contemporary and vintage, deco pendant lights are the perfect fit.
Cove Lights - 2,065 posts
Cove lights are an excellent choice for those who love simplicity and clean interiors. The perfect mood setter, they add light into those hidden spaces.
Expert Top Tip: This style of lighting adds extra depth and dimension to your room, giving the illusion of more space. If you want to spice up your space during the evening, try colour changing lights.
Layered Lighting - 378 posts
Layering lighting is a classic interior design technique that can be used to create the perfect atmosphere in a room. Layering warm coloured lighting adds brilliant depth to darker coloured rooms.
Expert Top Tip: Warm light is key to layering lighting, it will brighten the room but not create harsh blinding light. Like what you see? Discover more lighting here.
As we’ve spent most of (if not all) our time indoors this year, we’ve come to realise how important the home really is. So it’s inevitable that many of us will now be searching for ways to refresh or revamp our interiors. And modern wall art offers the perfect solution. Whether you’re looking to bring your empty walls to life or searching for a way to create a stylish centrepiece, wall art will bring instant charm and character. Regardless of your style or the size of your space, we’ve got the simple tricks to transform your decor. Here, we share those tips with you.
Create a gallery wall
A gallery wall is the perfect way to bring charm, character and colour to bare walls. A curated display of modern art, posters and prints, it will instantly update your interiors and create a focal point in the home. Opt for simple frames in a single finish or wood, or mix it up with elaborate variations. Then extend from the floor to the ceiling to create the illusion of space.
Display throughout the home
Modern wall art has the potential to bring every room in the house to life. So don’t neglect the bathroom or the home office, or even the kitchen. Oversized prints or photographs will demand attention and set the mood in small spaces. While monochrome prints will work well in minimalist spaces and vibrant pieces will enliven considered interiors.
Match the space
If you’re an avid fan of consistency, choose your modern wall art carefully. Select colours or patterns that match the tone and decor of the room you wish to display them. Choose pieces that match the style of your space, including any furniture or soft furnishings that you’ve already accumulated.
Incorporate symmetry
Experimenting with symmetry is the perfect way to inject a little visual interest into the home. Try hanging a large piece of artwork directly above a sideboard or cabinet, then place two table lamps on top on either side. This will not only transform your dull and drab walls, it’ll also bring character and charm to the entire room.
Choose a theme
If you chose your home decor based upon a theme, why not apply the same logic to your wall art. If you have beechy, bright walls and light floors, try light sketches and illustrations. And if you’ve dark, punchy walls, choose more bold and bright pieces. If you’re not sure of a theme, have a little fun experimenting until you find the one that’s right for you.
Mix it up
When it comes to wall art, you can really think outside of the box. While we love an artistic print, they really just are the start. Try hanging tapestries, throws or fabrics to create a sense of softness in your space. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even pin up a quilt. Whatever your style, try a little something different.
Experiment with display
Modern wall art shouldn’t necessarily be confined to one method of display. Of course you’ll want to hang some of your pieces, but you don’t have to hang them all. Try leaning artwork against the wall in some areas. A piece, or clutter of pieces, resting on a sideboard or sitting atop a bar cabinet can also look very stylish.
Stick to a single piece
As much as we love a gallery wall or collection of matching artwork, some rooms require a lot less. In more minimal or serene settings, a single piece is enough to make a statement on a blank wall. Illustrations and line work pieces work particularly well in these settings.
Use a mirror to catch the light
Nothing highlights the intricacies and beauty of artwork quite like artful plays of light. Try hanging a mirror in the centre of the room to catch the light. This will work to cleverly expand the room and illuminate both the room’s decor and your modern wall art. The reflection will also help to make a small space feel a lot bigger.
Discover more modern wall art for your home.
Rest and relaxation have always been essential to well-being. But keeping your mind, body and soul healthy and nurtured is more important than ever right now.
As life becomes filled with more uncertainties, we all find ourselves needing a place to go to escape, relax and unwind. And a calm living space provides exactly that.
By experimenting with light, texture and tone, you can create a stress-free haven in the heart of the home. Here, we show you exactly how to achieve it.
