1st Dibs Envy

The New York Times has a not too serious article on the asking prices of  the online multi dealer site 1st Dibs.

The article praises the interesting selection of quality modern fine and decorative arts, but also has concern that the prices are set so high many who wish to buy cant.  The author calls the asking prices not only inflated, but  "in the realm of the ludicrously expensive".  1st Dibs stated the site is typically used by designers shopping for wealthy clients.  Typically with that level of client, prices do tend to be higher, but the selection of quality 20th century modern  items in one location is greater than many other sites.

Overall, the article it is not a serious article on collecting, but more of the author liking the items on 1st Dibs, yet viewing them as household contents rather than collectible items which will retain value and not completely depreciate.

The NY Times article states

Consider the “monumental” Paul Evans wall sculpture recently listed by one dealer. Cost: a monumental $55,000. Or the pair of Milo Baughman end tables in “vanilla high-gloss” lacquer — yours for a mere $8,700. Of course, shoppers can aim lower and buy a lamp, like the Koch + Lowy desk model currently offered by a dealer called Eclectiques, but at $850 it’s still not Pottery Barn. If you don’t mind wiping out your 401(k), you might be able to furnish one room, maybe two.

This feeling of thwarted desire is so acute I’ve given it a name: 1stdibs envy. And after discussing the site with others, it appears I’m not alone.
“I feel 1stdibs envy almost every day!” Hollister Hovey, a design blogger, wrote in an e-mail. “I love and will never own French chairs and the silver elephant magnum ice bucket from Linda Horn. A folding campaign chair from J. F. Chen will never be mine, either. But at least I have the photos — with gleaming, clean white backgrounds.”


The interior designer Celerie Kemble said she has an imaginary house full of unattainably expensive furniture saved in her favorites file. “Jacques Adnet and Bertoia and midcentury Italian lighting designers are always taunting me from behind my breath-fogged computer screen,” Ms. Kemble said. But she has no hard feelings about the sticker shock, she said, because there is “an education to be found in exploring the rapture created by a beautiful object.”

To read the full NY Times article, click HERE.