Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Known for its durable vintage display cabinets, nightstands and dressers made of cherry, oak, walnut and more, Century Furniture of Hickory, North Carolina, began as an upholstered goods company in 1947 but added case goods and sophisticated mahogany dining-room furnishings shortly thereafter.
Launched by Harley Ferguson Shuford Sr., a Hickory native who was born to a family of textile mill owners, Century Furniture was intended to be “the best furniture company in the world.” With respect to speed and efficiency, the brand found its footing midway through production on a government contract that Shuford had secured in the early days to manufacture thousands of five-drawer chests. The effort was significant, but it was also a teachable moment as far as Shuford and his team’s learning the ropes of running a factory.
After hiring designer Raymond K. Sobota in 1950 and introducing the enormously popular Citation Collection in 1954, Century established its reputation as a leader in stylishly designed high-quality furniture. Sobota had furniture in his blood — after graduating from Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he worked for his uncle Karl Schmidt, who was at the time a well-known furniture designer for Berkey and Gay and other makers in the Grand Rapids area, then known as America’s furniture capital. Sobota soon launched his own studio, designing furniture as a freelancer for various local manufacturers. Shuford found him by happenstance, journeying to Michigan’s second-largest city to offer a job to another designer who turned him down but recommended Sobota instead.
Century’s Citation line — a sizable collection for the brand that spanned furnishings for the bedroom, dining room and more — is revered in the world of vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors. The pieces sold very well during the 1950s, and the line is an oft-cited success story for Sobota, who would go on to win awards for his work and whose own catalogue of designs for the brand is massive.
In his 40-year career at Century, until he retired in 1995, he designed well over 100 furniture lines. Sobota’s nightstands, cabinets, side tables and more are characterized by his interest in Asian design, distinctly and brilliantly expressed in his Hollywood Regency–style Chin Hua line, which debuted during the 1970s. With its geometrically decorative brass drawer pulls and door handles as well as dining-chair seat-back carvings — all inspired by Asian motifs — this collection has rendered vintage pieces that saw Century’s craftsmen working with alluring ebonized walnut and more, some of the company’s most sought-after work today.
Also in the 1970s as well as in the 1980s, Manhattan interior designer Jay Spectre introduced an Art Deco–informed spirit at Century Furniture, creating oversize, inviting lounge chairs and bentwood benches that featured plush tufted leather cushions. Spectre’s Eclipse collection was at one point among the largest-selling lines for the brand.
Century licensed collections with celebrity interior designers such as Thomas O’Brien, Charlotte Moss and Bunny Williams among others. In 2013, when Alex Shuford III was named president of Century Furniture, the move marked the succession of the third generation to lead this company, which is today one of the world’s largest privately held manufacturers of high-end furniture.
Find Century Furniture lounge chairs and dining chairs as well as vintage mid-century modern credenzas, dressers and more on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Century Furniture
Jay Spectre 2 Drawer Chest of Drawers, 1980s (Signed)
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is one absolutely beautiful Jay Spectre for Century Furniture bleached oak 2 door chest of drawers with brushed steel base 1980s (Signed). This piece...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Stainless Steel
CENTURY Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Asian Chinoiserie Gentleman's Chest - B
By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian Style gentleman's chest by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Burl maple, brass hardware, banded top wit...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Steamer Trunk Style Two Drawer Chest by Archive Home for Century
By Century Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice steamer trunk style two drawer chest by Archive Home for Century Furniture, circa 2020s. The chest is constructed of solid wood with dovetaile...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1970s Century Furniture Chin Hua Chest by Raymond Sobota
By Century Furniture, Raymond Sabota
Located in Hartville, OH
From Raymond Sobota’s Chin Hua Collection for Century Furniture. Beautiful details. brass Finishes. Pull out shelf. Finished on all four sides....
Category
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
1970s Vintage Century Furniture Omni Collection 4 Drawer Chest
By Century Furniture
Located in Hartville, OH
Magnificent vintage piece from the Omni Collection by Century Furniture. Monumental in size this beauty has a huge presence both physically and beauty.
The largest drawers you’ve e...
Category
1970s American Beaux Arts Vintage Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
1980s Vintage Chests From Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Hartville, OH
1 of 2 Monumental Chests of Drawers from Century Furniture. Distressed finish, beautiful hardware and cream stone tops. These are huge and have a strong European rustic feel. Italian...
Category
1980s American British Colonial Vintage Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Stone
Modernist Commode Night Table by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Voguish dresser, commode, night stand designed by Jay Spectre for the Century Furniture Company.
This chic chest features two deep drawers, a brushed steel plinth base, and cerused...
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Steel
Pair Burl Wood Black Lacquer Solid Brass Drop Pull 2 Drawer Night Stands MINT!
By Century Furniture, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Burl Wood Black Lacquer Solid Brass Drop Pull 2 Drawer Night Stands MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
CENTURY Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Asian Chinoiserie Gentleman's Chest - A
By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style gentleman's chest by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Burl maple with black lacquer trim, brass ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
CENTURY Oak French Country Style Bombe Bachelor Chest
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A French Country style bombe bachelor chest, by Century Furniture. Solid oak, brass hardware, bombe style, carved apron and feet. Features three drawers of dovetail construction with...
Category
Late 20th Century American Country Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
CENTURY FURNITURE Grand Rapids Chippendale Inlaid Walnut Five-Drawer Chest
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A stunning chest of drawers by Century Furniture, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Walnut with inlaid details on top, sides & drawer fronts, brass hardware, and ogee bracket feet. Fea...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Chippendale Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Jay Spectre 7 Drawer Oak Dresser by Century
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Jay Spectre for Century, this dramatic 7-drawer dresser from his "Eclipse" collection is a post-modern take on Deco / Moderne design. Crafted of oak with a black lacquer ...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chrome
Century Furniture White Lacquered Bombe Form Bedside Chests, Newly Refinished
By Century Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Italian Provincial style bombe chests or nightstands
By Century Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
White lacquered ...
Category
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Century Furniture Chippendale White Lacquered Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By Century Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Chippendale style three-drawer bachelor chest or dresser
By Century Furniture,
USA, circa 1980s
White lacquered mahogany,...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Jay Spectre Cerused White Oak, Two-Drawer Commode
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, two-drawer commode in cerused white oak with brushed steel base and top banding. Could also be used as a flat scre...
Category
Late 20th Century American Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Steel
Gorgeous Restored Ten-Drawer Chest by Ray Sabota for Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. The...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Century Furniture Contrasting Stacked Chest of Drawers from the Milan Series
By Century Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
Stacked three drawer chest in contrasting mahogany and black lacquer from the Milan series by Century Furniture, circa Mid-1990s.
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany, Lacquer
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Previously Available Items
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Century Furniture commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Century Furniture commodes and chests of drawers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Century Furniture commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers by Century Furniture were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by Kindel Furniture, Thomasville, and Raymond Loewy. Prices for Century Furniture commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £921 and can go as high as £8,413, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £1,839.
Creators Similar to Century Furniture
Questions About Century Furniture Commodes and Chests of Drawers
- What is mid century furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Century Furniture still exists. The brand operates from its corporate headquarters located in Hickory, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1947, and RHF Investments, Inc., acquired the company in 2013. You'll find a range of Century Furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
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