While the Conant Ball Company was initially known for its reproductions of period furniture in the Colonial style, the Massachusetts manufacturer eventually garnered national recognition as a leader in the production of solid rock maple dressers, tables and other pieces as well as for its popular modernist collections such as its large Sierra line designed by Colman Zola and its American Modern collection created by Russell Wright.
In the 1800s, the small town of Gardner, Massachusetts, saw a boom in start-up furniture factories. There was Westminster transplant Nichols and Stone, Standard Chair of Gardner Inc. — a maker of American Craftsman-style furnishings — Heywood-Wakefield, which moved into the manufacture of furniture with steam-bent wood frames and cane or wicker seating, and later, what was once the largest chair in the world was built in the city to attract tourists and to sell …chairs.
Conant Ball’s first product was its chairs — there were inviting chairs with woven cane seats and the company later earned acclaim for its Windsor designs. But before it got its name in 1909, there was a chair shop called Jackson & Greenwood. Abner and Leander White purchased the modest-sized business and renamed it A. White and Co. John Conant and his brother Charles joined later and it eventually operated under the name Conant Brothers and Co. Later, the firm’s name changed again with the addition of Carlos Ball, who helmed the company’s Boston location. Between Conant’s and Ball’s passings in 1891 and 1909, Charles Brooks and a succession of family members took the company into the 20th century as Conant Ball Co.
Conant Ball’s comely mid-century modern furniture — its low-profile lounge chairs, sleek tables and more — owe to partnerships with designers such as Leslie Diamond and Russel Wright.
Diamond and Wright created a variety of solid wood furniture including dining room chairs, side tables and dressers. The former created a line called ModernMates that featured solid birch office chairs, nightstands and dining chairs with curved spindle backs, while Wright, who had created some Art Deco furnishings for Heywood-Wakefield, designed charming, light-colored maple furniture called American Modern for Conant Ball. The name is said to have been given to him by his romantic partner — in 1927, Wright married artist and sculptor Mary Einstein. Under her guidance, Wright's attractive, functional designs for the home gained renown, leading to commissions by prestigious companies like the Steubenville Pottery Company.
Conant Ball’s momentum slowed in 1986 and ownership changed hands once more. By 1990, the firm would no longer produce furniture under its own name.
Find antique Conant Ball tables, chairs, case pieces and storage cabinets on 1stDibs.
Three-Seat Sofa by Russell Wright, Black Frame and Light Grey-Silver Fabric
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in Kansas City, MO
Russel Wright for Conant Ball sofa. Black lacquered wood frame and newly upholstered in a beautiful light grey or sliver fabric.
Wood
$3,417Sale Price|27% Off
H 33.86 in W 66.93 in D 31.5 in
Romantic Three-Seat Sofa in Brass and Fabric, Italy, 1960s
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Italian sofa from the 1960s with a refined organic silhouette and deep red upholstery. The gently curved backrest and armrests give the piece a soft, elegant presence, while the tape...
Brass
$18,470 / item
H 31.11 in W 106.3 in D 43.31 in
Tarantino 3 Seaters Sofa in Grey Fabric with Black Gold Legs
By Ghidini 1961, Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soft and welcoming, this sofa is inspired by the 70’s; a decade that changed our culture forever through freedom and self-discovery. The Sofa invites you to a world of fantasy where ...
Fabric
$18,292 / item
H 31.11 in W 106.3 in D 43.31 in
Ghidini 1961 Tarantino 3-Seat Sofa in Grey Cord Fabric by L. Bozzoli
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Soft and welcoming, this sofa is inspired by the 1970s; a decade that changed our culture forever through freedom and self-discovery. The sofa invites you to a world of fantasy where...
Fabric
$6,258 / item
H 32 in W 109 in D 39 in
Modern Sofa 4-Seater with Light Gray Fabric and Pillows Contemporary Sofa -Bowed
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Bowed four-seater sofa designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with light gray fabric and four pillows. The Bowed 4-seater sofa brings a perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort to your living space. Its striking curved silhouette and luxurious light gray upholstery in Almond Milk Twill Weave add a sophisticated touch, making it a standout centerpiece in contemporary and minimalist interiors. Crafted with medium-density foam and elastic bands, the sofa offers firm support and a comfortable seating experience, ideal for everyday relaxation or entertaining guests. Designed for both residential and commercial use, the Bowed Sofa...
Fabric, Upholstery
Three Seater Black Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Good Quality 20th Century Black Leather Three Seater Chesterfield Sofa A late 20th-century, three-seater, black colour leather Chesterfield sofa with three loose cushions. It featur...
Leather
$10,000
H 32 in W 101 in D 40 in
2011 Minotti Williams Three Seat Sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni in Grey Fabric
By Rodolfo Dordoni, Minotti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large three-seater Williams sofa, initially designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti in 2009. This example dates to 2011. Its design consists of a solid stainless-steel fram...
Steel
Modern Three-Seat Wood Frame Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Mid-Century style sofa makes a stylish addition to any interior and offers seating for three with sculpted hardwood frames. Two tone upholstery includes black vinyl ac...
Upholstery
$4,670 / item
H 32.68 in W 85.04 in D 27.56 in
Philo Three Seater Sofa in Extra Upholstery and Matt Black Frame by Marco Zito
By Marco Zito
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Philo is a prefix of Greek origins that indicates love, propensity and empathy towards people and things. A metallic thread draws together a welcoming silhouette; it runs, turns, com...
Upholstery
1960s Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three Seat Sofa in Black Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Sofa, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This piece was produced in the USA and dates to the 1960s. The sofa features ...
Steel
City Life Three-Seat Sofa in Striped Fabric by Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
City life contemporary Italian three-seat sofa in striped fabric with embroidered cushions and details by Zanaboni. Please note: Prices do not include VAT. VAT may be added dependi...
Upholstery
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa by GETAMA, Oak Frame, Leather
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa new upholstered with pure aniline leather. Original Epeda cushions. Frame in solid oak. Model 236/4, produced by GETAMA.
Oak, Leather
$11,071 / item
H 36.62 in W 90.56 in D 38.59 in
Italian Contemporary Black and Light Grey Velvet Three-seater Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
This beautiful three-seater sofa made with a handmade wooden inner structure and upholstered in a beautiful black and light grey velvet. Embellished with three back-protection cushio...
Wood, Velvet
Russel Wright, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1930s
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in High Point, NC
A stained wood and beige grey fabric sofa designed by Russel Wright and produced by Conant-Ball, USA, 1930s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Seat height: 15.25”
Fabric, Wood
Conant Ball Russel Right Solid Bent Maple Sofa
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern solid bent maple three-seat sofa by Conant Ball. Outstanding craftsmanship woodworking makes it a very solid sturdy and sophisticated lines piece. Very good origin...
Upholstery, Maple