James Mont’s life as an unmistakably talented furniture designer and interior decorator could fill the pages of a best-selling novel or be reimagined as a Hollywood feature film. From the 1930s through the 1960s, Tinseltown’s glitterati and Manhattan’s Mafia underworld coveted his sofas, coffee tables and table lamps.
Mont was born Demetrios Pecintoglu in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1904 to a family of artists. He reportedly studied architecture and art in Spain and France, and during the 1920s, Mont immigrated with his family to the United States.
Mont and his family settled in New York, where he found work in a Brooklyn electrical supply shop. There he sold hardware and designed his own lighting fixtures. The latter caught the eye of a gangster named Frankie Yale, who commissioned him to refurnish his house. Mont’s opulent designs drew on Art Deco, Hollywood Regency and were occasionally marked by chinoiserie, then a very popular trend in decorating. He created the kind of low-profile side tables and sofas that are frequently associated with mid-century modernism, and he is credited today with helping popularize the integration of Asian influences in modern American design.
Mont soon attracted New York City’s most infamous crime bosses, including Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello. For a range of mobsters, he created fashionable, functional and sophisticated pieces such as collapsible home bars that would fold down and out of view — a particularly convenient feature during Prohibition — and tables and desks with secret drawers, which were also handy to Mont’s shady clientele.
“You bought a bar from him, and he would also deliver booze in a baby carriage,” antiques dealer and furniture retailer Todd Merrill told New York about Mont in 2008.
Mont designed a room for the World’s Fair in 1939 and later befriended Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope, who was best man at his wedding, Irving Berlin and Lana Turner. During the 1940s and ‘50s, Mont continued designing furniture, mastering finishing techniques such as lacquering and incorporating a distinctive “leafing” print effect with silver and gold into his pieces.
Mont’s designs enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s, and his pieces continue to be sought after by collectors.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage James Mont sideboards, tables and storage cabinets.
James Mont Camouflage Gilt Geometric Chair
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont unusual art deco geometric side chair finished in hand gilt silver and gold leaf in a camouflage pattern. Seat upholstered in dove gray suede. If you would like us to reco...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the...
Brass
$2,599Sale Price|52% Off
James Mont Asian Love Seat with Velvet Cushions and Bolsters
By James Mont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning and sophisticated Love seat by iconic Mid-Century designer, James Mont. The piece has been newly lacquered and upholstered. A nod to Mont's asian inspired designs. The ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
A lovely pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the top dramatic mid-ce...
Textile, Wood
Mid-Century Hand-Rubbed Walnut & Holly Hunt Geo Mohair Club Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modernist club chairs, designed by the renowned American designer James Mont circa 1950, epitomizes sophistication and luxurious craftsmanship. T...
Mohair, Walnut
James Mont Dining Chairs Set Four Refinished Reupholstered Mid Century Art Deco
By James Mont
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Elegant James Mont Dining Chairs, American, 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in your choice of wood color and reu...
Upholstery, Wood
Rare 1948 James Mont Designed Wide Tufted Seat Lounge Chair Oval Back Cushion
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
Circa 1948, documented, by famed NYC designer James Mont, this mid-century modern wide tufted seat lounge chair with ebonized sycamore frame, is ready for your customization. Send yo...
Upholstery, Foam, Sycamore
$12,500 / set
Rare Pair of James Mont Mid-Century Lounge Chairs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of rare lounge chairs by James Mont. The wide framed chairs have been fully restored with satin black frames and Mohair upholstery which is tufted on the seats.
Upholstery
Fabulous Set of Eight Art Deco Influenced Dining Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Set of eight Art Deco influenced dining chairs by James Mont The beautifully carved chairs have the original silver leafed finish which is in Great condition with minimal wear and t...
Silver Leaf
$9,850 / set
Pair Of Lounge Chairs By James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of James Mont Lounge Chairs. Glamorous and comfortable large pair of Mid-Century Modern upholstered lounge chairs, club chairs, side chairs or slipper chairs byJames Mont for Gr...
Velvet, Wood
$19,500 / set
Pair of James Mont Sofa's
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful James Mont Sofa's. The elegant Lattice framed Sofa's have been Newly reupholstered in an ivory colored fabric and each sofa has two separate ...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,800
James Mont Dolphin Chair
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont "Dolphin" tall-back slipper chair, designed late 1950's, covered in button-tufted black high pile velour. This distinctive Mont original design is a curved tapering wing ...
Upholstery, Wood
$13,500 / set
Pair of Original James Mont Club Chairs (Documented)
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of original upholstered lounge chairs by James Mont, 1957, newly reupholstered in JB Martin blue cotton velvet, on a burled elm base with Hollywood Regency stylized Queen Anne l...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of James Mont Lacquered Lounge Chairs, Circa 1950s
By James Mont
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a striking pair of lounge chairs designed by the inimitable James Mont, a master of mid-20th century Hollywood Regency and Asian-inspired design. These chairs, a testament to...
