Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

1911-1986

Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.

Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.

During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.

Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.

Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: Edmond J. Spence

Edmond J. Spence Credenza Breakfront

$4,000

Edmond J. Spence Credenza Breakfront

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in New York, NY

Chic and elegant credenza designed by Edmond J. Spence. This example is in very good original condition, clean and ready to use. Top is movable and removable, however there is a shad...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Cabinet/Dresser in Birch Wood

$9,800

Mid-Century Cabinet/Dresser in Birch Wood

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in North Miami, FL

American mid-century modern rarely seen eight drawers to left and right laterals cabinet. Central push door opening with drawer and open shelves. The ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Birch

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers

$8,184

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable Edmond J Spence Checkerboard sideboard in light walnut circa 1960's Edmond J. Spence This very interes...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Modern Burl Buffet Sideboard

$7,245 / item

H 36 in W 84 in D 19 in

Modern Burl Buffet Sideboard

Located in Westwood, NJ

Modern burl buffet sideboard with four doors framed by a beveled edge, with interior drawers and shelves and finished in a lightly distressed rustic warm h...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Wood

18th Century Welsh Dresser

$14,900

H 74.5 in W 62 in D 17.25 in

18th Century Welsh Dresser

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine 18th century English or welsh oak dresser, having richly molded crest over scalloped fascia, the divided shelves with plate grooves and standing on molded top over three drawers...

Category

Early 18th Century Welsh Georgian Antique Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Dunbar Credenza

$1,500

H 33 in W 66 in D 20.5 in

Dunbar Credenza

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage modern Dunbar credenza features a lacquered hard wood base, spacious interior cabinets, and unique metal pulls. This beautiful Mid-Century piece is...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Buffet Cabinet in Cherrywood

$5,950

H 40.5 in W 57.25 in D 21 in

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Buffet Cabinet in Cherrywood

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A beautiful 18th century French buffet/ sideboard in cherry wood with rounded bevel-edged, rectangular top resting on a base with two drawers over two cabinet doors. This graceful bu...

Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Steel

Exquisite Credenza by Edmond J. Spence made by Industria Mueblera Mexico

$9,000Sale Price|40% Off

H 33 in W 81 in D 20 in

Exquisite Credenza by Edmond J. Spence made by Industria Mueblera Mexico

By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This is an extraordinary credenza cabinet or sideboard designed by Swedish designer Edmond J. Spence. This Beautiful piece showcases Spence's exceptional talent and reflects his uniq...

Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Iron

1950s Edmond Spence Mahogany Credenza for Industria Meublera Mexican Modernism

$5,625

H 31.5 in W 52.75 in D 23.25 in

1950s Edmond Spence Mahogany Credenza for Industria Meublera Mexican Modernism

By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

A two door server designed by Edmond Spence for Industria Meublera for the Aztec Line. Mexican Modernism at its finest, this piece consists of solid mahogany. Not a veneer present. Dovetailed box, floating on 4 offset legs. The doors with wood Carving in relief effect, used lavishly in multiple frame like borders to focus interest on the special designed massively scaled silver door handles...

Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Swedish Modern Edmond Spence Brutalust 8-Drawer Dresser

$4,995

H 32.5 in W 78 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Swedish Modern Edmond Spence Brutalust 8-Drawer Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

Make a bold statement with this rare circa 1960s Mid-Century Modern Brutalist 8-drawer dresser, designed by Edmond J. Spence and made in Sweden. The dramatic sculpted drawer fronts c...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Bond Burled Wood Credenza

$4,100 / item

H 29 in W 64 in D 18 in

Bond Burled Wood Credenza

By Jonathan Adler

Located in New York, NY

Timelessly Chic. Pieced, burled mappa between Lucite legs with stainless steel accents. Pieced veneer cabinet faces showcase naturally occurring patterns in the wood, and an adjustab...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Acrylic, Burl, Wood

Danish Mid-Century Teak Credenza Sideboard

$2,400

H 33.5 in W 78.25 in D 18.25 in

Danish Mid-Century Teak Credenza Sideboard

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning vintage teak sideboard makes a stylish storage piece in a variety of settings. Quality Teak veneer, unique carved pulls, interior rosewood drawers and plenty of cabinet...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Knoll Style Credenza

$2,000

H 29 in W 72 in D 18 in

Midcentury Knoll Style Credenza

By Florence Knoll

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long sideboard with ample storage for home or office. Nine total drawers with chrome accents and cane front door. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Fine Quality Mahogany William IV Breakfront Front Sideboard

$5,388

H 55.52 in W 80.52 in D 26.97 in

Fine Quality Mahogany William IV Breakfront Front Sideboard

Located in Benington, Herts

A fine quality William IV flame mahogany inverted breakfront sideboard of good color. English, circa 1835 The raised carved back having a central anthemion cartouche, ...

