Founders Furniture Company
American
Founders Furniture Company was a short-lived 20th-century American brand that produced enduring mid-century modern designs. The company's streamlined dressers, lounge chairs and coffee tables feature solid wood construction and simple but elegant designs.
The history of Founders Furniture Company began in 1946 when it was established as a subsidiary of Knoll Inc., an esteemed manufacturer known mainly at the time for its pioneering workplace furniture — largely owing to the work of visionary designer Florence Knoll — so it launched Founders as its residential division.
During its years of operation, Founders hired celebrated American modernist designers like Milo Baughman and David Parmelee, who created sleek commodes and sideboards in mahogany and rosewood for the brand. Michigan native Jack Cartwright, a designer at Heritage during the 1950s, also worked at Founders as head designer before moving on to start his eponymous furniture company in 1963.
Founders continued operations until 1965 when Thomasville Furniture acquired it. Established in 1904 in North Carolina — home to other iconic mid-century brands such as Drexel and Broyhill — Thomasville expanded significantly during the 1960s and purchased several other American furniture manufacturers.
Today, the timeless styles and exceptional craftsmanship associated with Founders Furniture Company pieces continue to render them desirable even for today’s interiors.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Founders case pieces, seating, tables and more.
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Creator: Founders Furniture Company
Dining Table by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Round dinette table by Founders on caster wheels. Simple round design with cross stretchers and brass caps. Opens to accommodate leaves.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Credenza by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Milo Baughman, Maurice Villency, Drexel
Located in Raleigh, NC
Large mid-century credenza by Founders, U.S. This wooden credenza features rich and vibrant wood grain with brass accent handles. In the stylings of Milo Baughman and Scandinavian in...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal, Brass
Jack Cartwright for Founders MCM Danish Modern Walnut Full Headboard
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Vintage Jack Cartwright for Founders MCM Danish...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Modern Founders Furniture Company Danish Teak Credenza With Display
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid Century Modern teak Danish credenza with display by Founders Furniture Company. Two bottom tambour doors conceal adjustable shelves and three ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Teak
Jack Cartwright for Founders side, end or coffee table
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Jack Cartwright for Founders side, end or coffee table, 1960s. Walnut, black trim accents and black metal pulls. The drawers are full length, so it provides plenty of storage. Only m...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Founders Console
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing a truly exquisite piece by Founders, this captivating console table masterfully melds aesthetics and functionality, making it a must-have addition to any living space. Bo...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
1970s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Walnut Credenza / Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Six Drawer Credenza Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in 1970. It has a case of walnut and features six wide drawers that have Dovetail Joi...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Steel
Founders Light Blonde Pecan Single Pedestal Desk Tubular Chrome Legs MINT!
By Founders Furniture Company, Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Founders light blonde pecan single pedestal desk tubular chrome legs MINT!
Solid wood construction dovetail joints.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Extruded Aluminum and Velvet Sling Lounge Chairs by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Fabulous matched pair of extruded aluminum and velvet slung lounge chairs manufactured by Founders, Classic elegance, extremely comfortable, amazing quality, flawless welds, joints, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Aluminum
1960s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Walnut Highboy Dresser Refinished
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Six Drawer Highboy Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in 1965. It has a case of walnut and features six drawers that have Dovetail Joints. I...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Steel
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Expanding Dining Table 2 Leaves
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
This table measures: 43.75 wide x 43.75 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a chair clearance of 27 i...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Office Credenza by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This uniquely sized vintage credenza offers a stylish combination of cabinet and drawer storage. Low profile height makes this perfect for use in an office or business environment, w...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood
Pair of mid century 4 drawer walnut dressers by founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid century 4 drawer walnut dressers by founders. Great pair of walnut dressers inset carved handles. Each dresser sits on ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Steel
Pair of Founders Blonde Pecan Bachelor Chests
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of Founders Blonde Pecan Bachelor Chests / Nightsands.
Each chest measures 15.5 D X 43.25 W X 28.25 H
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Slate Top Nightstands - Pair
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Slate Top Nightstands - Pair
Each nightstand measures: 22.5 wide x 15 deep x 23.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Slate
Pair of Founders Blond Pecan Bachelor Chests Dressers Large Night Stands Mint
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of founders blond pecan bachelor chests dressers large night stands mint!
