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.
English Country Style Century Cerused Oak Console Table / Credenza / Sideboard
By Century Furniture
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a cerused oak sideboard with sort of an English country home look. It is by Century and in very good condition. It has brass farmhouse inspired hardware and a wonderfully car...
Brass
1970's 11 Piece Ultra Modern Burllwood/ Brass/ Bronze Toned Glass Dining Set
By Century Furniture
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Ultra Modern 11 Piece Dining Set by Century Furniture. Exotic Burlwood with bevelled bronze toned glass top. 8 chairs, stunning bent burlwood design. 2 armchairs and 6 side ch...
Wood
1970s Chinoiserie Style Desk Century Furniture's Chin Hua Collection
By Century Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This vintage piece is a 1970s writing desk from Century Furniture's Chin Hua Collection, lesigned by Raymond Sobota. It features a signature Chinoiserie design with an ebonized maple...
Wood, Paint
Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Dining Table
By Century Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie extension dining table By Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture USA, Circa 1970s Burl wood top with parquet design, with...
Burl, Lacquer
76" Extendable Chin Hua Dining Table and 6 chairs by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua dining table and chairs by Century Furniture. Dining table designed for the Chin Hua Collection for Century Furniture. Ebonized dark b...
Burl
62" Chin Hua Dining Table by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua dining table by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Raymond Karl Sobota (1914-2010) Dining table designed by Raymond K. Sobota for th...
Burl
Lutetia Swedish Dining Table - Swedish Rubbed White
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Swedish dining table, based on 18th century designs with bead and reel carvings, reflects the Gustavian style, which became prominent during the reign of King Gustav III of Swede...
Wood, Beech, Maple, Paint
Petite Salon Table - French Wax Natural
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The French 19th-century inspired Directoire walnut petite drink table embodies the restrained elegance and neoclassical influences characteristic of the Directoire style, which emerg...
Walnut
Century Furniture Black Lacquer and Brass Ming Style Console
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This console table was made in the Ming style. The table resembles an altar table. It's lacquered in Black and has beautiful brass pulls, There are 2 drawers for storage.
Wood, Lacquer
Chin Hua Pair Round End Tables Ebony & Burl by Raymond K. Sabota for Century
By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Charming vintage Chinoiserie ebonized brown ash & burl inset Chin Hua Collection pair of round end tables with chow feet by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture. Beautiful conditi...
Wood, Burl
1980s Curved Mahogany Century Desk
By Century Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite curved desk. The ultra rare desk exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding design is exhibi...
Brass
Chinoiserie Chin Hua Ebonized Dining Set by Raymond K. Sobota, 8 Piece Set
By Raymond K. Sobota, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Chin Hua Ebonized Dining Set By Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture - 8 Piece Set This gorgeous Asian Style dining set...
Fabric, Maple, Burl
Iconic Coffee Table by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture c. 1980's
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in New York, NY
This table was designed by Jay Spectre for the Century Furniture company, circa 1980's. The table features a thick ( .50" ) circular disk form glass top, with a clear center, surrou...
Chrome
Lutetia Swedish Dining Table - Swedish Rubbed White
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
he Swedish dining table, based on 18th century designs with bead and reel carvings, reflects the Gustavian style, which became prominent during the reign of King Gustav III of Sweden...
Wood, Beech, Maple
Century Ebonized Pair of Pagoda End Tables with A Burl Top Chin Hua Collection
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of side tables from Century Furniture’s iconic Chin Hua Collection, designed by Raymond K. Sobota. These square tables feature an elegant pagoda-inspired silhouette w...
Burl
Biedermeier Style Bedside or Side Table with Neoclassical Accents
By Century Furniture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A Biedermeier style bedside or side table. Made by Century Furniture. Burl details on the top and drawer with black and brass accents. We know it’s hard to find one-of-a-kind piece...
Brass
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Round Chrome and Glass Table
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Glass and Chrome Side Table. In beautiful Condition. Couldn't an example of this table anywhere besides in an Ad! Updated Deco feel with a beautiful Etched G...
Chrome
Pontchartrain Round Dining Table
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The mid-century inspired breakfast table in Honed Grigio Armani interlocking marble draws from the mid- 20th century's design principles of simplicity, elegance, and the use of high-...
