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Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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
Founders Furniture Co Walnut Sideboard
Founders Furniture Co Walnut Sideboard

Founders Furniture Co Walnut Sideboard

By Founders Furniture Company

Located in Hanover, MA

1960's Founders Furniture Co. model 21301-48, F-16 sideboard with two cabinet compartments and four double doors with cast bronze finish hardware. The le...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

David Parmalee for Founders Eight-Drawer Cabinet Rosewood and Black
David Parmalee for Founders Eight-Drawer Cabinet Rosewood and Black

David Parmalee for Founders Eight-Drawer Cabinet Rosewood and Black

By David Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company

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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Walnut Bachelor’s Chest by Jack Cartwright for Founder’s Furniture
Mid Century Walnut Bachelor’s Chest by Jack Cartwright for Founder’s Furniture

Mid Century Walnut Bachelor’s Chest by Jack Cartwright for Founder’s Furniture

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Southampton, NJ

Classic Three Drawer Bachelors Chest designed by Jack Cartwright for Founder’s Furniture Co, 1960’s. Deep rich Walnut tones, well made. Walnut exterior and oak interiors. Deep doveta...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Magnificent Rosewood Jack Cartwright Founders Bachelors Chest of Drawers
Magnificent Rosewood Jack Cartwright Founders Bachelors Chest of Drawers

Magnificent Rosewood Jack Cartwright Founders Bachelors Chest of Drawers

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Magnificent rosewood Jack Cartwright Founders bachelors chest of drawers. This piece is in wonderful vintage condition with only light signs of age. The rosewood color is deep and da...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Walnut Tall Chest Dressers Mid-Century Modern
Pair of Walnut Tall Chest Dressers Mid-Century Modern

Pair of Walnut Tall Chest Dressers Mid-Century Modern

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Lovely pair of matching tall dresser chests by Jack Cartwright for Founders, circa 1957. The top looks great with little wear to the finish. I love the recessed pulls along the waln...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

Jack Cartwright for Founders Chest of Drawers
Jack Cartwright for Founders Chest of Drawers

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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Chest of Drawers
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Chest of Drawers

Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Chest of Drawers

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Low chest of drawers in walnut designed by Jack Cartwright. Simple mid-century design with straight lines, dovetailed drawers and black pulls. Please confirm location NY or NJ

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

MCM to Modern Founders Furniture Octagon Commode End Table Cabinet Patterns 21
MCM to Modern Founders Furniture Octagon Commode End Table Cabinet Patterns 21

MCM to Modern Founders Furniture Octagon Commode End Table Cabinet Patterns 21

By Founders Furniture Company

Located in Topeka, KS

Wonderful MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Founders Furniture octagon commode table or end table cabinet #21135 Patterns 21 in solid Mozambique veneer & brass hardware. This...

Category

20th Century American Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Founders / Dillingham American Mid-Century 12-Drawer Teak Low Chest
Founders / Dillingham American Mid-Century 12-Drawer Teak Low Chest

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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Teak

Related Items
Jack Cartwright for Founders Tall Dresser in Walnut! All refinished!
Jack Cartwright for Founders Tall Dresser in Walnut! All refinished!

Jack Cartwright for Founders Tall Dresser in Walnut! All refinished!

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautiful Jack Cartwright walnut tall boy, six-drawer, dresser with black base and black wood inset detail. Dove-tale construction of drawers. Newly Re...

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Mid-Century Modern American Walnut Tall Skinny Lingerie Chest Dresser
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By John Stuart, George Nelson

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern American walnut skinny tall and narrow unusual shape dresser high chest.

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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

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Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wardrobe by Founders Furniture
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wardrobe by Founders Furniture

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Mid-Century Walnut Dresser Founders Furniture Attributed to Jack Cartwright
Mid-Century Walnut Dresser Founders Furniture Attributed to Jack Cartwright

Mid-Century Walnut Dresser Founders Furniture Attributed to Jack Cartwright

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Baltimore, MD

Handsome, richly grained walnut Mid-Century Modern 8 drawer dresser, attributed to Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Company, USA circa 1960’s. Expertly crafted, this absolute j...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza
Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza

Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza. Left side has 2 cabinet doors and the right side has a fold down bar or desk with white laminate surface...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer

Danish Modern Teak Vanity Dresser Chest of Drawers
Danish Modern Teak Vanity Dresser Chest of Drawers

Danish Modern Teak Vanity Dresser Chest of Drawers

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in New York, NY

Interesting midcentury Danish modern flip top chest of drawers, having a flip up top surface which opens to reveal divided storage spaces, over three de...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet
Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet

Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This cabinet was made in the 1970s by Founders after a design by Jack Cartwright, one of the most prolific designers of the 20th century modern scene. Featuring pleasant proportions,...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1970s Chrome Accent John Stuart Hickory Bachelors Chests
Pair of 1970s Chrome Accent John Stuart Hickory Bachelors Chests

Pair of 1970s Chrome Accent John Stuart Hickory Bachelors Chests

By George Nelson, John Stuart Inc.

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Masterfully crafted and preserved vintage 1970s bachelors chests by John Stuart Inc.. We were lucky enough to purchase these pieces from a time capsule estate outfitted with premium...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

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Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser

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Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...

