James Mont’s life as an unmistakably talented furniture designer and interior decorator could fill the pages of a best-selling novel or be reimagined as a Hollywood feature film. From the 1930s through the 1960s, Tinseltown’s glitterati and Manhattan’s Mafia underworld coveted his sofas, coffee tables and table lamps.
Mont was born Demetrios Pecintoglu in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1904 to a family of artists. He reportedly studied architecture and art in Spain and France, and during the 1920s, Mont immigrated with his family to the United States.
Mont and his family settled in New York, where he found work in a Brooklyn electrical supply shop. There he sold hardware and designed his own lighting fixtures. The latter caught the eye of a gangster named Frankie Yale, who commissioned him to refurnish his house. Mont’s opulent designs drew on Art Deco, Hollywood Regency and were occasionally marked by chinoiserie, then a very popular trend in decorating. He created the kind of low-profile side tables and sofas that are frequently associated with mid-century modernism, and he is credited today with helping popularize the integration of Asian influences in modern American design.
Mont soon attracted New York City’s most infamous crime bosses, including Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello. For a range of mobsters, he created fashionable, functional and sophisticated pieces such as collapsible home bars that would fold down and out of view — a particularly convenient feature during Prohibition — and tables and desks with secret drawers, which were also handy to Mont’s shady clientele.
“You bought a bar from him, and he would also deliver booze in a baby carriage,” antiques dealer and furniture retailer Todd Merrill told New York about Mont in 2008.
Mont designed a room for the World’s Fair in 1939 and later befriended Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope, who was best man at his wedding, Irving Berlin and Lana Turner. During the 1940s and ‘50s, Mont continued designing furniture, mastering finishing techniques such as lacquering and incorporating a distinctive “leafing” print effect with silver and gold into his pieces.
Mont’s designs enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s, and his pieces continue to be sought after by collectors.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage James Mont sideboards, tables and storage cabinets.
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the...
Brass
James Mont King Cole Armchair, Beechwood & Naugahyde, Mid-Century
By James Mont
Located in Lake Worth, FL
This iconic James Mont “King Cole” armchair, dated on the underside 1961, exemplifies mid-century modern elegance with its bent beechwood frame, hand-woven cane barrel back, sloping ...
Naugahyde, Beech
$9,850 / set
Pair Of Lounge Chairs By James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of James Mont Lounge Chairs. Glamorous and comfortable large pair of Mid-Century Modern upholstered lounge chairs, club chairs, side chairs or slipper chairs byJames Mont for Gr...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
A lovely pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the top dramatic mid-ce...
Textile, Wood
$19,500 / set
Pair of James Mont Sofa's
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful James Mont Sofa's. The elegant Lattice framed Sofa's have been Newly reupholstered in an ivory colored fabric and each sofa has two separate ...
Upholstery, Wood
James Mont Camouflage Gilt Geometric Chair
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont unusual art deco geometric side chair finished in hand gilt silver and gold leaf in a camouflage pattern. Seat upholstered in dove gray suede. If you would like us to reco...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
$13,500 / set
Pair of Original James Mont Club Chairs (Documented)
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of original upholstered lounge chairs by James Mont, 1957, newly reupholstered in JB Martin blue cotton velvet, on a burled elm base with Hollywood Regency stylized Queen Anne l...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare 1948 James Mont Designed Wide Tufted Seat Lounge Chair Oval Back Cushion
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
Circa 1948, documented, by famed NYC designer James Mont, this mid-century modern wide tufted seat lounge chair with ebonized sycamore frame, is ready for your customization. Send yo...
Upholstery, Foam, Sycamore
$12,500 / set
Rare Pair of James Mont Mid-Century Lounge Chairs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of rare lounge chairs by James Mont. The wide framed chairs have been fully restored with satin black frames and Mohair upholstery which is tufted on the seats.
Upholstery
Fabulous Set of Eight Art Deco Influenced Dining Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Set of eight Art Deco influenced dining chairs by James Mont The beautifully carved chairs have the original silver leafed finish which is in Great condition with minimal wear and t...
Silver Leaf
James Mont Dining Chairs Set Four Refinished Reupholstered Mid Century Art Deco
By James Mont
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Elegant James Mont Dining Chairs, American, 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in your choice of wood color and reu...
Upholstery, Wood
Classic James Mont Tall Back Chair
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic James Mont tall back chair, ca' 1950's. Lacquered frame with velvet upholstery.
Mahogany
James Mont Black Lacquer Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six James Mont designed chinoiserie decorated and black lacquered dining side chairs with pierced bamboo decoration to backrest and upholstered seats. Accompanied by an origin...
Hardwood
James Mont Dining Chairs (6) Cerused Oak and Silver Leaf
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont Set of 6 mid-century American Modern dining chairs (1940s) with waxed gray cerused oak hand carved frames, narrow rectangular backs with negtive arched interiors, carved w...