Declutter
Very few things create mental unrest like clutter. The tidier your space is, the more relaxed you will feel. It’s as simple as that. Start by tidying away anything that you don’t need.
Stack any books, magazines or newspapers onto shelves and neatly arrange any candles and photo frames. Ottomans and sideboards also make perfect storage solutions.
Soft textures
Mimic the snug comfort of your sleeping quarters by adding ultra-cosy soft furnishings to your living space. Opt for sumptuous velvet textures and woven designs for heightened comfort and warmth. Then drape cosy throws across the sofa and accompany with layers of plump cushions. You’ll find yourself in a calm haven in no time.
Neutral tones
Set a serene scene with light, neutral tones. Neutral colours are perfect for creating a sense of harmony. But that doesn’t mean you have to confine yourself to an entirely bare space. Instead, use a variety of soothing tones and textures to create depth. And as light colours are wonderful at enhancing daylight rays, they’re a guaranteed mood booster.
Plant power
Bringing the outside in will help to create an overwhelmingly calming atmosphere. Houseplants not only look great, they also have fantastic health benefits. Plants cleanse the air and oxygenate the home, which in turn promotes tranquillity and serenity. But if you’re not particularly green fingered, artificial plants also offer a great way to create a green utopia.
Strike a balance
You don’t have to be a master of feng shui to successfully create harmony within the home. Simple ways to promote a more calm environment include playing with the positioning of living room furniture or experimenting with light and dark textures and tones. The key is to try a few different set-ups to find the one that flows and feels equally weighted.
Natural materials
Using materials such as linen and wool is a perfect way to connect with nature and create a deep-rooted sense of calm. While houseplants may not be for everyone, natural textures promote the same levels of tranquillity and calm. Original woodwork or woven designs can prove particularly effective in working to ground the overall feel of the room.
Soothing sounds and soft scents
Evoking the senses is key to creating a calm living space. An all-round sensory experience works to perfectly complement soft textures, neutral tones and natural materials.
Why not introduce gentle fragrances with scented candles and aromatherapy essentials oils. And don’t forget the room’s acoustics. Use rugs and throws to help absorb sound.
Sunlight and candlelight
Nothing promotes clarity and wellness quite like natural light. A naturally lit room can boost productivity, improve mood and create overall tranquillity. So try to let as much light in as possible.
For darker days and evenings however, create a landscape of ambient lighting using candles. After all, there’s nothing more calming than the warm, flickering glow of a candle.
Like what you see? Discover more soothing home accessories here.
Now more than ever there’s nothing quite like escaping the chaos of modern life and retreating to a cosy bedroom to hunker down in hibernation. With this in mind, the bedroom should inevitably be the most tranquil room in the house. But how do you transform yours into a haven for rest and relaxation?
Well, that’s where we come in. Whether you’re set on overhauling your sleeping quarters or just looking for a quick way to spruce up your space, we’ve got you covered. From introducing soft textures and calming colours to experimenting with light and fragrance, here we highlight simple ways to create your very own snug bedroom.
Soft textures
Layers, layers and more layers. Layered soft furnishings are perfect for creating both an eye-catching focal point and a warm haven to drift off in. Introduce soft throws and cushions to the bed for a quick way to make a warm, inviting space. As the bed itself should be a sanctuary, try to dress it in velvety textures, luxe bedspreads and sumptuously soft throws.
Ambient lighting
Create a relaxing atmosphere by switching off the ceiling fixture after dark and concentrating on low light. Introduce matching bedside lamps and strategically positioned floor lamps to maximise the room’s potential. Lighting that emits a soft, warm glow is perfect for setting an intimate mood.
Snug rugs
Start from the ground up by adding extra cosiness with a plush rug (or two). As the bedroom is typically used barefoot, it’s essential to have a soft floor surface. Particularly when climbing in and out of bed. Rugs offer the perfect way to introduce more warmth, additional texture and that all-important super-soft flourish.
Calming colours
We often retreat to the bedroom when we need to switch off and unwind. Therefore, focusing on colours that evoke calm and serenity will create a much cosier atmosphere than bold patterns. Choosing soft throws, faux fur blankets and cosy knits in neutral tones is a great place to start.
