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.
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 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...
Upholstery, Walnut, Burl
Set 4 Burl Wood Cane Back NEW Upholstery Dining Chairs Mid Century Modern MINT!
By Tomlinson, Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set 4 Burl Wood Cane Back NEW Upholstery Dining Chairs Mid Century Modern MINT!
Upholstery, Rattan, Cane, Burl
$8,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
6 Fabulous Leather Strap Tomlinson "Sophisticate" Dining Chairs 2 Arms 4 Sides
By Tomlinson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Hard to find set of 6 dining chairs from the Tomlinson “Sophisticate Line” model no 61 dated 1958. Includes 4 side chairs and two armchairs. Pecan hardwood frame with woven black lea...
Leather, Fruitwood
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
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Louis XVI Style Giltwood Armchairs, 4 Upholstered Dining Armchairs
By Tomlinson
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Set of 4 Louis XVI Style Giltwood Armchairs or Set of 4 Upholstered Dining Armchairs. These attractive Louis XVI Style giltwood armchairs are hand-painted and antiqu...
Gold Leaf
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
$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 12 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 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
$2,750Sale Price / set|24% Off
Tomlinson of High Point, Set of Four Dining Chairs, USA, 1957
By Tomlinson
Located in Miami, FL
Chairs are marked with original patent information on the bottom of each chair. Chairs are in very good original condition. Very sound.
Wood
$1,800 / set
Mid-Century Dining Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six mid-century dining chairs by Tomlinson for their 'Sophisticate' series. Strong wood frames with padded seats. Two armchairs, four side chairs. Please confirm location NY o...
Maple
$5,795 / set
H 40.5 in W 25 in D 22 in
Set of 8 French Louis XVI Newly Upholstered Dining Room Armchairs
Located in Perkasie, PA
Set of 8 French Louis XVI Newly Upholstered Dining Room Armchairs – Item L68568 Exceptional set of eight French Louis XVI style dining room armchairs, approximately 30 years old, sh...
Upholstery
$1,200Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 37 in W 19 in D 18 in
Versatile Set of 4 Louis XVI Style Natural Wood and Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A set of 4 custom Louis XVI style carved wood dining chairs upholstered in lovely neutral ivory material with beige flecks.
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 6 Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs with Caned Back
By Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of 6 mid century modern dining chairs feature hardwood construction, original walnut finish, vintage patterned uphol...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$990Sale Price / set|66% Off
H 38 in W 19.5 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut & Cane Dining Chair by American of Martinsville, 6 pcs
Located in Plainview, NY
A set of six Mid Century Modern dining chairs, a testament to the refined craftsmanship of the American Furniture Co of Martinsville, VA. This co...
Cane, Walnut
$3,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.75 in W 23.5 in D 22.75 in
Rare set of Ebonized Paint Decorated Adams Dining Chairs 4 Arms & 2 Side Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare and finely crafted set of six Adams style dining chairs showcases timeless elegance with a striking ebonized finish and delicate hand-painted decoration. Featuring four arm...
Walnut
$4,797 / set
H 35.44 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in
Set of Ten Orange Fabric Upholstery and Walnut Dining Chairs, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1930s-1940s. These chairs feature a walnut frame and an orange fabric upholstery. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they have been ...
Fabric, Walnut
$7,800 / set
H 32 in W 24 in D 24 in
Superb Set of Four Jens Risom Style Woven Leather Strap Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An enviable set of vintage oak and leather strap dining armchairs having heavy woven leather straps in the style and manner of Jens Risom for Knol...
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Set of High Back Dining Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish set of four matching dining chairs offer a shapely vinyl covered seat, with comfortable high backs. Hardwood walnut frames with tapered legs and clean modern lines add t...
Wood
$1,650 / set
H 38 in W 18 in D 20 in
4 American Modern Tomlinson Sophisticate Tall Back Dining Chairs Mid-century
By Tomlinson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish set of 4 tall back American modern Tomlinson Sophisticate dining chairs. I love the round seat pads and sexy tall backs.
Upholstery
Six Mid-Century Cane Back Dining Room Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of vintage-modern dining room chairs featuring upholstered seats and cane back. Matching dining room table sold separately. Please con...
Cane, Walnut
Set of 6 Louis XVI Style Dining Room Chairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Set of 6 painted Louis XVI style dining room chairs, circa mid 20th century. With a concave crest rail, a trapezoidal shaped back with brass nail head trim, upholstered seat with bra...
Brass
$3,995 / set
H 31.5 in W 23.5 in D 20.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom "Playboy" Walnut & Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Jens Risom
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
An exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom “Playboy” dining chairs, dating to the 1960s. This striking collection features beautifully crafted walnut frames, elegant rec...