Stone, Marble
Petite Pontchartrain Accent Table - Light
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary Honed Michigan stone cone base accent table reflects a modern minimalist design ethos, characterized by its simple geometric form and use of luxurious materials. Thi...
Stone
Petite Lutetia Console Table - Swedish Rubbed White
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Petite Lutetia Console Table is inspired by 18th-century Swedish furniture designs and reflects the refined elegance of the Gustavian style that flourished during the reign of Ki...
Wood, Beech, Maple
Century Mid Century Burlwood Brass and Glass Dining Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Century mid-century burlwood brass and glass dining table. This table measures: 60 wide x 40 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25.5 inches, e...
Brass
Montmartre Console Table - Iron & Brass Knot
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary neoclassical console with a honed limestone top and brass knot detail embodies the enduring influence of neoclassical design, which originated in the 18th century an...
Limestone, Metal, Brass, Iron
Pair of Walnut and Black Lacquer Chin Hua End Tables with Ming Style Legs
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
The tables are raised on four Ming style legs with horse hoofed feet connected to one another through humpbacked stretchers. With its elegant Ming style lines these pieces will be a ...
Wood
Century Furniture Chinoiserie Fretwork Wooden Side Lamp End Tables - a Pair
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Century Furniture Chinoiserie Fretwork Wooden Side Lamp End Tables - a Pair. Items feature carved fretwork corners, lower shelf, ...
Wood
Century Furniture Mid Century Burlwood and Glass Expanding Dining Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Century Furniture Mid Century Burlwood and Glass Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 60 wide x 40 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.5 inch...
Glass, Burl
Sainte Rome Accent Table
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Italian 18th-century inspired side table, featuring faux marble paint, a detailed scalloped skirted base, and hand carved paw feet with hair detailing, exemplifies the elaborate ...
Wood, Paint
Lucca I 96" Dining Table - Wood Top
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The 18th-century inspired Italian trestle based table showcases the rustic charm and practical design typical of Italian furniture from this period, often used in monastic settings o...
Wood, Oak, Poplar
Pair of Vintage Burr Elm Side Tables by Raymond Sobota
By Century Furniture
Located in London, GB
A superb pair of vintage burr elm side tables by Raymond Sobota. They were made in the USA by Century furniture for the Chin Hua range, they date from the 1980’s. The quality is out...
Elm
Victoire Console Table
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
Inspired by an 18th Century Louis XV elaborately carved console with a black honed marble top exemplifies the Rococo style's emphasis on ornate and fluid designs, characterized by sy...
Stone
Petite Parisian Accent Table
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The gilded iron martini table, inspired by mid-century design, represents a fusion of elegant craftsmanship and modernist simplicity characteristic of the mid-20th century. This peri...
Iron, Gold Leaf
Jay Spectre "Entrance Maker" Console Table with Mirror
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture "Entrance Maker" White Oak Console with Hanging Mirror. Console is ziggurat-shaped with a Mirrored Back-Splash. Inspired from Art Deco Step Back D...
Mirror, Oak
Unusual Pair of Cerused Faux Bamboo Chests by Ray Sabota
By Century Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Wonderful pair of cerused faux bamboo small chests by Ray Sabota for Century Furniture Company, circa 1970's. Brass hardware and lovely Greek Key motifs a...
Brass
Loire Cocktail Table - French Lacquered White w/Gold
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary high gloss cream lacquered ottoman coffee table featuring mid-century inspired feet, showcases a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities....
Gold Leaf
Lucca II 120" Dining Table - Stone Top
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The 18th-century inspired Italian trestle based table showcases the rustic charm and practical design typical of Italian furniture from this period, often used in monastic settings o...
Marble
Sainte Croix Cocktail Table
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The French midcentury brass cocktail table with lion detail and paw feet, featuring a neoclassical X-base, illustrates the continued influence of neoclassical design motifs in mid-20...
Stone, Marble, Metal, Brass
Sainte Chapelle Cocktail Table
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The midcentury-inspired grand scale Honed Calcatta Paonazzo marble cocktail table with minimalist triangular legs reflects the mid-20th century's fascination with clean lines, geomet...
Marble
Sven Lamp Table - French White Plaster
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary Swedish Rococo side table draws inspiration from the Rococo movement, which flourished in the 18th century and was characterized by its intricate, ornamental style a...
