World’s most expensive furniture sold in 2023

A home, no matter how beautiful, is never truly complete without furniture and unique pieces of art. Good quality furniture can come with a hefty price tag, and certain luxury pieces can be exceptionally expensive.
In 2004, at a Christie’s Auction in London, The Badminton Chest achieved the remarkable price of $36.7 million, making it the most expensive piece of furniture ever sold.

If you’ve ever pondered just how extravagant furniture can get, here is the captivating list of the top 10 most exorbitant pieces of furniture in the world as of 2023.

• The Badminton Chest $36.7 Million
• The Dragons Chair $27.8 Million
• Antique Secretary Desk $11.4 Million
• The Harrington Commode $5 Million
• The Tufft Table $4.6 Million
• George Ii Parcel Gilt Padauk Cabinet $3.9 Million
• Ruijssenaars Magnetic Floating Bed $1.6 Million
• Pininfarina’s Aresline Xten Office Chair $1.5 Million
• Solid Gold Stool $1.3 Million
• Parnian Desk $200,000

1. The Badminton Chest $36.7 Million

The Badminton Cabinet, renowned as the most expensive piece of furniture, is a true masterpiece that exudes opulence and grandeur. This extraordinary creation, meticulously crafted by thirty skilled designers over a span of six years, showcases the exquisite beauty of amethyst quartz and various other precious stones.

In 1726, at the tender age of 19, Henry Somerset, the 3rd Duke of Beaufort, commissioned the construction of a magnificent ebony cabinet. This cabinet, now famously known as the Badminton Cabinet, derived its name from the Duke’s splendid country estate, Badminton House, nestled in picturesque Gloucestershire, England.

For centuries, the cabinet resided majestically at Badminton House, until the descendants of the Duke decided to auction it in the late 20th century. Standing tall at an impressive height of 386 cm (152 in) and measuring 232.5 cm (91.5 in) in width, this ebony marvel is adorned with the exquisite artistry of pietra dura inlay. This intricate technique involves the meticulous cutting, polishing, and coloring of stones, including a selection of semi-precious gems.

The crown jewel of the cabinet is its top, featuring an ornate clock face embellished with elegant fleurs-de-lis, flanked by two gilded statues, and crowned with a regal coat of arms. Below, a parapet adorned with pietra dura lozenges adds to its captivating allure. The cabinet consists of three horizontal sections, encompassing inlaid drawers that encircle a central cupboard. Its regal presence is further enhanced by the eight inlaid pilasters that support it, exuding an air of grandeur and sophistication. This remarkable antique was skillfully crafted in Florence and currently finds its home at the prestigious Liechtenstein Museum, where it continues to captivate and inspire all who have the privilege of beholding its magn.

2. The Dragons Chair $27.8 Million

Designed by Irish designer Eileen Gray, the Dragon’s Chair was created between 1917 and 1919. This wooden upholstered armchair showcases two stylized lacquered dragons, adding a touch of exotic elegance. The intricate dragon imagery and cloud motifs on the chair bear a striking resemblance to the iconic elements often found in traditional Chinese art. The beautifully carved armrests, with their flowing design, have drawn comparisons to a sea monster, earning the chair the affectionate nickname of the Dragon’s Chair.

When the chair was put up for auction, experts estimated its value at US$2.3 million. However, one passionate admirer, Parisian art dealer Cheska Vallois, decided to bid ten times that amount, elevating the chair’s price tag to unprecedented heights. Crafted meticulously by hand, this exquisite piece of furniture combines the finest leather and carved wood, showcasing the skill and artistry of its creator.

The proud owner of this timeless masterpiece was none other than Yves St Laurent, a testament to his discerning taste and appreciation for exceptional design. In 2009, the Dragon’s Chair found a new home when it was sold at Christie’s, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and design.

3. Antique Secretary Desk $11.4 Million

The Goddard and Townsend desk, crafted in the 1760s, is an exquisite piece of furniture. Its rarity and exclusivity are unparalleled, as only nine of these antique secretary desks were ever created. This remarkable desk holds a significant place in history, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In a momentous event in 1989, one of these extraordinary desks was auctioned at Christies, fetching an astounding price of US$ 11.4 million. This sale shattered records, establishing it as the most expensive American furniture ever sold. The desk’s unparalleled craftsmanship and historical significance undoubtedly contributed to its extraordinary value.

The Goddard and Townsend desk stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of its creators. Its intricate design and meticulous attention to detail showcase the mastery of the craftsmen who brought it to life. Each desk is a unique masterpiece, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the 18th-century era. Owning such a rare and valuable piece of furniture is a privilege reserved for the most discerning collectors.

4. The Harrington Commode $5 Million

Although not a particularly glamorous household item, the commode held great significance for affluent families, serving not only as a practical necessity but also as a visually stunning piece of furniture. One such remarkable creation was the Harrington Commode, masterfully crafted by the renowned artisan Thomas Chippendale during the 18th century. This exquisite and opulent piece of furniture fetched an astounding price of over US$ 5 million when it was sold at Sotheby’s auction house in 2010.