Cane, Wood, Walnut
Set of Four French Louis XVI Style Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of four 20th century French carved walnut dining chairs made in the grand Louis XVI taste. The highly detailed frames feature a round balloon back decorated with a carved faux rope border and a ribbon floral spray on the crest. The generous seats have carved rosettes on the front corners and are supported by tapered, fluted legs ending with classic toupie feet. The chairs are sturdy and solid with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The frames have been reupholstered with a soft, velvet fabric in a complimentary light neutral tone. Erin Lane Estate...
Fabric, Walnut
Fine Set Of 12 Queen Ann Style Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The finely crafted set of 12 side chairs in particularly well grained carved walnut. With the classic Queen Ann shaped splats and carved crest rails with center palmettes and scrolle...
Leather, Walnut
Set of 8 French Louis XVI Style Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Perkasie, PA
Set of 8 French Louis XVI Style Upholstered Dining Chairs – Item L73895 Exceptional set of eight French Louis XVI style upholstered dining chairs, approximately 20 years old, showca...
Mahogany
Set of Six Mid-Century Tomlinson Dining Chairs, Walnut
By Tomlinson
Located in Trenton, NJ
This distinguished set of six dining chairs by Tomlinson Furniture Company of High Point, North Carolina represents the finest tradition of American mid-century modern furniture-maki...
Wood
Sold
H 30.75 in W 20 in D 19 in
Tomlinson Early Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs c. 1950s
By Tomlinson
Located in Denville, NJ
This exceptional set of six dining chairs by Tomlinson of High Point dates to the late 1950s and showcases the brand’s signature blend of refined craftsmanship and sculptural form. T...
Fabric
Sold
H 31 in W 22 in D 20 in
4 Michael Taylor Tomlinson Sophisticate Walnut Dining Chairs Mid Century Modern
By Michael Taylor, Tomlinson
Located in Dayton, OH
4 Michael Taylor for Tomlinson Sophisticate Walnut Dining Chairs. American Mid Century. Sculptural curved crests with woven wicker splats. Neoclassical style fabric. Dimensions: 20"...
Wicker, Walnut
Mid-Century "Sophisticate" Dining Chairs by Tomlinson- Set of Six
By Tomlinson
Located in Trenton, NJ
This matching set of six dining chairs from the Tomlinson "Sophisticate" line features solid wood chair frames with upholstered seats and tall seat backs. This substantial set of vintage dining chairs makes a striking addition to any dining room or kitchen seating area. Dimensions: armchair: 21.25w 21d 42h side chair: 20.25w 21d 42h seat height: Condition: age appropriate wear, vintage finish worn, scuffs/scratches, edge wear, discoloration, chips, finish loss, vintage joints...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 20.5 in
Jens Risom Style Tomlinson MCM Walnut and Leather Strap Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Tomlinson, Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom style Tomlinson Mid Century walnut and leather strap dining chairs - Set of 6. Each chair measures: 21 wide x 20.5 deep x 33.5 high, with a seat height of 17.75 inches an...
Leather, Walnut
Midcentury Tomlinson Dining Chairs, Woven Black Leather, Set of 6
By Tomlinson
Located in Austin, TX
Hard to find set of 6 dining chairs from the Tomlinson "Sophisticate Line" model no 61 dated 1958. Includes 4 side chairs and two armchairs. Pecan hardwood frame with woven black lea...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 20 in D 22.5 in
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Cane Armchairs, Set of Four
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Mid-Century Modern walnut armchairs By Tomlinson "Sophisticate" Collection USA, circa 1960s Sculpted walnut + cane + upholstery Measures: 20" W x 2...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Glamorous X Back Dining Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamorous X back dining chairs, designed by Tomlinson, American, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and ca...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 40.5 in W 19 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Modern Tomlinson High Back Sculptural Occasional Chairs in Orange Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Tomlinson
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of lovely sculptural two-tone high back occasional chairs freshly upholstered in a lovely orange mohair by Tomlinson.
Mohair
Set of Eight Tomlinson Walnut Chairs
By Tomlinson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set of Mid-Century walnut dining chairs by Tomlinson. This set is in need of new upholstery.
Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 21 in D 20 in
Miraculous Rare Set of 8 Leather Strap Dining Chairs by Tomlinson, dated 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 in...
Beech, Leather
Sold
H 35 in W 23 in D 20 in
Stunning Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Tomlinson, 1955 - Choice of Lacquer Color
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chair frames are shipped meticulously restored in customer choice of lacquer. Expert custom upholstery service is available. A stunning set of eight ( 8 ) m...
Maple
Set of 6 Leather Strap Dining Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Long Island City, NY
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...
Leather