All solid hardwood dovetail joints construction.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Hardwood
Mid century modern cane walnut credenza sideboard 4 drawer 2 door
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern credenza sideboard with two caned cabinet doors and four drawers. The top drawer is fitted for Flatware/silverware. Behind the cabinet doors is an adjustable shelf...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Founders Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Founders Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
The buffet measures: 67 wide x 18 deep x 32.25 inches high
The hutch measures: 33.5 wide x 13 deep x ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Chrome Club Arm Chairs / Milo Baughman Pierre Cardin
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of vintage Italian upholstered club side chairs purchased with a Paul Evans game table. Designer sled base for legs. These were "Made in Italy". Recently located a reference. Wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Upholstery
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century King Headboard
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century King Headboard
This headboard measures: 77.25 wide x 1.25 deep x 35 inches high
All pieces of f...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood
David Parmalee for Founders Eight-Drawer Cabinet Rosewood and Black
By Founders Furniture Company, David Parmelee
Located in Miami, FL
Well-proportioned eight-drawer cabinet for jewelry or anything else. Black and Rosewood veneer.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood
Set of 6 Rosewood Frame Dining Chairs by Founders Furniture Co.
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and rare set of 6 dining chairs, by Founders Furniture Co. as part of their Patterns 15 collection. Six armchairs each with upholstered backs and seats (upholstery as is) ....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Mid Century Modern Solid Rosewood and Chrome Coffee Table by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage coffee table in solid planked rosewood manufactured by Founders Furniture Company, circa 1970's. Showcases contrasting natural wood grains accented with an ebony base and stu...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Blonde Pecan Night Stand End Side Table Dovetail Joints Mint
By Milo Baughman, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern blonde pecan night stand end side table dovetail joints mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Hardwood
Modern Campaign Style Oak Gentlemen’s Chest by Founders Furniture Patterns 35
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage modern Campaign style oak Gentleman’s chest by Founders Furniture Patterns 35. Comprised of book matched oak veneer, six drawers and two double doors with brass toned hardware, and brass plated beading detail. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Specifically, it was missing a handle & we had a custom duplicate replacement produced. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970-1980’s.
Just what the Gentleman ordered!!! Although, it is suitable for a lady as well!! This Founders Furniture tall Gentleman’s chest is comprised of gorgeous book matched oak veneer and features six full width drawers and two double opening doors, one drawer above the doors and five below. Each drawer is fitted with unique campaign style brass-toned inset handles with brass plated beading around each drawer opening. And the doors have a picture framed border with mitered corners and are inlaid with brass plated beading. It’s a lovely detail! This modern beauty has ample storage for linens...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Pair of Polished Aluminum & Linen Lounge Chairs in the Manner of Harvey Probber
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Polished aluminum frame lounge chairs, in the manner of Harvey Probber, with ivory silk/linen blended upholstery. Unexpected details come in the form of exposed oversized flat head s...
Category
1960s American Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Aluminum
Jack Cartwright for Founders Brazilian Rosewood Bar Cabinet Mid-Century Modern
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Jack Cartwright for Founders Brazilian rosewood bar cabinet. This piece has been well cared for and is in wonderful vintage condition. The rosewood has tons of graning and has a deep...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
Founders Mid Century Rosewood Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Founders mid century rosewood expanding dining table with 2 leaves
The table measures: 41 wide x 41 deep x 28 inches high; each leaf is 20 inches wide, making a maximum table widt...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Rosewood
Midcentury Sideboard by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern sideboard by Founders with drawer and cabinet storage. Great for home or office use. Warm teak wood with accenting chrome hardware.
Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Teak
2 MCM Founders Corner Step Tables Black Brass Sabots Coronado Grp Luther Draper
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern corner step tables from Coronado Group by Luther Draper for Founders Furniture. Gorgeous condition. This pair of tables have been completely restored to their original glory. The tops have been stripped and repainted and the legs have been sanded and given a fresh finish. There may still be some age-related signs of use that refinishing did not catch. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa 1955.
Note- We have listed here as well, if they are still available, an additional pair of tables 1 step and 1 side, in this same style but with a satin finish. Although their sheens are different, they would be very complimentary to each other.
Double Delightful-ness!! This is a stunning pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern corner step tables from the Coronado Group designed in 1955 by Luther Draper for Founders Furniture. Their long straight legs with cross stretchers and beautiful brass sabots on the feet are eye catching and sophisticated. They are square with a corner angled step and comprised of a superb matte finished hardwood with Classic back beveled edges. They would look stunning beside your loveseat; living room sofa; dividing a corner or u-shaped sectional; or even a separation for perpendicularly placed sofas and chairs. They will add just the right Mid-Century Modern flair to your home.
Founders Furniture was started in 1947 as a subsidiary of the esteemed Knoll International for their residential line and then merged with Thomasville Furniture in 1965.
It is said that Luther Draper designed for the whose-who of high caliber furniture companies in the mid-century. He designed The Coronado Group collection for Founders Furniture in 1955. He had an unmistakable clean, modern mark he left on his work. He also designed fabulous furniture including the “India Teakwood” collection for White Furniture Company and the well known “Boomerang Desk” for Alma, which was recognized for its prize-winning office furnishings. He also worked in High Point, North Carolina, for such well-known firms as Henredon, Myrtle Desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Founders Square Coffee Table
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Mid century modern walnut coffee table by Founders. Produced in the 1960s, this table features a beautiful quartered walnut veneer top on a sled base. It can serve as an end table or...