5. The Tufft Table $4.6 Million

The Tufft Table, meticulously crafted by hand in 1700, bears the name of its ingenious creator, Thomas Tufft. This exquisite piece of furniture boasts a narrowing design towards one end, adorned with an array of intricate details and ornate decorations. Commissioned specifically for Richard Edwards of Lumberton, New Jersey, this table showcases the opulent elegance of the ROCOCO style, featuring delicate pierced fretwork and meticulously crafted ball and claw feet. Its undeniable allure and exceptional craftsmanship commanded an astonishing price of US$ 4.6 million at a prestigious auction held in Philadelphia.

6. George Ii Parcel Gilt Padauk Cabinet $3.9 Million

In 2008, a truly exquisite piece of furniture graced the halls of Christies auction house. The George II parcel gilt padauk cabinet, a testament to intricate craftsmanship, fetched an astounding price of US$ 3.9 million. This remarkable creation was the brainchild of the renowned designer Thomas Chippendale, undoubtedly contributing to its hefty price tag.

This rectangular cabinet boasts a regal canopy atop, adorned with meticulously crafted rocks and leaves. Its corners are adorned with columns featuring delicate leaf decorations, while the curved top showcases a mesmerizing glass door at its center. Upon opening this masterpiece, one discovers three shelves adorned with intricate open patterns. The sides of the cabinet feature glass sections crowned with elegant canopies, while the bottom houses drawers boasting a captivating patterned design. The legs of this cabinet stand tall and proud, their square shape accentuated by leaf-shaped brackets. Originally covered in a lavish layer of gold, the cabinet now boasts a stunning water-gilt finish.

The George II parcel gilt padauk cabinet is a true testament to the artistry and skill of Thomas Chippendale. Its intricate details and impeccable design make it a coveted piece for collectors and connoisseurs alike. This remarkable creation stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and enduring value of fine craftsmanship.

7. Ruijssenaars Magnetic Floating Bed $1.6 Million

True to its name, the Ruijssenaars Magnetic Floating Bed is an extraordinary and groundbreaking piece of furniture. This remarkable creation came to life through the collaboration of Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaar and Bakker Magnetics. The process of building this bed took an impressive six years, showcasing the dedication and precision of its makers. Utilizing repulsive magnetic forces, the bed defies gravity and elegantly hovers 40 cm above the floor.

To ensure stability, the bed is securely anchored in place with cables attached to its four corners. This ingenious feature allows for the bed to be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, providing a unique and versatile sleeping experience. The design of the bed draws inspiration from the iconic Monolith featured in Stanley Kubrick’s renowned film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

8. Pininfarina’s Aresline Xten Office Chair $1.5 Million

Renowned for their exquisite designs on luxury vehicles such as the Ferrari and Maserati GranTurismo, the esteemed Italian design firm, Pininfarina, has now ventured into the realm of office furniture with their latest masterpiece. Introducing the Aresline Xten, a pinnacle of ergonomic excellence and fatigue reduction.

Crafted with cutting-edge materials and an ingenious ergonomic layout, this chair is a game-changer in the realm of comfort. Its revolutionary design incorporates Technogel, an exceptional polyurethane material that alleviates stress on the back, while also featuring Dynatec, a fabric originally tailored for Olympic athletes. Astonishingly, it is reported to diminish seating pressure and fatigue by an impressive 60%.

To cater to diverse tastes, the Aresline Xten is available in four captivating colors: metallic blue, grey, red, and anthracite. Each shade exudes sophistication and elegance, ensuring that this chair not only enhances your well-being but also adds a touch of refinement to any workspace.

9. Solid Gold Stool $1.3 Million

The Solid Gold Stool is meticulously crafted in China, utilizing nearly 50 kilograms of pure gold. This exquisite masterpiece was exclusively retailed by a prestigious jewelry store located in Jiangsu province, commanding a staggering price of US$ 1.3 million.

10. Parnian Desk $200,000

Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, Parnian is a master in creating bespoke tables. A testament to their expertise, this opulent table is a result of their meticulous work, crafted from a harmonious blend of six rare and exotic tree species, including the illustrious Carpathian elm and Abanos. Adorned with a specially designed glass top, this masterpiece exudes artistic perfection and exquisiteness.

With a price tag that commands attention, this table stands at an astounding US$ 200,000. The investment is justified by the sheer dedication and skill that went into its creation. It took a team of skilled artisans five months to meticulously construct this one-of-a-kind desk, custom-made exclusively for Parnian’s prestigious showroom in North Scottsdale, Arizona.

Parnian’s reputation precedes them, catering to a discerning clientele that includes top CEOs, royalty, and renowned celebrities from around the globe. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail have made them the go-to choice for those who seek nothing but the finest in luxury furniture.