Oak
$7,800 / set
Pair of Club Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
These glamorous and elegant chairs by James Mont, circa 1950. Each chair sits low and has a channeled barrel back that curves around, a thick cushioned seat and ebonized feet. Origin...
Velvet, Wood
$14,850 / set
Set of Six Leather James Mont "King Cole" Chairs
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificently designed, James Mont style bent beechwood armchairs. Most famously used by James Mont in one of his most notable commissions, the King Cole Penthouse in Miami. Mont use...
Bentwood, Leather
James Mont King Cole Mid-century Beech Bentwood Armchair
By James Mont
Located in San Francisco, CA
of sleek mid-century design with an elegant profile, James Mont's King Cole chair was deigned for one of his most notable commissions, the King Cole Pe...
Beech
$18,000 / set
Extraordinary James Mont Club Chairs, a Pair
By James Mont
Located in North Canton, OH
Incredible Pair of James Mont Club Chairs. Compact size and extremely comfortable. Upholstery is in good condition but should be reupholstered for your project. Last photo is of anot...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Hand-Rubbed Walnut & Holly Hunt Geo Mohair Club Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modernist club chairs, designed by the renowned American designer James Mont circa 1950, epitomizes sophistication and luxurious craftsmanship. T...
Mohair, Walnut
James Mont Silver Greek Key Motif Side Chair
By James Mont
Located in Stamford, CT
1940s James Mont Greek key motif side chair. Recently repainted in antique silver painted finish. Recently upholstered in grey Edelman Leather calf ha...
Animal Skin, Wood
$2,800
James Mont Dolphin Chair
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont "Dolphin" tall-back slipper chair, designed late 1950's, covered in button-tufted black high pile velour. This distinctive Mont original design is a curved tapering wing ...
Upholstery, Wood
James Mont Mid-Century Lounge Armchair, Faux White Leather, 1950
By James Mont
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American (1950) lounge / armchair with a high, tapered, button tufted back, curved frame, rolled arms, upholstered in faux white leather...
Upholstery, Wood, Textile
James Mont Lattice Frame Upholstered Bench
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Black lattice frame bench by James Mont. The bench has been newly refinished and reupholstered in an ivory colored fabric with biscuit tufted detail.
Upholstery
Pair of James Mont Slipper Chairs
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Pristine pair of black lacquered James Mont low chairs with mohair.
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
$47,335 / set
H 31.5 in W 54.73 in D 24.81 in
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll Black Leather Mirror Sofa Settee
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll 2-seat sofa settee. This pair is made in black leather and mirror. All original collectors condition. The Mirror Sofa...
Mirror, Leather
$2,995
H 30 in W 28.25 in D 27.25 in
Ming Style Black Lacquer & Brass Low Chair After James Mont Scalamandre Zebra
By James Mont, Scalamandre
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Ming style yoke back black lacquered low chair with square brass sabots in the style of James Mont. Re-upholstered in El Morocco Espresso f...
Brass
Midcentury James Mont Style Lacquered Gondola Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic mid-century modern upholstered gondola sofa made in the style and manner of James Mont. The chic sofa features a gondola sled inspired wood frame with an ebonized black lac...
Fabric, Wood
Hollywood Regency James Mont Style Lacquer Lounge Armchair by Century
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Hollywood Regency style lounge accent chair by Century Furniture. This James Mont style armchair features a gloss black lacquer wood frame with brass hardware accents. Cushion is new...
Brass
$3,495
H 29.5 in W 31 in D 27 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Style Yoke Back Chairs Black Lacquered Style James Mont
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Asian Chinoiserie Ming style yoke back chairs with black lacquered frames & brass details in the style of James Mont. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that thes...
Brass
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31 in W 31 in D 22.5 in
Pr. Chinese Modern Ox Bow Chairs in Faux Jade Finish by Century Furniture
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Pure voguish style pair of chairs in the Chinese, or Asia Modern style - executed in an unusual Jade faux finish. Both are in very good, original clean and ready to use condition - b...
Brass
$75,000 / set
H 38.5 in W 67.5 in D 29 in
Pair of French Hand Carved & Painted Silk Sofas. Signed Carpentier. Circa 1780
By Louis-Charles Carpentier
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of French carved wood and painted sofas with floral silk upholstery, carved floral skirt, and terminating on cabriole legs. Signed by Carpentier. Makers Stamp is located on s...
