Collectible design has moved beyond a niche in the art world to a mainstream investment. However, traditional approaches to valuing, protecting and planning for these assets are struggling to keep pace with the rapid growth of the collectible design market.
Collectible design refers to unique, limited edition, functional works like furniture, lighting and decorative objects.
In December 2025, a one-of-a-kind François-Xavier Lalanne Hippopotame Bar sold for $31.4 million at Sotheby’s after competitive bidding, reinforcing global demand for rare, functional works. Results like this are no longer isolated. According to ArtTactic, the design and decorative arts category grew by 20.4% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, outpacing several traditional fine art segments.
As collectible design gains wider recognition as a financial asset class, it raises a practical question for collectors. Are these objects being treated and protected adequately?
A new generation of collectors is driving the rise of collectible design, arriving well-informed and closely tracking auction results, designers and category trends. For many, collecting is also an experiential activity. Design fairs, auctions and curated events shape how collectors discover, evaluate and acquire objects.
Nostalgia remains an important influence. You may find yourself drawn to categories tied to personal history, including:
These nostalgic collectibles often serve as market entry points and create an emotional connection while sustaining demand.
The growing popularity of collectible design is also changing who drives the market. According to The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting, growth of investing in collectible design is being led by the younger generation and women, in particular. Their collecting style is more values-driven, with greater emphasis on education, experiential factors and stewardship.
Collectible design follows the same valuation principles long used in fine art. Rarity, condition, provenance and market demand remain foundational. Comparable sales establish benchmarks, while professional appraisals formalize value. What has changed is visibility.
Major auction houses now present collectible design alongside fine art, reinforcing confidence and transparency in pricing. High-profile outcomes, such as the Lalanne sale, demonstrate how scarcity, craftsmanship and uniqueness converge at the top end of the market.
When acquiring collectible design, buying discipline matters. To protect future value:
Collectible design often serves a function — people sit in chairs, drive cars and wear watches — which means the responsibility of caring for these pieces extends well beyond acquisition. How they are used, placed, moved and insured affects how well they hold their value over time, particularly for custom or material-sensitive works.
Materials such as paper, wood and textiles respond differently to light, humidity, temperature and handling. And since many design objects are not interchangeable or easily replaced, assumptions made during installation or placement can create exposure later. Issues often arise not from neglect, but from unclear care expectations and insufficient planning.
Decisions made early, at acquisition, installation and placement, often determine how effectively collectible design can be protected.
With the market for collectible design expanding rapidly, many collectors assume their pieces are covered under standard homeowners’ policies. In reality, these policies often overlook the unique risks and replacement or restoration costs associated with rare or high-value objects. To better safeguard your collection:
Consult a specialist insurance broker: You want a resource who understands the nuances of collectible design and can help structure coverage appropriately.
Consider specialized policies: These can offer broader protection for physical loss, damage, restoration costs and shipping-related expenses, including post-damage appraisals when needed.
Review policy exclusions: Risks such as humidity, improper storage, wear and tear, fading or pest damage may not be covered, especially for material-sensitive pieces.
Revisit your coverage regularly: Make sure it aligns with current market values and collection changes.
Thoughtful insurance planning complements stewardship and estate strategies, helping preserve both the financial and emotional value of your collection.
As interest and values continue to grow, collectible design is becoming a more intentional part of financial and estate planning. As you acquire collectible design assets, define what you own, decide how to protect it and plan for its transfer across generations.
Updated appraisals and inventories help align expectations with current market conditions, particularly in categories where values can shift following major auction results. To reduce uncertainty for your heirs:
The Deloitte Private and ArtTactic Art & Finance Report estimates that nearly $1 trillion in art and collectibles will change hands over the next decade as wealth transfers across generations. Collectible design is playing an increasingly visible role in that transition.
Collectible design is entering a new era defined by confidence, structure and strategy. Treat it with the same rigor as any major investment: document thoroughly, update appraisals and plan ahead. With foresight, you can enjoy your collection today while preserving its cultural and financial legacy for generations to come.
With collectible design, questions often arise around use, valuation, insurance planning and long-term stewardship. Our Fine Art and Private Client Services teams work with collectors to help.
For more information on insurance and risk management for collectible design assets, you can reach a specialist through our secure form or by emailing fineartadvice@risk-strategies.com.
Sarah Johnson Court is a specialist fine art and high-net-worth insurance broker with more than two decades of experience navigating the intersection of culture, collections and risk. She has advised galleries, museums, artist estates, private collectors and multi-generational families across the U.S. and Europe, with a focus on long-term stewardship and strategic risk management for culturally significant assets. Previously, Sarah served as Global Exhibitions Director of Design Miami, the premier collectible design fair and sister event to Art Basel, working closely with some of the world’s leading designers and dealers.