Although Henry Link is best known for his high-quality wicker dressers, desks, chairs and other seating, the designer and entrepreneur was also a key figure in revolutionizing America’s furniture industry and moving it toward mass production during the early 20th century.
Born in 1889, Link studied at Yadkin College and began his career as a banker in Lexington, North Carolina and New York before taking leadership of the Dixie Furniture Company in 1936. Established in 1901, the small company initially became known for its production of oak and walnut bedroom furniture. However, with Link at the helm, the company grew following a merger with the Elk Furniture Company.
In 1940, Link visited Henry Ford’s automobile plant in Detroit, Michigan where he became inspired by the factory’s assembly process. Upon his return to Lexington, Link installed automatic conveyors and mass-production techniques at Dixie.
To facilitate Dixie Furniture Company’s exponential growth, four separate divisions were created in the 1950s and 1960s, including Henry Link Furniture. Although the Link collection was initially known for its line of girls’ bedroom furniture, it expanded with a range of styles — from striking reproductions of French Provincial furniture to Polynesian-inspired designs. By the 1970s, Link’s division was among the first in America to popularize casual wicker furnishings such as bohemian-chic dressers, side tables, end tables and center tables. Among Link’s other popular designs were chinoiserie “Mandarin” cabinets, Chinese Chippendale accent chairs and bamboo dining room chairs.
In 1987, the Dixie Furniture Company and its divisions — including Henry Link Furniture — were bought by the Masco Corporation and renamed Lexington Furniture Industries. Meanwhile, Link was posthumously inducted into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame in 1998.
Today, Link’s pieces are highly coveted by interior designers and avid collectors of mid-century modern wicker and rattan furniture.
Find vintage Henry Link case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and seating on 1stDibs.
A Pair of Coastal Style Rolling Footstools on Casters by Henry Link Furniture.
By Henry Link
Located in Miami, FL
A Pair of Coastal Style Rolling Footstools/ Benches on Casters by Henry Link Furniture. Circa 1980s Feature a wicker covered solid wood frame and a n...
Upholstery, Rattan
Pair of Swedish Neoclassic Painted Footstools
Located in Essex, MA
Each with carved seat rail with set in seat raised on carved legs headed by paterae and tapered with reeded tassel and fluting joined by a turned X-form stretcher.
Other
Pair of Midcentury Footstools, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood The fabric shows signs of use Good original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Louis XVI Style Upholstered Footstools, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Louis XVI Style Upholstered Foot Stools, blue-grey cushion with tassels, carved wood frame with floral motif, fluted legs. 18" H x 20" W x 15" D. Provenance: From an East 7...
Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair Of 1960s Ottomans On Casters
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of 1960s ottomans on casters.
Wood
Pair of 1940's Italian Footstools
Located in Hanover, MA
***FALL SALE*** A very smart pair of 1940's Italian foot stools or small benches. The walnut has been refinished and the gold velvet is original. Elegantly carved legs. The wood bas...
Velvet, Walnut
Sold|$3,817
H 17.33 in W 50.01 in D 27.96 in
The Moreton Footstool, a bespoke English Howard-Style footstool
Located in London, GB
The Moreton Footstool, modelled on the design of late 19th Century stools by Howard & Sons, is traditionally hand made in England to the highest standard. The beech frame is raised o...
Linen, Oak
The Moreton Footstool, an English Howard-Style footstool
Located in London, GB
The Moreton Footstool, modelled on the design of late 19th Century stools by Howard & Sons, is traditionally hand made in England to the highest standard. The beech frame is raised on hand turned oak legs and traditionally upholstered. Fitted with solid brass cup castors. Wonderfully versatile and comfortable, made to the perfect height for resting legs and generously sized for a tray. This model is available as shown upholstered in 'Fez Weave' by Guy Goodfellow...
Linen, Oak, Down, Feathers
Pair of Vintage Franco Albini Style Rattan Pouf Ottoman Footstools
By Franco Albini
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Franco Albini Vittorio Bonacina (attr.) Rattan Pouf Ottoman Footstools, late 1950s / early 1960s. A striking looking and versatile piece of furniture, a great addition to any room. L...
Rattan
$1,095
H 14.5 in W 27 in D 23 in
Victorian Fruitwood and Full Grain Leather ReUpholstered Rolling Footstool
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century Victorian Fruitwood and Full Grain Leather Re-Upholstered Rolling Footstool Measures: 27" W x 23" D x 14.5" H.
Leather, Fruitwood
$2,000 / set
H 15 in W 12.63 in D 15 in
Pair of Footstools Stools Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Ottoman Style
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair Mid Century Modern Footstools / Ottomans in the style of Hans Wegner .
Wood
Pair of Vintage Modern Rolling Ottomans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of vintage modern ottomans/footstools. Interestingly designed vintage upholstery, with a tuft in the center of the seat. 4 casters ...
Upholstery
$4,635 / set
H 20.87 in W 23.63 in D 15.36 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A pair of late 19th Century Gustavian style footstools. With decorative carved handles and curved legs. Repainted in soft grey and newly reupholstered in linen. Circa 1880.
Wood