Natural materials
Bringing the serenity of nature to the home will help to create a cosy bedroom. Rich, sensuous textures and pared-back elements work to evoke a sense of inner calm. Which in turn, sets a warm, welcoming tone. Clean lines, raw materials and contemporary silhouettes are perfect for this.
Banish clutter
Decluttering is key to creating an ample space for rest and relaxation. While a bedside table and reading nook are perfect, try to avoid cramming in too much else. Unnecessary side tables, desks and bookshelves will make the room feel cramped and crowded. Instead, stick to the essentials.
Soothing scents
Nurturing all five scents is key to creating the ultimate cosy bedroom. Introducing scented candles or essential oils will work to evoke calm and happiness. Fragrances with notes of lavender offer a great place to start. As an esteemed aromatherapy tool, lavender is perfect for reducing restlessness and anxiety.
Comfortable mattress
A bedroom can’t be cosy if it isn’t a comfortable place to sleep. Invest in a good mattress and you’ll never look back. Always make sure you opt for the right type, size and tension to ensure restful sleep. As purchasing a mattress is a long-term commitment, choose the right one with our helpful guide.
Cosy nook
If your bedroom has the space, create a cosy nook with a comfy armchair and soft lighting. Ban technology (with its glowing lights and intermittent hums) and use this small space as a reading corner. Reading is a wonderful pre-sleep activity and a great one for general relaxation too.
Go dark
If you like to make more of a statement with your interiors, darker hues will add dramatic cosiness. Paint the walls (or stick to a single feature wall) in a deep, relaxing shade to bring in added warmth and comfort. Try to focus on one solid colour and steer away from statement patterns.
Incorporate knits
Knitted throws and blankets are perfect for adding extra warmth and texture to the bedroom. Neutral tones and soft fabrics work particularly well in conjuring comfort and calm. Cocoon the bed in chunky knits or drape fine knits over a statement armchair to create the ultimate cosy atmosphere.
Leather accents
Experiment with texture and depth by introducing leather accents. Investing in a leather headboard with a simple, considered design will help to keep the room clean and serene. Whilst also introducing warmth and comfort. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not opt for a luxurious leather chaise lounge.
Scandi simplicity
Simplicity, functionality and beauty are at the heart of Scandinavian design. And they should be at the heart of your bedroom too. Focusing on raw materials, soft textures and clean colour palettes will bring warmth, cosiness and comfort to your space. Minimalist design also helps to create a calm, serene place to rest your head at night.
Discover more cosy bedroom designs here.
As the nights draw in and daylight hours dwindle, it's all too easy to let the lack of daylight get to us. But there are plenty of ways to bring light and joy to the home during the winter months. Starting with unique lighting.
To help, we've compiled a selection of our favourite unique lighting ideas to help inspire your lighting vision. We're talking unusual designs, playful shapes and bold colours.
What's not to love? Interested? Simply click on the image to find the product online.
PH5 Pendant Light
By Louis Poulson Not only does the PH5 Pendant look impressive. It also brings revolutionary light technology to your home. Designed by Poul Henningsen, this striking pendant produces the ideal combination of downward and lateral light. This ambient glow gently illuminates the surroundings and the fixture itself. The three-tier shade system then diffuses the light and prevents glare.
Bud Portable Light
By Melissa Yup for Innermost The Bud is the unusual do-anything light. Available in a kaleidoscope of colours, this portable lamp is easily rechargeable thanks to the micro USB charging socket on the underside. It lasts for up to 20 hours from one charge, making it perfect for illuminating dark nights or setting an ambient mood. And as it offers three levels of brightness, it’s also hugely versatile.
Melt Floor Lamp Chandelier
By Tom Dixon If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional chandelier, you’re in luck. Eccentric and extraordinary, each one of Melt’s seven shades is crafted using pioneering vacuum moulding.
Emitting a mildly hallucinogenic light, this striking lamp creates a mesmerising hot blown-glass effect when on and a mirror-effect when off. Evoking otherworldly imagery, it makes a bold design statement.
