Few friendships last a lifetime, but Milo Baughman (1923–2003) and Thayer Coggin (1922–2003) were united by their desire to craft American furniture with timeless heirloom appeal. Today vintage Thayer Coggin sofas, coffee tables, alluring chrome-framed chairs and other furnishings are recognized as masterpieces of good design and remain highly sought after by collectors near and far.
Having both served in the military during World War II and coming from humble backgrounds — Coggin from Denton, North Carolina, and Baughman from Goodland, Kansas (but raised in California) — they shared a passion for simple, modern design in home furnishings. In 1953, after showing his prescient designs to a number of companies (who turned him down) in the furniture center of High Point, North Carolina, Baughman decided to pay a last-minute visit to Coggin, who had just founded his eponymous brand. After a nearly hour-long meeting in which Coggin shot out of his seat exclaiming he had never seen anything like Baughman's work, the two men shook hands. They would be friends and collaborators for the next 50 years.
Coggin let Baughman pursue his singular vision, while the Thayer Coggin company benefited from its close relationship with the ever more prominent Baughman, the manufacturer’s lead designer and an architect of California modernism who also collaborated with Drexel Furniture, Glenn of California and others during his career.
In 1968, New York Times critic Rita Reif hailed Baughman’s work for its elegance and sophistication. “With this furniture,” she wrote of his new collection, Environment 70 produced by Thayer Coggin, “who needs a decorator?” Baughman’s name became synonymous with sleekly modern, comfortable furniture the whole family could enjoy — stylish seating upholstered with impossibly cozy bouclé fabric and dashing case pieces that reflected the venturesome sensibility associated with mid-century modernism as well as the functionality of the Bauhaus.
Although its founder died in 2003, Thayer Coggin remains an esteemed family-run brand in High Point. Each item of furniture is bench-made by a single craftsperson to ensure “continuity among related pieces,” the company says, and comes in a vast array of upholstery fabrics, wood and metal finishes. Like the friendship that defined it, Thayer Coggin furniture is built to last.
Find a unique collection of new and vintage Thayer Coggin furniture today on 1stDibs.
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Olive Burl Rolling Cocktail Table with Storage
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Hanover, MA
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin olive burl cube form cocktail table on casters and having a large single drawer with a removable divider for...
Burl
Milo baughman for Thayer Coggin Olive Ash Burlwood Coffee table
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Lynn, MA
Large modern coffee table in Olive Ash Burlwood designed by Milo baughman for Thayer Coggin, Inc. Great wood grain patterns. Ready for use.
Burl
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Burlwood Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Burlwood Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 10.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting stud...
Burl
Vintage Burl Wood Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Prepare to fall in love with a dining table that defines what it means to be timeless. Designed by the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Thayer Coggin during the golden era of A...
Burl
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 48 in D 48 in
Large Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Large Burlwood Coffee / Cocktail Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning early 1970’s Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin coffee table in striking burlwood veneer. Bold, low-profile proportions with beautiful burl figuring throughout an iconic Baugh...
Wood, Burl
$1,600
H 19.25 in Dm 26 in
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Drum Form Burl Wood Side Table with Glass Top
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Milo Baughman, this table was produced by Thayer Coggin in the 1960s. Breaking down the essence of tables, this model opts for a simple cylindrical base wrapped in a beau...
Glass, Wood, Burl
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 16 in W 36 in D 36 in
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Burl Wood Parsons Coffee Table, 1970's
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking 1970s square coffee table designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Crafted in rich, bookmatched olive ash burl wood with clean, minimalist Parsons-style lines, this ta...
Burl
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Milo Baughman dining table features burled walnut parquet design top with chrome-plated pedestal base. The table includes 2 leaves. Measures 44" deep x 29" high x 66" long without th...
Chrome
Olive Burl and Chrome Coffee Table for Thayer Coggin, 1970s
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Cocktail table with olive burl top and substantial chrome frame. Elegant, modern contemporary design. Timeless.
Chrome
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Ash Burl & Travertine Drum Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin, this table features a hardwood interior frame wrapped in a highly figured and carefully selected Ash burl veneer. This table ...
Travertine, Marble
$8,000
H 28.5 in W 66 in D 39 in
Milo Baughman - Thayer Coggin Extra Large Parsons Burl Dining Table w/ 2 Leaves
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin extendable dining table with gorgeous burled wood grain, and with two removable inserts. Notice the luxurious and dramatic effect of the...
Burl
$1,840Sale Price|42% Off
H 21.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin MCM Burl & Chome Coffee, Cocktail Table
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Plainview, NY
Designed by the renowned American furniture designer Milo Baughman (1923-2003) for Thayer Coggin, this Mid-Century Modern coffee table is a testament to timeless mid Century modern design sophistication. Its sleek chrome pedestal base elegantly supports a square top meticulously fashioned from exquisite burl veneer, showcasing a captivating contrast of textures. Baughman's signature clean lines and precise silhouette lend an air of modernity and versatility, making this piece an ideal choice for those who appreciate authentic mid-century modern design charm. About the designer : Milo Ray Baughman, Jr. (October 7...
Chrome
$1,850
H 13.25 in W 27.5 in D 27.5 in
1970s Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Rosewood and Lucite Square Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a modern coffee table by American designer Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, circa the 1970. Thayer Coggin is a staple for luxury home furnishings and the...
Lucite, Rosewood
Luscious Brass Bar Cart by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, 1970s
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Luscious brass bar cart by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, 1970s. This piece is in excellent condition with minor wear. We offer free regular deliveries to NYC and Philadelphia ...
Brass
Milo Baughman Brass + Glass Bar Cart for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in New York, NY
Classic brass and glass bar cart by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Sleek styling and solid welded construction. Impeccable quality, weight and craftsmanship! Brass and glass ar...
Brass