Category
Mid-20th Century Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Fred Kemp for Founders Mid Century Soapstone and Walnut Coffee Table
By Founders Furniture Company, Fred Kemp
Located in Countryside, IL
Fred Kemp for Founders Mid Century Soapstone and Walnut Coffee Table
This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 18.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Soapstone
Founders Mid Century Walnut Mirror
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Founders Mid Century Walnut Mirror
This mirror measures: 21.5 wide x 1 deep x 46.5 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Wormy Chestnut 7 Drawers Compact Dresser Credenza MINT
By Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Light American Walnut Mid Century Modern Wormy Chestnut 7 Drawers Compact Dresser Credenza MINT
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Chestnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Chest of Drawers
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low chest of drawers designed by Jack Cartwright in a walnut finish with black accents. Dovetail jointed drawers, warm walnut grain frame, set on solid wood legs.
Please confirm loca...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Founders Furniture Company Mid Century Walnut and Brass Round Coffee Table
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Founders furniture company mid century walnut and brass round coffee table
This table measures: 38 wide x 38 deep x 14.5 inches high
?Al...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Founders / Dillingham American Mid-Century 12-Drawer Teak Low Chest
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century teak 12-drawer low chest with three sections of four drawers each with circular brass drawer pulls in a rectangular cabinet resting on four square teak legs. (FO...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood, Teak
Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Co. Burl Wood Nightstand / Bedside Table
By Founders Furniture Company, Renzo Rutili
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century nightstand / bedside table comprised of an upper two-drawer chest with burl wood veneer and two polished brass drawer pulls, resting on an open square base with ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal, Brass
Modernist Blonde Mahogany Coffee / Magazine Table, X-Sides, Robsjohn
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist blonde mahogany coffee / magazine table. X-sides. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings, Classic Modernist design.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Mahogany
Founders Walnut Lazy Susan Mini Bookcase
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century walnut lazy susan mini-bookcase with a rectangular form of alternating panels and two compartment shelves on each side, on a ful...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
Founders Dark Walnut Lazy Susan Mini Bookcase
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century dark walnut lazy susan mini-bookcase with a rectangular form of alternating panels and two compartment shelves on each side, on ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Table Cabinet by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century made side table with beautiful rosewood inlay. Drum style pedestal table with cabinet storage and octagonal shape inset.
Please confirm location.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Aluminum Frame Upholstered Chairs in the Style of Harvey Probber
By Founders Furniture Company, Harvey Probber
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Pair of aluminum frame chairs upholstered in a soft grey corduroy in the style of Harvey Probber. Manufacturer, Founders Furniture Company.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Aluminum
Founders Furniture Company furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Founders Furniture Company furniture 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 Founders Furniture Company furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Founders Furniture Company 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 furniture by Kent-Coffey, Merton Gershun , and Conant Ball. Prices for Founders Furniture Company furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $495 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,978.
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Questions About Founders Furniture Company
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024United Furniture took over Lane Furniture in 2017. After that, the furniture maker became well known among contemporary consumers for its upholstered furniture. In 2022, United abruptly closed and ceased operations at Lane due to financial problems. Find a collection of Lane Furniture pieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024The story of what happened to the Lane Furniture company is one of financial difficulties. The company was acquired by United Furniture Industries in 2017 and became particularly well known among contemporary consumers for its upholstered furniture. In 2022, United abruptly closed and ceased operations at Lane due to bankruptcy. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Lane furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024The most famous Swedish furniture company is arguably IKEA. Founded in 1943, the company has grown to become one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world. The brand has more than 450 stores located in more than 60 countries. Shop a range of IKEA furniture from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024IKEA is generally considered to be the world's largest furniture company. Established in 1943 in Älmhult, Sweden, the company now operates more than 450 stores around the world. In 2022, more than 800 million people visited IKEA stores, and millions more bought pieces online. Find an assortment of vintage IKEA furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024Yes, most Bombay Company furniture is real wood. The furniture maker produces pieces out of rubber wood, cherry wood and other hardwoods. Some pieces also feature other materials, such as bamboo. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Bombay Company wood furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJuly 9, 2024What happened to the Drexel Heritage furniture company was that the brand went out of business. In 2014, the last plant operated by Drexel Heritage — known to mid-century modern furniture collectors as Drexel Furniture — closed its doors. The North Carolina company rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, the Heritage Home Group, which was formed years earlier by an equity investor called KPS Capital Partners when it acquired Drexel Heritage and other manufacturers such as Lane and Broyhill, filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. Production of Drexel furniture never resumed.
Find vintage Drexel dressers, sofas, dining tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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