Private collections, modern art and design, a showhouse and even selections from Oprah Winfrey's Chicago home are all on the auction block this month. One-of-a-kind historical and cultural items are waiting to give that project the extra oomph that turns good design into great design.

Private Collections (Sotheby’s, April 18, New York)

The spring Private Collections sale includes distinct curated collections of English, European and 19th-century furniture and decorative arts, as well as select pieces from private owners. A highlight: pieces from the collection of Lisa Blue Baron, including furniture by John Wellsman, originally made for Sir John Davie for Creedy Park in Devon, England.

A Regency brass-inlaid and parcel-gilt rosewood daybed, circa 1815. From the collection of Lisa Blue Baron, image courtesy of Sotheby's.

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse (Sotheby’s, April 20, New York)

Sotheby’s has invited 10 interior designers to design rooms in one of its gallery spaces, demonstrating how pieces from various periods can be paired and juxtaposed to create a cohesive setting. Designers were able to select pieces from a range of categories—from European furniture to modern paintings. The showhouse will be open from April 11 to April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Sotheby's Designer Showhouse auction will take place in two sessions on April 20.

"Lynx" Desk by Judy Kensley McKie. Image courtesy of Sotheby's.

Period Design (Bonham’s, April 21, London)

The Period Design auction features pieces like a mid-19th-century micromosaic inlaid with a panel depicting Pliny’s doves, 19th-century sculptures and busts and a range of decorative objects from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Bids can be placed in person or online.

Two Regency mahogany bedside commodes. Image courtesy of Bonham's.

Blackman Cruz (Wright, April 21, New York)

This auction is the result of a collaboration between Wright and the Los Angeles dealers at Blackman Cruz. A wide range of furniture and design objects will be featured. Highlights include a granite Sphinx sculpture by David Edstrom and a pair of wood and root lounge chairs from Al Capone’s Wisconsin hideout. Designers featured in this auction include Josef Hoffmann, Carlo Bugatti, Andre Sornay, Paolo de Poli and Arturo Pani.

Datum dining table by Chuck Moffit. Image courtesy of Wright.

Property from the Oprah Winfrey Collections (Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, April 25, Chicago)

More than 500 lots of English, French and Continental furniture and decorative arts from Oprah Winfrey’s private collection will be auctioned off by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. Lots include a George I Giltwood Console Table, a pair of Familie Verte Porcelain Vases and Covers and a Russian Parcel Gilt Simulated Burlwood Gueridon. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation.

A George I Giltwood console table, 18th-century with alterations. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman.

Design (Bonham’s, April 29, Los Angeles)

The 129 lots included in this auction present 20th century modernist furniture and design pieces, including chairs and daybeds by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International before 1975, a Poul Henningsen Artichoke lamp designed for Louis Poulsen and chairs by Hans Wegner.

Barcelona coffee table by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1928 for Knoll. Image courtesy of Bonham's.

Collections (Sotheby’s, April 30, London)

The April Collections auction features eclectic objects and works of art, including items from the Guinness Trusts and Collections, Dr. Kurt Wessing and Dr. Schäper. Among the 342 lots are French furniture and clocks, Meissen porcelain and a jeweled 9-carat gold cigarette box by Cartier. Also for auction are a set of four mid-18th century Venetian style armchairs and a Regency mahogonay breakfast table, circa 1810.

A George IV mahogany writing table, circa 1830. Image courtesy of Sotheby's.