Pay a visit to the town of High Point, North Carolina — long the capital of American-made furniture — and, from nearly any location in the city, you’ll see a tall smokestack bearing the name Tomlinson. It’s a name with deep roots there: In 1901, Sidney Halstead Tomlinson, Sr., and his brother founded the Tomlinson Chair Manufacturing Co., producing adaptations of 19th-century European antiques for an enthusiastic American audience. Later the Tomlinson Furniture Company grew rapidly over the ensuing decades, becoming a significant contributor to High Point’s thriving manufacturing economy.
Although Tomlinson began with a focus on antique-style furniture, by the middle of the century the company had adopted aesthetics from the modern style that was rapidly growing in popularity around the world.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Tomlinson Furniture produced coffee tables, storage cabinets and seating in the low-slung, sleek silhouettes that were typically characteristic of what we now know as mid-century modern designs.
Working with designers like John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, the company experimented with materials like woven cane and unique styles such as neoclassical lounge chairs in cherrywood that were seen as thoughtful modern interpretations of Biedermeier furniture.
During the mid-1950s, Tomlinson Furniture introduced its dramatic and decorative Sophisticate line, a collection of case pieces, seating, tables and more, available in a variety of woods. Today, designs that originated in the collection, such as its pecan-framed chairs with seats and backs of woven leather straps, are increasingly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Tomlinson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Set of Four Lubberts and Mulder for Tomlinson Walnut and Cane Bak Armchair
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Four (4) John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson Sophisticate Collection Walnut and Cane Back Armchairs. Measures 20" in width, 22" in depth and 30.5" in height. Seat h...
Cane, Fruitwood
Miraculous ALL ARM Set of 12 Walnut Danish Style Chairs by Tomlinson, c 1958
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large set of rare examples is Unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally r...
Leather, Walnut
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Coffee Table
By Tomlinson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 18 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Walnut, Burl
Pair of Fine Blond Tiger Maple Square End Side Lamp Tables One Drawer MINT
By Tomlinson, Vanleigh Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Fine Blond Tiger Maple Square End Side Lamp Tables One Drawer MINT
Brass
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Cane Dining Armchairs
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Mid-Century Modern dining armchairs By Tomlinson, "Sophisticate" Collection USA, Circa 1960s Sculpted walnut, with caned backs and vinyl upholstery Measures...
Cane, Walnut, Faux Leather
Tomlinson Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Club Chair or Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern club chair or lounge chair By Tomlinson USA, 1960 Sculpted walnut frame, with upholstered seat and back. Matching pillow included. Measures: 27....
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Curvaceous Caned Slipper Chairs by Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of curvaceous caned slipper lounge chairs designed by John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, American, circa 1960s. They are currently being refinished and reupholstere...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Pavane Tomlinson Neoclassical Marble Top End Tables
By Tomlinson
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pavane Furniture by Tomlinson Fossil Marble top tables. Neoclassical meets mid-century with column sides. Great irregular top surface. Brass swi...
Marble
$2,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fabulous Pair Tomlinson Sophisticate Nightstand End Table Mid-century
By Tomlinson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Incredible pair of end tables from Tomlinson Furniture Sophisticate Line, the iconic style creates a classic yet modern look with its paneled chevron design. Original hardware and b...
Brass
John Lubberts Lambert Mulder Tomlinson MCM Cane and Walnut Slipper Chair, Pair
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson midcentury Cane and Walnut Slipper Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 27 wide x 24 deep x 28.25 high, with a seat height of 17 inche...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Vintage Tomlinson Burl Walnut Mid Century Modern Art Deco Accent Side Table
By Tomlinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Tomlinson Burl Walnut Mid Century Modern Art Deco Accent Side Table. Item features wood construction, beautiful wood grain, original label, qual...
Walnut
Burl Walnut and Aluminium Console/Sofa Table by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Hanover, MA
Parsons style sofa or console table by Tomlinson with patchwork burled walnut top on a polished aluminium square frame base. Four corners embellished with aluminium open corbel brack...