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Mid-Century Italian Willy Rizzo/Mario Sabot Sideboard
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Located in Vilnius, LT

Midcentury Italian sideboard by Willy Rizzo/Mario Sabot. Sideboard is finished with black glossy stained veneer surface decorated with ch...

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Walnut Mid-Century Modern Sculptural 5 Drawer High Chest Dresser Mint!
Walnut Mid-Century Modern Sculptural 5 Drawer High Chest Dresser Mint!

Walnut Mid-Century Modern Sculptural 5 Drawer High Chest Dresser Mint!

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Located in Rockaway, NJ

Walnut Mid-Century Modern sculptural 5 drawer high chest dresser mint!

Category

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Materials

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Previously Available Items
Mid century modern chest of drawers by jack Cartwright for founders
Mid century modern chest of drawers by jack Cartwright for founders

Mid century modern chest of drawers by jack Cartwright for founders

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century modern dresser by Jack Cartwright for Founders features hardwood construction, original maple finish, four dovetailed drawers with white lacquer fronts, and original...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Pair of Founders Blonde Pecan Bachelor Chests
Pair of Founders Blonde Pecan Bachelor Chests

Pair of Founders Blonde Pecan Bachelor Chests

H 28.25 in W 43.25 in D 15.5 in

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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Midcentury Chest of Drawers with Cane Panels by Jack Cartwright for Founders
Midcentury Chest of Drawers with Cane Panels by Jack Cartwright for Founders

Midcentury Chest of Drawers with Cane Panels by Jack Cartwright for Founders

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers with cane panels by Jack Cartwright for Founders High quality double chest of drawers with four caned top compartments and 8 drawers. Stampe...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cane, Wood

Founders Furniture Chest of Drawers in Rosewood
Founders Furniture Chest of Drawers in Rosewood

Founders Furniture Chest of Drawers in Rosewood

By Dave Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Chicago, IL

Founders Furniture Chest of Drawers in Rosewood; features bi-fold doors concealing five drawers with six adjustable, removable shelves on a plinth base.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

MCM Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Patterns 10 Walnut Chest of Drawers
MCM Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Patterns 10 Walnut Chest of Drawers

MCM Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Patterns 10 Walnut Chest of Drawers

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Topeka, KS

Vintage MCM or Mid-Century Modern Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Patterns 10 walnut chest of drawers or high-boy dresser...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Jack Cartwright Midcentury American Dark Wood Chest of Drawers, 1960s
Jack Cartwright Midcentury American Dark Wood Chest of Drawers, 1960s

Jack Cartwright Midcentury American Dark Wood Chest of Drawers, 1960s

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Mid-Century Modern design darkwood american chest of drawers with six chests, designed by Jack Cartwright and produced by Founders Furniture, chromed metal legs and painted metal han...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Metal

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jack Cartwright for founders mid century walnut highboy dresser The dresser measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 45 inches high All pieces of f...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Founders Furniture 1970s Geometric Cubist Front Blond Tall Chest Dresser Castors
Founders Furniture 1970s Geometric Cubist Front Blond Tall Chest Dresser Castors

Founders Furniture 1970s Geometric Cubist Front Blond Tall Chest Dresser Castors

By Milo Baughman, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

In the eye-catching Style of Milo Baughman, the geometric motif that is the front door & drawers, is also evocative of the 1907s pop-style made famous by artists like Frank Stella. T...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Thomasville Founders Woven Cane 2-Door Oak Nightstand with Brass Pulls
Thomasville Founders Woven Cane 2-Door Oak Nightstand with Brass Pulls

Thomasville Founders Woven Cane 2-Door Oak Nightstand with Brass Pulls

By Founders Furniture Company, Thomasville

Located in Miami, FL

Thomasville Founders Woven Cane 2-door oak nightstand with brass pulls Offered for sale is a Thomasville Founders oak two-door cabinet with woven cane doors, brass door pulls, an...

Category

Late 20th Century American Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cane, Oak

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century 8 Drawer Armoire Gentlemans Chest
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century 8 Drawer Armoire Gentlemans Chest

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century 8 Drawer Armoire Gentlemans Chest

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jack Cartwright for Founders mid century 8 drawer armoire gentleman's chest Chest measures: 41 wide x 19 deep x 48.5 high This price ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Founders Maple Dresser
Founders Maple Dresser

Founders Maple Dresser

H 28 in W 40 in D 15.5 in

Founders Maple Dresser

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in New Windsor, NY

Founders four drawer maple dresser on a plinth base. Chrome drop pulls. Very clean interiors. Circa 1970-80. Signed in top drawer. Very good condition with some minor scratches and ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Burl Wood and Brass Chest of Drawers by Founders
Vintage Burl Wood and Brass Chest of Drawers by Founders

Vintage Burl Wood and Brass Chest of Drawers by Founders

By Founders Furniture Company

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Gorgeous vintage burl wood and brass chest of drawers / nightstands manufactured by Founder in the United States, circa 1980s. This set is inspired by the iconic designs of the famou...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Founders Furniture Company commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Founders Furniture Company commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers by Conant Ball, Thomasville, and Kent-Coffey. Prices for Founders Furniture Company commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,260 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,500.
Questions About Founders Furniture Company Commodes and Chests of Drawers
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    The 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, 2024
    The 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, 2024
    IKEA 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 ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    United 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 ExpertJuly 9, 2024
    What 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    Yes, 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.