In its sleek credenzas, chic mirrored cabinets and sculptural dining tables, vintage Ello furniture encapsulates the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood Regency style.
Ello founder Lothar H. Molton (1926-2012) took his family and fled Nazi-occupied Germany and established his furniture company in Chicago, Illinois, in 1956 as a garage operation. In 1968, the company moved to the renowned furniture town of Rockford, where many of the country's most well-known producers once set up manufacturing operations. Over the next four decades, Ello enjoyed great success as a producer of furniture and an importer, growing into a 150,000-square-foot warehouse and a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing plant.
Though more often featuring an integration of flashy brass accents and materials such as travertine versus the dark woods and clean lines associated with mid-century modern design, Ello furniture was known in its heyday for being as practical as it was stylish. The company's motto was "Contemporary Furniture of Distinction," and their designs were highly functional with just the right amount of flair for the modern home.
In 1976, the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel described an Ello modular wall unit as "a rare combination of function plus spectacular glamour." Ello also collaborated with well-known designers of the era, like O.B. Solie. During the 1970s, Solie worked with mirrored glass, bronze, oak and more to design a range of tallboys, chests, sideboards and other pieces that boasted gilt brass escutcheons and brushed chrome drawer pulls.
In its prime, Ello held annual inventory clearance sales that attracted hundreds of customers. People lined up around the warehouse, sometimes camping out days in advance. Sales started to become more frequent, and in 2010, Ello closed its doors. In 2011, they auctioned off the rest of their merchandise.
Today vintage Ello furniture continues to enjoy popularity for its bold but practical designs.
On 1stDibs, find Ello case pieces, tables and bedroom furniture.
$4,830Sale Price|30% Off
O. B. Solie for Ello Three Column Glass & Mirror Shelving Unit
By O.B. Solie, Ello Furniture
Located in Hanover, MA
BG SUMMER SALE Designed by O.B. Solie and officially known as the Pillars Wall Unit #P/145 by Ello Furniture Manufacturing Co. this setup is in immaculate condition. High gloss blac...
Aluminum, Brass
Amuneal's Collector's 1 Bay Shelving Unit
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
This single bay version of Amuneal’s Collector’s shelving unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts in a warm brass finish. The unit mou...
Brass
$4,850
H 83 in W 104 in D 18 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut, Tubular Chrome and Glass Shelving Unit
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in New Windsor, NY
Splendid walnut, tubular chrome and glass Founders shelving unit designed by Jack Cartwright. Circa 1970-80. The highest of the glass shelves can be adjusted and the drawers and cabi...
Chrome
$2,800
H 71.5 in W 36 in D 14 in
Mid Century Brass Hollywood Regency Large Etagere, Wall Unit, or Shelving Unit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large statement piece in very good condition. This wall unit features anodized brass aluminum frame with clear glass shelves. Ready to use condition.
Aluminum
$7,800 / set
H 80 in W 95 in D 21.25 in
Poul Cadovius for Cado Rosewood 3 Bay Danish Modern Shelving Unit
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in New Windsor, NY
Rosewood three bay modular shelving unit designed by Poul Cadovius for Cado. Circa 1968. The Cado System is comprised of 26 separate parts: four wall mounted brackets, 12 shelf supports, three cabinets and seven shelves. There are two drop front cabinets, one for records which includes wire partitions and the other has a mirrored back with white laminate tops and the largest has two doors with a sliding surface for a stereo turntable...
Metal, Brass
Monster Shelving Unit
Located in New York, NY
The installation by the Madrid collective Casa Antillon called "The Monster" comprises a 4-tier shelving unit, boasting the studio’s signature wriggly edges and wobbly forms. The uni...
Birch, Plywood, Paint
$3,500
H 84 in W 36.5 in D 16 in
Vintage Mastercraft Brass and Glass Light Up Mirrored Etagere Shelving Unit
By Mastercraft
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Mastercraft brass and glass shelving unit. This beautiful etagere/shelving unit features a solid brass and glass design, very common among Mastercraft items of the era. Thi...
Brass
Emporium Shelving Unit
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Charming emporium shop fitting, free-standing shelving unit or bookcase, with five graduated U-shaped wood shelves. Unique shape, fantastic original fini...
Wood
$15,079 / item
H 72 in W 65 in D 24 in
Amuneal’s Collector's Hanging 2 Bay Brass and Glass Shelving Unit
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
This Wall Hanging Brass and Glass Shelving Unit is part of Amuneal’s Collector’s Shelving System and features our precision machined brass fittings ...
Brass
$4,600
H 72.75 in W 11.75 in D 17.5 in
Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional
By Directional, Kay Leroy Ruggles
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Modular shelving unit with gorgeous sun fading.
Plastic
$4,500
H 72 in W 80 in D 16.5 in
1960s Sven Ellekjaer for Raymor Floating Floating Cabinet Shelving Unit
By Sven Ellekaer , Albert Hansen, Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Bensalem, PA
The "Omnibus" modular wall unit is a highly collectible mid-century modern system designed by Danish architect Sven Ellekaer (often spelled Ellekjaer), manufactured by Albert Hansen ...
Brass
Stack Shelving Unit
By Fort Makers, Noah Spencer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stack Shelving Unit is a grouping of architectural and abstract sculptures by Noah Spencer that together make a shelving unit. When these sculptures are ...
Maple
Mies Shelving Unit 5PC
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Shelving Unit. Polished Stainless Steel combined with Cerused Oak Panels, featuring clear 2" thick acrylic shelves. Hand-crated in the US. Custom Sizes available upon request
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 73 in W 126 in D 16 in
Ello Mid Century Teak Chrome and Smoked Glass 4 Bay Freestanding Wall Unit
By Ello Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ello mid century teak chrome and smoked glass 4 bay freestanding wall unit Wall unit measures: 126 wide x 16 deep x 73 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Chrome
Pair of Quarter Round Etageres by Ello
By Ello Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pair of quarter round etageres by Ello. Arranged here to form one half round shelving unit. They are finished in glossy black with curved smoked gl...
Brass