Category

19th Century British William IV Antique Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Italian Credenza

$2,600

H 42 in W 65.75 in D 19.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Credenza

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning vintage modern sideboard features a floating glass top and angled legs. Sleek design with three decorative cabinet doors that depict old fashioned European scenery pain...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Glass, Wood

Previously Available Items

Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple Lowboy Dresser

Sold

H 31.5 in W 65.75 in D 18 in

Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple Lowboy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Dresser measures: 80 wide x 20.5 deep x 23.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Maple

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

Sold

H 31.5 in W 74.75 in D 20 in

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional mid-century Swedish Modern walnut sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Edmond J. Spence Sweden, 1950s Measures: 74.75" W x 20" D x 31.5" H. Newly refinis...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Refinished

Sold

H 31.63 in W 72 in D 20 in

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Refinished

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional mid-century Swedish Modern black lacquered birch sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Edmond Spence Sweden, 1950s Measures: 72"W x 20"D x 31.63"H. Newly ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser

Sold

H 23.25 in W 80 in D 20.5 in

Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Dresser measures: 80 wide x 20.5 deep x 23.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Maple

Mahogany Sideboard / Buffet Edmond Spence Industria Mueblera S. A., circa 1950s

Sold

H 31 in W 60 in D 20 in

Mahogany Sideboard / Buffet Edmond Spence Industria Mueblera S. A., circa 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico

Located in Camden, ME

Edmund Spence sideboard / buffet manufactured by Industria Mueblera S. A. Mexico in the 1950s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Seagrass, Mahogany

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Ebonized Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Refinished

Sold

H 31.5 in W 75 in D 19.75 in

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Ebonized Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Refinished

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional midcentury Swedish Modern ebonized birch sideboard credenza or bar cabinet By Edmond Spence Sweden, 1950s Measures: 75"W x 19.75"D x 31.5"H. Expertly refin...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

Sold

H 31.63 in W 72 in D 20 in

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional midcentury Swedish Modern ebonized birch sideboard credenza or bar cabinet By Edmond Spence Sweden, 1950s Measures: 72" W x 20" D x 31.63" H. Newly refinis...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Maple Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

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H 31.5 in W 45.13 in D 20 in

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Maple Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern maple sideboard or credenza designed by Edmond Spence. The credenza features gorgeous maple wood grain and sleek Scandinavian design. It offers ampl...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Maple

Edmond Spence Wave Front Long Dresser or Credenza

Sold

H 31.5 in W 66 in D 20 in

Edmond Spence Wave Front Long Dresser or Credenza

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in South Bend, IN

Offering a rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern wave front long dresser designed by Edmond Spence. The dresser features a unique wave front design and stunning birch wood grain. I...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Birch

Vintage Maple Burl Credenza by Edmond Spence

Sold

H 31.75 in W 74.75 in D 20 in

Vintage Maple Burl Credenza by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Amazing vintage maple burl credenza designed by Edmond J. Spence. Features a total of ten drawers.

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Burl

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Chest with Carved Detailing, Edmond Spence

Sold

H 32 in W 75 in D 20.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Chest with Carved Detailing, Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in New York, NY

This rare and stunning chest was realized by the legendary designer Edmond Spence in Sweden, circa 1950. It features a rectangular body in hand rubbed walnut with three drawers on ea...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Edmond J. Spence Sideboard in Maple and Brass

Sold

H 31.25 in W 65.5 in L 31.25 in

Edmond J. Spence Sideboard in Maple and Brass

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This 1950s Swedish maple sideboard / chest by Edmond Spence is composed of eight drawers (four on each side) divided by a centre storage section with two shelves. Each cabinet pull i...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Edmond J. Spence sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Edmond J. Spence sideboards 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 Edmond J. Spence sideboards, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sideboards by Edmond J. Spence were created in the mid-century modern style in sweden during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sideboards by Henry Rosengren Hansen, Ikea, and George Nelson. Prices for Edmond J. Spence sideboards can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,640 and can go as high as $27,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,748.