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Founders Furniture Company Desks and Writing Tables

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
Mid Century MODERN WALNUT DESK by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's. Featuring a total of five dovetailed drawers with sculpted hand pulls and a laminate woodgrain tabletop, perfect ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Modern Desk in Walnut
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Beautiful executive desk designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders. Stunning walnut veneered desk top and drawer fronts encased in in solid walnut legs and sides. Finished back with...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

David Parmelee for Founders Staved Rosewood X-Form Desk or Table, Circa 1970s
By David Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Peabody, MA
Mid-century modern writing desk featuring a staved rosewood top over an X-form chrome base, designed by Dave Parmelee for Founders Furniture, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Founders Light Blonde Pecan Single Pedestal Desk Tubular Chrome Legs MINT!
By Henredon, Founders Furniture Company
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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Solid Rosewood Dining or Work Table
By Dave Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Hudson, NY
Solid butcher block technique rosewood top on flat polished chrome x-leg base. Made by Founders.
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

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Founders Furniture Company desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Founders Furniture Company desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Founders Furniture Company were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by John Stuart, Milo Baughman, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Prices for Founders Furniture Company desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,500 and can go as high as $5,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,448.
Questions About Founders Furniture Company Desks and Writing Tables
  • 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
    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 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 ExpertApril 16, 2024
    What happened to the Drexel Heritage furniture company was that the company went out of business. In 2014, the last Drexel Heritage plant in Morganton, North Carolina, reportedly closed its doors when the Heritage Home Group purchased it. The company rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, the Heritage Home Group filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. Although a Chinese manufacturer called Samson Holdings bought the Heritage Home Group, production of Drexel furniture never resumed. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Drexel Heritage furniture.

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