Filigrana T2 Cylinder Lamp
By Sebastian Wrong for Established & Sons The Filigrana T2 harnesses the mystery of traditional Venetian glass blowing. Its distinctive candy stripes and elegant structure make it a real focal point in the home.
The surface of the lamp is also intricately acid-etched to allow for a soft and diffused glow to be emitted. Crafted in Spain using a 16th-century technique from Murano, each lamp is truly unique and unusual.
5321 Table Lamp
By Gubi The 5321 table lamp brings the romantic charm of the seaside straight to your home. Its bulb appears subtly from beneath the unique seashell-shaped brass shade, which evokes images of pearls resting in the deep sea.
While its rattan-covered stem brings a playful touch to its mid-century design. And as its finished with a brass-hued textile cord, it brings a timeless flourish to any space.
Mytilus Pendant Light
By Arturo Alvarez The Mytilus will transform your space with its ethereal glow and sculptural structure. Arturo Alvarez designed this modern pendant having drawn inspiration from the moving seabed and the ocean’s currents. The stainless-steel mesh shade curves round the artisanal glass orb that surrounds the integrated LED light. Put simply, it's a mesmerising statement piece.
Arame Wall Light
By Tom Raffield Combining sustainable craftsmanship and sculptural design, let nature guide the way with the Arame Wall Light. Crafted using steam-bent wood and arranged in a tessellating pattern, it mimics the organic shapes and movements found in the natural world.
When switched on, it casts a kaleidoscopic pattern onto the wall. But when switched off, the light maintains its sculptural aesthetic.
Knuckle Table Lamp
By Tala The Knuckle Table Lamp is the perfect compact design to illuminate a desk or bedside table. Paired with an exposed energy-saving Voronoi II bulb, it mimics natural light sources to dim from cool to warm light. In turn, this works to bring visual and physical harmony to any room in the home. Crafted using FSC-grade pure American oak or walnut, it’s easy to find the right one for your space.
Hebe Floor Lamp
By ferm LIVING The Hebe takes the structure of the classic lamp and transforms it with artistic flair and strong shapes. Initially sculpted by hand, the lamp base is crafted from ceramic to a fluid silhouette. Taking its cues from nature, this raw design creates a majestic focal point in any room in the home. To complete the look, combine the lamp with a matching textile lampshade.
IC Low Table Light
By Flos A harmonious balance of form and finish, the IC T1’s slender silhouette defies gravity. Inspired by street performing acrobats, designer Michael Anastassiades distils their movement in sculptural form. Characterised by a use of lustred metal and glass, its sculpted silhouette creates a unique focal point. The glass’ frosted finish then emits a warm glow to light the home on dark evenings.
Basalt Triple Pendant Light
By Tala The Basalt Triple’s delicate angular form is inspired by nature’s beauty. The unique light combines three irregular pendants with three mouth-blown glass bulbs. With its mix of strong materials and dimmable LED technology, it’s perfect for softly illuminating the home. Moreover, as it’s designed to mimic the natural processes that inspire it, it creates a striking focal point.
Multi Lite Table Lamp
By Gubi The Multi Lite embraces the golden era of Danish design to make a statement in your space. The lamp’s elegance and decorate form make it appear almost sculptural. Whilst the multi-purpose design works to direct light upwards, downwards or in asymmetrical patterns. As the darkness sets in, this lamp is perfect for creating a unique lighting solution in any living space.
Torch S1 Cone Pendant
By Sylvain Willenz for Established & Sons The Torch draws inspiration from typical torch and car headlights to bring a fun, vibrant look to the home. The bold yet functional conical shade mimics the handheld nature of the torch. While the diffuser’s textured surface references typical torch and car headlights. It’s also entirely dimmable. Which allows for a warm glow to be created throughout the room on dark nights.
Luna Disc Wall Light
By Gabriel Kakon & Scott Richler for Gabriel Scott The Luna emits a soft glow to gently illuminate the home. Handcrafted in Canada, it takes its structural cues from the original bespoke Luna series. The striking light is crafted from layers of mouth-blown glass. With the spherical structure mimicking the moon’s silhouette. When switched on, this modern design emits a warm light that replicates the moon’s diffused glow. Discover more unique lighting here.
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