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Tomlinson Chairs

American

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.

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Creator: Tomlinson
Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Dining Chairs - Set of 8
Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Dining Chairs - Set of 8

Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Dining Chairs - Set of 8

$2,347 / set

Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Dining Chairs - Set of 8

By Tomlinson

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each armless chair measures: 20.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 43 high, with a seat he...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tomlinson Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Burl

Vintage Tomlinson "Sophisticate Collection" Fluted Dining Chair
Vintage Tomlinson "Sophisticate Collection" Fluted Dining Chair

Vintage Tomlinson "Sophisticate Collection" Fluted Dining Chair

$350

Vintage Tomlinson "Sophisticate Collection" Fluted Dining Chair

By Tomlinson

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid-century modern dining chair by Tomlinson for the "Sophisticate Collection". A unique blend of modern form and classical inspiration, combining refined craftsmanship wit...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tomlinson Chairs

Materials

Teak

Stylish Sophisticates Walnut Desk and Chair Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson
Stylish Sophisticates Walnut Desk and Chair Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson

Stylish Sophisticates Walnut Desk and Chair Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson

$3,080Sale Price / set|20% Off

Stylish Sophisticates Walnut Desk and Chair Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson

By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning 1950s walnut desk by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, from the Sophisticates collection. We love the stylish curved front with a built-in bookcase along with the five side drawers and a center drawer. Beautiful figured light walnut. . The original chair is included and adds to the total...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tomlinson Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Curvaceous Caned Slipper Chairs by Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson
Pair of Curvaceous Caned Slipper Chairs by Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson

Pair of Curvaceous Caned Slipper Chairs by Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson

$4,850 / set

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tomlinson Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

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Previously Available Items
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Pair of exquisite cane lounge chairs by Tomlinson. The chairs are in beautifully patinaed condition with some slight wear to the cane and wood, they have been reupholstered with ...

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Pair of Sculptural Fret Back Chairs by Tomlinson

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Pair of Sculptural fret back chairs, design attributed to John Lubberts and Lambert Muller, and made by Tomlinson, American, circa 1960s. These chairs...

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Set of 6 Leather Strap Dining Chairs by Tomlinson

Set of 6 Leather Strap Dining Chairs by Tomlinson

Sold

H 33 in W 19 in D 22 in

Set of 6 Leather Strap Dining Chairs by Tomlinson

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These are a rarely seen design from a late 1950s Tomlinson line, "Sophisticate." The leather has worn well. Two arm chairs, four side chairs, labeled. Shown with an ebonized wood tab...

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1950s American Vintage Tomlinson Chairs

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Leather

Tomlinson chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Tomlinson chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tomlinson chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Tomlinson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Young Manufacturing Company, Donghia, and Kipp Stewart. Prices for Tomlinson chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,500 and can go as high as $6,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,850.

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Questions About Tomlinson Chairs
  • Where is Tomlinson furniture made?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
    Tomlinson furniture is mainly made in the USA. The American furniture maker has production facilities in both High Point and Thomasville, North Carolina. 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, which was rapidly growing in popularity around the world. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Tomlinson furniture.

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