Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.
In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.
Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.
Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair Marge Carson for John Stuart Brass and Nubuck Leather Upholstered Ottomans
By John Stuart, Marge Carson
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Marge Carson for John Stuart Brass and Nubuck Leather Upholstered Ottomans. Kaky color nubuck leather. Measures 19" in width, 19" in depth and 16" in height.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant vintage modern foot stool features black lacquered legs. Unique walnut cross beams connect each leg adding sturdiness and style. The sleek black vinyl top is molded for comfo...
Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
John Stuart Ottoman with Sculpted Legs
By John Stuart
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A large-scale John Stuart ottoman with sculpted walnut legs. Elegant Mid-Century look, new upholstery.
Pair of John of Finn Juhl Stools For John Stuart in White Alpaca
By John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Finn Juhl stools for John Stuart, the concave seats resting on ruddy colored wood newly upholstered in white alpaca with manufacturer's label on the underside.
Vintage Marge Carson Brass Stools/Ottomans
By Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Experience the allure of authentic 1970s American design with this exquisite pair of brass poufs by celebrated designer Marge Carson. Each piece showcases a stunning brass base that ...
Brass
Danish Modern Teak Stool / Ottoman
Located in Denton, TX
Solid thick teak wood with dovetailed corners can be also used for a side table.
Teak
Pair of Large 'Strapontin' Stools by Design Frères in COM
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large 'Strapontin' stools by Design Frères, in COM. This is the COM version: 1 yard required for the pair Instructions to send will be reconfirmed after the order is confirmed.
Wrought Iron
Ottoman-Zebra Hide Cube
Located in New York, NY
This Zebra hide cube ottoman provides a true ‘out of Africa’ sense to any space. Each ottoman has been upholstered with ethically and sustainably-sourced ...
Zebra Hide
$5,900 / set
H 14 in W 22 in D 22 in
Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Charpentière Mid-Century Modern 1970 French stool, ottoman side tables in original tufted brown leather upholstery and polished chrome base. Very good original condi...
Chrome
Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool
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 handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A MCM Upholstered...
Cotton
$1,744
H 16.15 in W 15.75 in D 16.74 in
Mid Century Modern Organic Rattan Black Metal Stool or Ottoman 1950s Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage organic stool or ottoman or footstool from rattan and black lacquered metal frame 1950s Austria. While the slightly curved seat shows wonderful organic ra...
Metal
Upholstered Ottoman
Located in Madison, MS
This lovely upholstered ottoman features black, white, and tan stripes and four black painted legs. It is in great shape and seems practically new...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Mid Century Ottomans with Cushion Tops
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. 1960. A stylish Square ottoman pair in a dark brown stain with square legs reminiscent of the type of furniture designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar from roughly the...
Wood, Fabric
$2,082 / item
H 17.33 in Dm 25.2 in
DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Rich Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let you...
Silk, Velvet
$2,097 / item
H 17.33 in Dm 25.2 in
Dooq Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Dijon Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge. Let you...
Silk, Velvet
Pair of Silk Parsons Ottomans or Stools
By Milo Baughman
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Silk Parson Ottomans or stools. Gingham silk upholstery covers the pair. very good condition. In the Billy Baldwin style with button top. This ...
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 32 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Finn Juhl for John Stuart Teak Armchair Ottoman 1950s Danish
By Finn Juhl, John Stuart
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration are a magnificent, Danish teak armchair and ottoman, newly reupholstered in vintage fabric, by Finn Juhl for John Stuart...
Fabric, Teak
Midcentury John Stuart Cowhide and Beechwood Ottoman Bench Seat
By John Stuart
Located in West Hartford, CT
Mid-Century Modern John Stuart hallmarked large bench with newly upholstered cowhide seat, circa 1960s. Can be utilized as a ottoman, bench, table, seat, etc.
Cowhide, Beech
Sold
H 38 in W 31 in D 30 in
Scandinavian Modern Reclining Swivel Suede Lounge Chair & Ottoman by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
1960s Scandinavian modern adjustable recliner swivel lounge chair with five prong base and ottoman by John Stuart in the original suede upholstery; maker label and made in Denmark ta...
Metal