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In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in interest in classic antique furniture. Pieces in Baroque, Empire, or Rococo styles, once symbols of status and luxury, are increasingly rare in modern interiors. The main reason for this is the shift in lifestyles and aesthetic preferences.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in interest in classic antique furniture. Pieces in Baroque, Empire, or Rococo styles, once symbols of status and luxury, are increasingly rare in modern interiors. The main reason for this is the shift in lifestyles and aesthetic preferences.
Massive dressers, carved cabinets, and gilded chairs do not fit well into small city apartments. Modern generations value minimalism, functionality, and open space, which makes bulky classic pieces impractical. Moreover, caring for such items requires special knowledge and expenses that not everyone is prepared for.
Thus, the market for classic antiques is shrinking, giving way to more modern and contemporary collectibles. Value is shifting from opulence and historicism to simplicity and personal history.
In place of opulent classics, the design of the mid-20th century has emerged, experiencing a real boom in popularity. The Mid-Century Modern style (1940s-1960s) attracts collectors with its conciseness, functionality, and use of natural materials. These items are easily integrated into modern living spaces, adding coziness and character.
Demand is growing for furniture, lighting, and decorative items created by famous designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Hans Wegner. Their works are valued for their high quality, ergonomics, and timeless aesthetics. Collecting design from this period is not only an investment but also an opportunity to surround oneself with beautiful and comfortable things.
| Term | Description |
| Sealed copy | A game in its original, unopened factory packaging. The most valuable option for a collector. |
| CIB (Complete in Box) | The complete set: game, box, and manual. The next most valuable after a sealed copy. |
| Limited Edition | A limited release of a game or console, produced in small quantities and often with additional bonuses. |
One of the most unexpected and fastest-growing trends is video game collecting. For generations who grew up in the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, old games and consoles are a powerful source of nostalgia. Today, it's not just entertainment but a serious collectible asset, with prices that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
The most valuable items are rare copies in mint condition, especially games in their sealed factory packaging. Collectors hunt for cartridges for Nintendo and Sega consoles, first editions of iconic PlayStation games, and limited-edition console series.
Investing in collectible video games requires market knowledge and an understanding of the factors that influence value: rarity, condition, cultural significance, and fan demand.
Edition prints are another popular area that makes art collecting more accessible. These are original works created by the artist but released in a limited edition. This approach allows one to acquire a work by a famous artist at a price significantly lower than that of their unique paintings or sculptures.
The demand for lithographs, screenprints, etchings, and engravings is steadily growing. Collectors are attracted by the opportunity to own works by masters such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, or modern stars like Banksy. Edition prints have high decorative potential and serve as an excellent entry point into the world of art investment.
When choosing edition prints, it is important to pay attention to the artist's signature, the print number, and the total edition size—the smaller the edition, the higher the value of the piece.
| Criterion | Classic Collecting | Modern Collecting |
| Primary Value | Historical significance, age, rarity | Nostalgia, design, cultural influence |
| Era | Before the early 20th century | Mid-20th century to present day |
| Functionality | Low, museum-like quality | High, integration into daily life |
| Target Audience | Mature, wealthy collectors | Younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z) |
Modern collecting trends clearly show a shift from traditional values to more personal and functional ones. Today's collector seeks items that not only have investment potential but also reflect their individuality, evoke an emotional response, and fit harmoniously into their life.
Items from the recent past, whether a designer chair, a rare video game, or a poster by a famous artist, are becoming the new artifacts. They combine history, design, and culture in a way that is understandable and relatable to the modern person. Collecting is ceasing to be an elitist hobby and is becoming a means of self-expression.