Plaster
Modern Oval Brass Tables by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of regency style oval tables with beveled glass. The 'Wynwood' tables made by Century Furniture are designed to be simple and elegant, while also functional. Please confirm loca...
Brass
76" Extendable Chin Hua Dining Table by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua dining table by Century Furniture. Dining table designed for the Chin Hua Collection for Century Furniture. Ebonized dark brown frame ...
Burl
Modern Burl Olive wood desk with integrated lamp by Milo Baughman for Century
By Century Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modern Burl Olive wood desk with integrated lamp by Milo Baughman for Century Furniture..Unusual Architectural Modernist Design.. Burl Olive and Lacquered Desk with built in lamp des...
Brass
Vintage "Eclipse" Art Deco Style Glass Coffee Table by Jay Spectre for Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Jay Spectre classic. The "eclipse" coffee table. Streamline Modern inspired. When it was introduced at Bloomingdales in the late 1980s, it was an instant star. Art Deco and streamli...
Glass
Country French Parquetry Top Table 6 Dining Chairs 2X22" Extension Board Leafs
By Century Furniture, Hickory Manufacturing Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Country French Parquetry Top Table 6 Dining Chairs 2X22" Extension Board Leafs Table Dimensions: 46" x 76" x 30" 2x22" leaves with an extended table length of 120"
Satinwood
Century Furniture Ebonized Ming Style Fretwork Coffee Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a 55" long Ebonized Ming style coffee table by Century Furniture .This table has some exquisite fretwork built into the top. The fretwork is protected by a glass top. It's a ...
Glass, Wood
Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Dining Table
By Century Furniture, Raymond Sabota
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie extension dining table By Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture USA, Circa 1970s Burl wood top with parquet design, with...
Burl, Lacquer
Jay Spectre Console for Century Furniture– Cerused Oakwood 1985c.
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre Console for Century Furniture – Cerused Oakwood (1985) Post-Modernism design, Features extended block elements on top edges with negative space behind a graduated center...
Oak
Handsome Wood & Brass Coffee Table with Floating Glass Top
By Century Furniture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Chic combination of dark wood, aged brass and glass makes this transitional coffee table a winner. The glass seems to float above subtle pieces of aged brass with handsome screws.
Brass
Petite Pontchartrain Accent Table - Dark
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary Honed Grigio Amani marble cone base accent table reflects a modern minimalist design ethos, characterized by its simple geometric form and use of luxurious materials...
Marble
1970s Mastercraft Sculptural Brass Wood Smoke Hexagonal Dining Table, Set of 5
By Century Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, dining set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, i...
Brass
Century Furniture Contemporary Rustic Cream Side End Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Century Furniture Contemporary Rustic Cream Side End Table This table measures: 28 wide x 25 deep x 25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as muc...
Wood
Queen An Style White Wash Dining Table 6 Chairs Set by Century Furniture MINT
By Century Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Queen An Style White Wash Dining Table 6 Chairs Set by Century Furniture MINT Dimensions: Chair: 22"x21"x43" seat height: 18" Table: 44"x69"x29" leaves: 2x14" extended length: 97"
Hardwood
Sven Cocktail Table - French White Plaster
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary Swedish Rococo cocktail table pays homage to the 18th-century Rococo style, known for its ornate and playful design elements. Originating in France and later adopted...
Wood
Pair Century Walnut Waterfall Brand New Old Stock Two Tier End Side Tables Stand
By Baker Furniture Company, Century Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Century Walnut Waterfall Brand New Old Stock Two Tier End Side Tables Stand
Glass, Walnut
Lucca I 120" Dining Table - Wood Top
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The 18th-century inspired Italian trestle based table showcases the rustic charm and practical design typical of Italian furniture from this period, often used in monastic settings o...
Wood, Oak
Loire Cocktail Table - French Lacquered Grey w/Gold
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The contemporary high gloss light grey lacquered ottoman coffee table featuring mid-century inspired feet, showcases a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibili...
Gold Leaf
Lucca II 96" Dining Table - Stone Top
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The 18th-century inspired Italian trestle based table showcases the rustic charm and practical design typical of Italian furniture from this period, often used in monastic settings o...
Marble
Century Furniture Mid-Century Burlwood Side Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Century Furniture mid-century burlwood side table The side table measures: 19 wide x 19 deep x 29.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...
Burl
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.
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
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.