Fabric, Wood
Classic James Mont Tall Back Chair
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic James Mont tall back chair, ca' 1950's. Lacquered frame with velvet upholstery.
Mahogany
$14,850 / set
Set of Six Leather James Mont "King Cole" Chairs
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificently designed, James Mont style bent beechwood armchairs. Most famously used by James Mont in one of his most notable commissions, the King Cole Penthouse in Miami. Mont use...
Bentwood, Leather
$7,800 / set
Pair of Club Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
These glamorous and elegant chairs by James Mont, circa 1950. Each chair sits low and has a channeled barrel back that curves around, a thick cushioned seat and ebonized feet. Origin...
Velvet, Wood
Vintage James Mont “King Cole” Arm Chair
By James Mont
Located in Lake Worth, FL
This iconic James Mont “King Cole” armchair, dated on the underside 1961, exemplifies mid-century modern elegance with its bent beechwood frame, hand-woven cane barrel back, sloping ...
Naugahyde, Beech
James Mont King Cole Mid-century Beech Bentwood Armchair
By James Mont
Located in San Francisco, CA
of sleek mid-century design with an elegant profile, James Mont's King Cole chair was deigned for one of his most notable commissions, the King Cole Pe...
Beech
James Mont Black Lacquer Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six James Mont designed chinoiserie decorated and black lacquered dining side chairs with pierced bamboo decoration to backrest and upholstered seats. Accompanied by an origin...
Hardwood
James Mont Silver Greek Key Motif Side Chair
By James Mont
Located in Stamford, CT
1940s James Mont Greek key motif side chair. Recently repainted in antique silver painted finish. Recently upholstered in grey Edelman Leather calf ha...
Animal Skin, Wood
$12,500 / set
Pair of James Mont Dolphin Chairs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of high back dolphin chairs by James Mont. The chairs have been beautifully reupholstered in a luxurious Romo velvet fabric and sit on de...
Upholstery
James Mont Lattice Frame Upholstered Bench
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Black lattice frame bench by James Mont. The bench has been newly refinished and reupholstered in an ivory colored fabric with biscuit tufted detail.
Upholstery
Set of 4 James Mont American Black Lacquered Stripe Upholstered Dining Chairs
By James Mont
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Mid-Century American dining / side chairs with a black lacquered wooden frames featuring geometric openwork backs and central splats carved as an organic shaped cut out, and...
Upholstery, Wood, Fabric
Set of 6 James Mont American Modern Cerused and Silver Gilt Dining Side Chairs
By James Mont
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 midcentury (1950s) American Modern matte gray cerused oak dining chairs, 2 armchairs, 4 side chairs, the back and seat upholstered in a textured geometric pattern with gold ...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Oak
James Mont American High Back, Button Tufted White Lacquered Lounge/Armchair
By James Mont
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American (1950) lounge / armchair with a high, tapered, button tufted back, curved frame, rolled arms, upholstered in faux white leather...
Upholstery, Wood, Textile
Pair of James Mont Slipper Chairs
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Pristine pair of black lacquered James Mont low chairs with mohair.
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
Set of Four Chrome Base Mid Century Dining Chairs
By Saporiti, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of nice Mid-Century Modern chairs on chrome bases with vinyl upholstery.
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Finn Juhl Style Lounge Chairs
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs feature sculpted walnut construction with comfortable vintage upholstery. Spingle backs and unique sloped arm rests add to the D...
Upholstery, Walnut
1940s Set of Four Art Deco Dining Chairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The chairs have been reupholstered some time ago.
Wood, Fabric
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 31 in D 27 in
Hollywood Regency James Mont Style Lacquer Lounge Armchair by Century
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Hollywood Regency style lounge accent chair by Century Furniture. This James Mont style armchair features a gloss black lacquer wood frame with brass hardware accents. Cushion is new...
Brass
Wood Love Seat with Mocha Sheepskin
By Philip Arctander
Located in New York, US
Mid-Century Scandinavian 2-Seater Setee in Wood and Bouclé Fabric in the style of Philip Arctander, 1950s. Reupholstered in mocha sheepskin
Sheepskin, Wood
$5,962Sale Price|25% Off
H 35.44 in W 49.22 in D 31.5 in
Pierre Chapo, S18Y “Love Seat” Bench in Elm and Patinated Leather, France, 1970s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Almelo, NL
Pierre Chapo, S18Y “Love Seat” Bench in Elm and Patinated Leather, France, 1970s A rare and architecturally refined S18Y “Love Seat” bench by Pierre Chapo, crafted in his own worksh...