Paint, Silk, Upholstery, Wood
$15,500 / set
H 31 in W 34 in D 31 in
Baker Ivory Satin Slipper Chairs Attributed to Michael Taylor, circa 1950s, Pair
By Michael Taylor, James Mont, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
An absolutely jaw-dropping pair of meticulous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency lounge chairs in original tufted ivory satin from a boutique series produced by Baker Furniture, circa 1960. Extremely rare Baker Furniture chairs in the style of James Mont. Stout, expertly crafted ebonized solid mahogany construction. This fabulous design is routinely attributed to the work of the esteemed Michael Taylor. The unmistakable look of old money...
Satin, Mahogany
$4,250 / set
H 24.5 in W 29.63 in D 28 in
James Mont Style - Pair of Greek Key Arm Chairs w/ Black Frames Asian Influence
By Baker Far East Collection, James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
Striking and rarely seen pair of James Mont style low lounge chairs with sculpted Geek Key arms and backs on splayed legs. Black lacquer frames to be refinished prior to shipping, cu...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Rare Pair of James Mont Style Bent Beech and Cane Arm Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A masterfully designed pair of bent beech wood chairs with hand caned back. In the James Mont designed King Cole Penthouse in Miami, Mont used this very cha...
Leather, Wood
$1,195
H 28 in W 72 in D 27 in
Universal of High Point Midcentury Black Vinyl Faux Leather Convertible Sofa
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern settee or loveseat sofa in black vinyl faux leather by Universal of High Point. It is in wonderful vintage condition. We have restored the wood, cleaned the vinyl, repaired a few spots where stitching was loose, and put on a new dustcover. But there are still little signs of age. Please see photos, circa 1950s. What a fun little Mid-Century Modern convertible sofa. Settee? Loveseat? Armless sofa? Bench? A rose by any other name…….!!! Anyway, I digress. It is a great piece no matter what we call it. I am sticking with convertible sofa. It is comprised of a black vinyl faux leather bench seat...
Faux Leather, Wood
Pair of Slipper Chairs in the style of James Mont.
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of slipper chairs in the style of James Mont.
Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 34 in D 36 in
Mid-Century Diamond Tufted Back Viridian Green Velvet Lounge Chair by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modernist chair designed by the legendary James Mont, originating from the United States, circa 1950. Known for his bold, glamorous designs that seamlessly mar...
Velvet, Walnut
James Mont Sofa 1957 (Documented)
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Original sofa by James Mont, 1957, upholstered in silvery white damask with a hint of pink on a burled elm base with Hollywood Regency stylized Queen Anne legs. Single loose seat cus...
Upholstery, Elm, Burl
James Mont Ming Asian Bar Stools by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Brass
Vintage James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Ming Chairs - Pair
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Ming Chairs - Pair Featuring a pair of modern James Mont Style Black Lacquer Asian Chinoiserie Ming Chairs in green fabric. A touch of F...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 29 in W 43 in D 29 in
Documented Mid-Century Wide Lounge Chairs in Ebonized Sycamore by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This incredible Pair of Documented Mid-Century Modernist Wide Lounge Chairs in Ebonized Sycamore W/ Holly Hunt Fabric by James Mont originates from the United States, Circa 1948. Fab...
Fabric, Sycamore
Sold
H 22 in W 85 in D 39 in
Vintage Mid Century James Mont 2 Piece Asian Style Lacquered Sectional Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is this iconic two piece James Mont sofa sectional with a lacquered wood frame. Dimensions: 85w x 39d x 25h Arm Height: 22" Seat Height: 18" Seat Depth: 22.5...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 31 in D 22.5 in
Pair of Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Armchairs in the Manner of James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational glamorous horseshoe shaped pair of James Mont style sculptural club chairs that match and are sold separately. High gloss black lacquer with brass details and Asian motif...
Lacquer
Glitzy Black Gold & Red Lacquered James Mont 3 Piece Livingroom Set
By James Mont
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational glamorous 3 piece salon set by James Mont having two sculptural club chairs and a gorgeous loveseat, all in a high gloss black lacquer wi...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 23 in D 24 in
Pr James Mont King Cole Style Arm Lounge Chairs Bentwood Frames and Caned Backs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sleek, and sophisticated pair of caned back lounge chairs, known as the King Cole chair, design attributed to James mont. The chairs feature a d...
Cane, Wood
James Mont, Armchairs, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1940s
By James Mont
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-lacquer wood and brown velvet armchairs, designed and produced by James Mont, USA, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 19.5" Arm Height (inches): 26" All items ship fr...
Velvet, Wood
James Mont Designed Round Back Chair
By James Mont
Located in Brooklyn, NY
James Mont designed chair, made for the King Cole penthouse in Miami. Horseshoe wood frame with hand-woven cane back. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 25 in W 85 in D 39 in
Vintage Mid Century James Mont 2 Piece Asian Style Lacquered Sectional Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is this iconic two piece James Mont sofa sectional with a lacquered wood frame. Dimensions: 85w x 39d x 25h Arm Height: 22" Seat Height: 18" Seat Depth: 22...
Wood