Aluminum
Georgian Modern Burled Walnut End Table
By Tomlinson
Located in Chicago, IL
A great example in textured simplicity, this clean-lined Georgian end table by Tomlinson Furniture has a burl clad top and sides with stylized walnut legs and a flush, concealed drawer.
Walnut
$3,320Sale Price|20% Off
Reupholstered Set of 6 1960s Tomlinson “Sophisticate Collection” No.63 Dining
By Tomlinson
Located in Medina, OH
Set of 6 1960s Tomlinson “Sophisticate Collection” No.63 Dining Chairs professionally reupholstered in a gorgeous orange velvet fabric. Tomlinson used this particular model for their...
Fabric, Wood
Miraculous Set of 14 Vintage Walnut Danish Leather Strap Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. This l...
Leather, Walnut
Miraculous ALL ARM Set of 8 Walnut Danish Style Chairs by Tomlinson, c 1958
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large set of rare examples is Unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally r...
Leather, Walnut
Tomlinson Sophisticate Model 315 Fossil Marble and Pecan Coffee Table, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A sculptural Tomlinson cocktail table from the celebrated Sophisticate line, model 315, produced during the mid-century period. The centerpiece is a richly figured slab of Portuguese...
Wood
Miraculous Set of 8 Walnut Danish Leather Strap Chairs by Tomlinson, c 1958
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. An i...
Leather, Walnut
Tomlinson Triangular Marble Top Side End Occasional Table Stand c1970s MINT
By Tomlinson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tomlinson Triangular Marble Top Side End Occasional Table Stand c1970s MINT
Fruitwood
$2,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Outstanding Pair Sophisticate By Tomlinson End Table Night Stands Mid-Century
By Tomlinson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding pair of Tomlinson Sophisticate marble top nightstand end tables. These fine tables feature an inset marble top and tamboured doors. We love the attention to detail that t...
Stone, Brass
Pair Triangular Shape Marble Tops End Side Stands Lamp Tables Tomlinson Mint!
By Tomlinson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Triangular shape marble Travertine tops end side stands lamp tables tomlinson mint!
Stone, Marble
Pair of Carved Bases & Arms Striped Upholstery Fire Side Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
By Baker Furniture Company, Tomlinson, Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Carved Bases & Arms Striped Upholstery Fire Side Arm Lounge Chairs MINT! TOMLINSON
Cotton, Polyester
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson Slipper Chair, Cane, Walnut, 1950
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine original condition, this is a scarce walnut slipper chair with original cane back. Model no. 650 designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson Furniture Company, circa 1950s. Part of the 'Sophisticate' line, United States Design Patent #181, 260 October 22, 1957 Tomlinson of High...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Mid-Century Dining Table by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage dining table by Tomlinson for their 'Sophisticate' series. Walnut grain throughout with a lighter border and tapered legs. Table has two 18" leaves to open from 66" to 8 1/2 ...
Walnut
Tomlinson Leather Topped Coffee/Cocktail Table
By Tomlinson
Located in North Canton, OH
Very Rare Tomlinson square bleached mahogany coffee table with distressed black leather inlaid top. Clean lined with chunky Empire influenced solid mahogany inverted obelisk legs wit...
Leather, Wood
$1,039Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid-Century Modern Set of 3 Nesting Tables by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Burbank, CA
We have a beautiful set of original 1950’s Mid-century Modern nesting tables for sale. They were manufactured by Tomlinson Sophisticate, and are high-end design pieces from that time...
Brass
H.M. Tomlinson "The Sea and The Jungle" 1st Edition Woodcuts by Clare Leighton
By Tomlinson
Located in San Francisco, CA
H.M. Tomlinson "The Sea and The Jungle" First Edition with woodcuts by Clare Leighton, circa 1930 Rare First Edition. Very good condition. Fantastic woodcuts by noted artist Clare...
Other