Leather, Elm
$4,680Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 27 in W 25.5 in D 26 in
Milo Baughman Scoop Chairs in Holly Hunt Performance Fabric
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
A great looking pair of scoop lounge chairs by Milo Baughman. Newly upholstered in a Holly Hunt performance weave.
Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Dining Chairs Set of Four
Located in Hudson, NY
Sleek and modern, this exquisite set of four mid-century Italian dining chairs is sure to make a design statement. Manufactured in the 50s and discovered in Los Angeles, they are in ...
Wood
Pair James Mont King Cole Lounge Chairs, Circa 1960's
By James Mont
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of King Cole Chairs. The name of these chairs comes from a James Mont commission for a lavish penthouse design in the King Cole building in Miam...
Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Bentwood
$1,343 / set
H 33.08 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Set of Four Mid Century Style Laskasa Karen Laquered Dining Chairs
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Set of Four Mid Century Style Laskasa Karen in a rosewood style Laquered finish with Tan leatherette upholstery. They are in the style of Inger Klingenberg for the manufacturer Frist...
Faux Leather
$2,995 / set
H 30 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Danish Jens Risom Set 4 Teak Dining Chairs 1960 Reupholstered
By Jens Risom
Located in Portland, OR
A very stylish set of four Jens Risom (1916-2016) Danish Mid Century Modern teal dining chairs, circa 1960. The chairs have just been professionally reupholstered in a very high quality black & cream checkerboard fabric. The floating backs above a slightly curved seat, the square legs with a ribbed edge moulding and a single stretcher bar to the back. The chairs are very comfortable and provide great lumbar support for one's back, condition is very good, the chairs are sturdy and robust, the teak has been polished in Bloomsbury's workshops and the upholstery is fresh, this very stylish set of four Danish MCM...
Upholstery, Teak
$1,200
H 27.5 in W 30.5 in D 33.5 in
Hollywood Regency Lounge Chair by Selling Imperial after James Mont c 1960/1970s
By James Mont, Selig
Located in New York, NY
Voguish, chic and sophisticated open arm lounge chair by Selig Imperial, in the style of James Mont. The chair features stylized upholstered scoop arms, which accentuate the glamor...
Upholstery
James Mont Sofa 1957 (Documented)
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Original sofa by James Mont, 1957, upholstered in silvery white damask with a hint of pink on a burled elm base with Hollywood Regency stylized Queen Anne legs. Single loose seat cus...
Upholstery, Elm, Burl
James Mont Ming Asian Bar Stools by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Brass
Vintage James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Ming Chairs - Pair
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Ming Chairs - Pair Featuring a pair of modern James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Chinoiserie Ming Chairs in green fabric. A touch of F...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 29 in W 43 in D 29 in
Documented Mid-Century Wide Lounge Chairs in Ebonized Sycamore by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This incredible Pair of Documented Mid-Century Modernist Wide Lounge Chairs in Ebonized Sycamore W/ Holly Hunt Fabric by James Mont originates from the United States, Circa 1948. Fab...
Fabric, Sycamore
Sold
H 22 in W 85 in D 39 in
Vintage Mid Century James Mont 2 Piece Asian Style Lacquered Sectional Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is this iconic two piece James Mont sofa sectional with a lacquered wood frame. Dimensions: 85w x 39d x 25h Arm Height: 22" Seat Height: 18" Seat Depth: 22.5...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 31 in D 22.5 in
Pair of Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Armchairs in the Manner of James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational glamorous horseshoe shaped pair of James Mont style sculptural club chairs that match and are sold separately. High gloss black lacquer with brass details and Asian motif...
Lacquer
Glitzy Black Gold & Red Lacquered James Mont 3 Piece Livingroom Set
By James Mont
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational glamorous 3 piece salon set by James Mont having two sculptural club chairs and a gorgeous loveseat, all in a high gloss black lacquer wi...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 23 in D 24 in
Pr James Mont King Cole Style Arm Lounge Chairs Bentwood Frames and Caned Backs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sleek, and sophisticated pair of caned back lounge chairs, known as the King Cole chair, design attributed to James mont. The chairs feature a d...
Cane, Wood
James Mont, Armchairs, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1940s
By James Mont
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-lacquer wood and brown velvet armchairs, designed and produced by James Mont, USA, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 19.5" Arm Height (inches): 26" All items ship fr...
Velvet, Wood
James Mont Designed Round Back Chair
By James Mont
Located in Brooklyn, NY
James Mont designed chair, made for the King Cole penthouse in Miami. Horseshoe wood frame with hand-woven cane back. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 25 in W 85 in D 39 in
Vintage Mid Century James Mont 2 Piece Asian Style Lacquered Sectional Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is this iconic two piece James Mont sofa sectional with a lacquered wood frame. Dimensions: 85w x 39d x 25h Arm Height: 22" Seat Height: 18" Seat Depth: 22...
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 30.25 in D 27 in
James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Brass