Why Collectible Furniture is the new must-have

Pinakin Studio

Pinakin Patel’s studio, one of the oldest in residential lifestyle, is known for shaping modern Indian aesthetics. Noting a shift from functional to collectible designs, Pinakin says, "Form and function are the two keywords one associates with furniture. While in practical furniture, form follows function, in collectible pieces, the form takes precedence."

To ensure their pieces serve both as functional items and artistic statements, Pinakin emphasises "keeping the human scale and use constant." Material selection is equally thoughtful, involving the development of special surface treatments and finishes created by hand. By limiting each design to just ten pieces, Pinakin believes the exclusivity adds to the allure. In today’s digital world, where trends spread rapidly, exclusivity "creates a pause and value addition in an otherwise mundane routine of furniture selection."

The evolution of collectible furniture reflects the blurred lines between art and design. As Pinakin points out, "Earlier, art and design were divided by sharp ‘caste’ lines. Since artists stepped out of their traditional roles of creators towards visualizers, art started moving towards design. The reverse was bound to happen and will continue to take liberty and gain confidence until art and design are united under the singularity of ‘aesthetic’.”

Design ni Dukaan

Design ni Dukaan is a community-based practice that shuns conventional hierarchies and embraces collaboration. The founder Veeram Shah believes that design is a collective expression born from life’s myriad experiences. With an emphasis on working within a limited palette to push the boundaries of familiar materials, Veeram says, “Our approach to materiality is rooted in understanding the inherent properties of each material—its texture, weight, how it interacts with light, and how it ages. We see materials not just as mediums but as contributors to the overall atmosphere of a space.”

By producing limited quantities, the brand ensures that each piece reflects intent, care, and craftsmanship. “More than just furniture—it's an investment in a narrative. This personal connection between the piece and its owner elevates the value beyond mere function, turning it into a cherished collectable,” explains Veeram.  As the trend of collectible furniture evolves, Veeram sees it moving toward even more conceptual, multi-layered designs that merge art, culture, and personal narratives.

Bandana Jain

Bandana Jain, a contemporary artist and sustainable design expert in architecture, interior design, and public spaces, believes the shift from functional furniture to collectible art stems from a desire to elevate everyday objects. "My limited-edition designs invite you to experience art in everyday life—a balance of strength, beauty, and the tactile thrill of sitting on something that appears fragile yet is sturdy."

Her intuitive process allows materials to guide each piece's evolution. "The language of my work is sculptural and meditative," she says, balancing practicality and artistic statement. Sustainability is key, with materials like corrugated cardboard transformed into unique, environmentally responsible art. "By limiting the number of pieces, I maintain the integrity and unique quality of my work," Bandana explains. She adds that as collectible furniture grows in popularity, people increasingly see these designs as investments, much like fine art, to be cherished and passed down through generations.

Pieces of Desire

Pieces of Desire (P.O.D) is an artisan-based design studio that promotes locally made products with a focus on craftsmanship and detail. “While mass production drives business growth, some designs require a higher level of skill and artistry,” explains Nishita Kamdar, Principal Designer at P.O.D. “These intricate designs, though more expensive due to the workmanship involved, offer a sense of novelty and satisfaction, leading to the creation of collectible pieces that are not mass-produced.”

When designing limited-edition furniture, functionality remains essential, particularly in P.O.D’s speciality—swings. These pieces are crafted to make bold artistic statements, but their practical use is never compromised. The selection of materials plays a pivotal role in elevating furniture to collectible status. It’s not just about choosing quality woods but also how these materials are sculpted, moulded, or treated using labour-intensive techniques that contribute to each piece's uniqueness.

Atelier Ashiesh Shah

Architect Ashiesh Shah is known to find a semblance between art, architecture, and design, with a focus on Indian craftsmanship and innovative material use. His latest limited-edition furniture collection, Swayam, explores themes of introspection and self-reflection, showing how objects can serve as meditative tools. The Dhoop table, for instance, incorporates sensory elements like incense smoke.

Ashiesh views his creations as more than furniture. “We never call our pieces furniture,” he explains, emphasising their fluid transition between art, design, and function. He believes a piece’s value lies in occupying an "undefinable space," which elevates it into the realm of collectible art.

Ashiesh approaches his craft focusing on Indian craftsmanship, using materials that honour traditional skills while telling a contemporary story. In a world where design trends are often copied, Ashiesh relies on certification, date, and edition numbers to preserve the uniqueness of his work. Looking ahead, Ashiesh asserts that true collectible design must reflect the vision of an artist over time, not mass-produced items marketed under the guise of exclusivity.

Airborn by WoodFeather

Akshay Sharma, founder of Airborn by WoodFeather, has always had a deep passion for aviation, evident in his latest limited-edition furniture collection, 'Airborn.' His goal has been to bring aviation into people's homes, especially in India, where private aviation culture is not widespread. WoodFeather began with handcrafted wood propellers and has since evolved into transforming real aeroplane parts into collectible furniture.

"My job is relatively straightforward; aviation parts are already stunning," he explains, stressing the natural artistry found in aeroplane components. While these items are functional, their primary appeal lies in their aesthetic and emotional value. Sourcing materials for his creations is challenging, especially for military aircraft parts. Akshay notes the immense effort involved in acquiring these aviation relics, which are made from some of the finest materials designed to withstand extreme conditions. This rarity makes each piece unique, not easily replicated or mass-produced.

"People who love aviation are incredibly passionate," he says, highlighting that the collectible furniture market is driven by rarity, value, and a deep emotional connection to the pieces. As technology advances, traditional aircraft materials will become even rarer, making such furniture even more valuable in the future.

Project 810

"We believe that design must evoke emotion and fit into context," says Vritima Wadhwa, founder of Project 810. This philosophy extends to the brand's limited-edition furniture, which is an effort to push the boundaries of handcrafted processes. Drawing from India’s rich craft traditions, the design is influenced by a vision to refresh these time-honoured techniques. The creation process is meticulous, involving careful research and prototyping to balance practicality with artistry. Each piece is carefully developed through a dynamic process that allows focus on traditional skills while serving modern utility.

"Our core vision is to discover new possibilities in craft through a combination of materials that nurtures hand-based skills," Vritima explains. The brand aims to evoke a sense of wonder and connection through the materiality of their pieces, creating furniture that is more than just functional—it’s a tactile, emotional experience. As the demand for collectible furniture grows, Vritima sees a future where buyers seek not only visually striking pieces but also those with an environmentally responsible narrative and a clear story behind their creations.