Freeman’s to auction off midcentury modern furniture for every budget

Be still, midcentury modern-beating hearts: Dozens of pieces by designers like Eero Saarinen and Florence Knoll will be up for grabs at Freeman’s upcoming Collectors Sales auction.

On Wednesday, August 9, 400 pieces of furniture, artwork, and other household items—not just midcentury modern pieces—will be up for bid at the Collectors Sale, which geared toward millennials. “The sale will be of particular interest for the budding community of young collectors developing in Philadelphia,” Freeman’s said in its announcement.

Even more, the sale is meant for every budget, so everything up for auction is less than $1,000. Some of the items went unsold at previous auctions this year, so they are being offered at a reduced price.

Here are five midcentury modern pieces that will be bid on at the auction, which takes place on August 9 at 10 a.m. at 1808 Chestnut Street.

Sofa by Florence Knoll, Knoll Associates

With chrome and steel legs like those, there’s no doubt that this is a Florence Knoll-designed sofa. Designed by Knoll Associates in the 1960s, the eggplant-colored sofa’s estimated value is $600 to $800.

Chairs and table by Alvar Aalto

Consider this the perfect opportunity to upgrade your IKEA Poäng chair to one of these designed by Alvar Alto, a prominent Finnish designer and artist. Designed in the 1950s, this collection is estimated at $400 to $600.

Courtesy of Freeman’s

Eero Saarinen’s tulip chairs and side tables

The noted architect Eero Saarinen designed what would become one of the most iconic chairs for Knoll Associates in 1957. Today, just one of these tulip chairs goes for around $2,000. But this entire set is estimated at $2,000 to $3,000.

Two-door cabinets by Florence Knoll

Here’s another Knoll-designed collection of two-door walnut cabinetry with her trademark steel legs. The cabinets are estimated between $800 and $1,200.

Wire chaise lounge by Richard Schultz

Schultz was best-known for his outdoor furniture designs, which he developed while working for Knoll Associates. This steel wire 715 Chaise Lounge was introduced in 1961 as part of Schultz’s Bertoia collection, and was selected the following year by the Museum of Modern Art for its permanent collection of contemporary furniture. This auction item is estimated between $400 and $600.

If you want to see the items in person prior to the auction, there will be viewings on Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6 from 12 to 5 p.m.; and Monday, August 7 and Tuesday, August 8 from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Collector’s Sale [Freeman’s]