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.
$11,000 / set
Set of 4 Tomlinson Sophisticate Slipper Chairs
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Toledo, OH
Set of 4 Tomlinson Sophisticate slipper chairs. Elegant chestnut Tomlinson lounge chairs. Caned back with loose seat cushion. Scul...
Chestnut
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder, Slipper Chairs, Wood, Cane, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bleached wood, cane and beige velvet slipper chairs designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder and produced by Tomlinson, USA, 1950s. Corners of arms and frame present...
Velvet, Cane, Wood
Tomlinson Sophisticates Slipper Chair by John Lubberts and Lambert Muller
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful and rare Tomlinson slipper chair from the Sophisticates line circa 1950's. The model 650 chair was designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder. This chair have a walnut ...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Tomlinson Sophisticate Ebonized Lounge Chairs by Erwin Lambeth
By Tomlinson, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Dallas, TX
Attractive pair of Tomlinson "Sophisticate" lounge chairs designed by Erwin Lambeth. Restored: the chairs feature solid ebonized wood frames with two straight front legs and two rais...
Upholstery, Wood
John Lubberts - Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson Cane, Walnut Slipper Chairs - Pair
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut and Cane Slipper Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 27 wide x 24 deep x 28.25 high, with a seat height of 13.5 inch...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Tomlinson Bullhorn Slipper Chairs by John Lubberts and Lambert Muller
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful and rare set of Tomlinson slipper chairs from the Sophisticates line circa 1950's. The model 650 chair was designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder. These chairs have...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Slender Italian Stitched Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of slender Italian stitched leather lounge chairs. Two more available, so four total for $3,600.
Chrome
Erwin-Lambeth Plum Velvet Neo-Chippendale Wing Chair
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in Chicago, IL
Plum velvet upholstered neo-Chippendale wing chair from Erwin-Lambeth. White satin lacquered frame with open arms. Carved front legs with quatrefoil and el...
Pair of Jean Charles Moreux Gilt Iron Lounge Chairs
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in Chicago, IL
1940s French moderne pair of gilt iron lounge chairs by Jean-Charles Moreux These come with green cushions with needlework to one side of the cushion. More pictures to come.
Wrought Iron
$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
$4,159Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 41.34 in W 16.15 in D 21.66 in
Pierre Lottier brown Spanish Slipper chairs by Almazan, 1950s
By Pierre Lottier, Valmazan
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Spanish neo-classical high-back auxiliary chair designed by Pierre Lottier for Almazan, 1950s. Oak wood structure with curved and harmonious lines where the reddish-brown leather ba...
Metal
$5,200 / set
H 28 in W 22 in D 20 in
Pair of Vintage Diminutive Walnut and Leather Slipper Chairs by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s American Modern Slipper / lounge chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Elegant, long tapered legs in walnut boast a dramatic flare in the back, adding a stylistic...
Leather, Walnut
$7,500 / set
H 36.5 in W 31 in D 32.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Oversized Slipper Chairs - Set of 2
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold Mid-Century Modern statement with this rare pair of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates oversized slipper chairs, circa 1960s. Featuring Pearsall’s unmistakable sculptur...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$2,850 / set
H 32.75 in W 22.5 in D 31 in
Donghia Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs designed by John Hutton Mid Century Style
By John Hutton, Donghia
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Low Slung Slipper Lounge Chairs, designed by John Hutton for Donghia, American, circa 2000s.
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Danish Midcentury Cocktail Lounge Chairs, ca. 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from the 1950s. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require extra seating. Strong...
Wool, Beech
$9,855 / set
H 28.25 in W 19 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs or Armchairs by ISA, 1950
By Arredamenti ISA
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Iconic Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern armchairs or lounge / slipper chairs by ISA Bergamo in walnut and shown with its original silk upholstery. This elegant pair of c...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
$5,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.75 in W 23 in D 28.5 in
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a wonderful nubby white boucle...
Bouclé
$4,995 / set
H 27.5 in W 28 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs Styled After Erwin Lambeth
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut lounge chairs, crafted in the United States circa 1950s, and strongly reminiscent of the designs of Erwin Lambeth. Sculptural yet inviting, this pair embodi...
Velvet, Walnut
Sold
H 26.5 in W 30 in D 29 in
Pair of Tomlinson Sophisticate Slipper Chairs in Walnut and Ivory Woven Fabric
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Tomlinson Sophisticate Slipper Chairs in Walnut and Ivory Upholstery. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Chairs have been refinished and reup...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder Slipper Chair for Tomlinson 1950
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in Hamburg, PA
An elegant Tomlinson model 650 slipper chair with custom purple leather cushion labeled "Furniture by Tomlinson, Tailor Made for Mr. Wm. Quentin Snook". This custom designer chair wa...
Leather, Cane, Ash
Sold
H 27.75 in W 27.25 in D 23.25 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder, Slipper Chairs, Walnut, Cane, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut, cane and white fabric slipper chair designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder and produced by Tomlinson, USA, 1950s. Seat Height:17.5 All upholstered furniture c...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 27 in D 26 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder, Slipper Chair, Walnut, Cane, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, cane and white fabric slipper chair designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder and produced by Tomlinson, USA, 1950s. Seat height 17”.
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 27.5 in D 23 in
1950s Tomlinson Sophisticate Slipper Chairs Chestnut Cane Mid Century Modern
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of slipper chairs in chestnut and densely woven cane backs designed by John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson Furniture Company. These are a part of the sophisticate li...
Cane, Chestnut
Pair of Tomlinson Lounge Chairs Refinished and Reupholstered
By Tomlinson, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Elegant Lounge chairs, designed by Erwin Lambeth for Tomlinson, American, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in y...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 28.06 in W 27 in D 22.87 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder, Slipper Chair, Cane, Walnut, Tomlinson, US, 1950
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, cane and white fabric slipper chair designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder and produced by Tomlinson, USA, circa 1950.
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
1950's Tomlinson Slipper Chairs in Vibrant Striped Upholstery, a Pair
By Tomlinson
Located in Morristown, NJ
c. 1950's, High Point, NC. a pair of slipper chairs of quintessential mid-century design with light walnut barrel backed frame, upholstered back and seat, raised on tapering brass legs, unlabeled, attributed to John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder. The upholstery is a vivid orange, brown and gold striped velvet. The back panel of walnut is carved in a sculptural wave pattern. While certainly showing signs of being well loved over the years, these chairs have a lot of life left in them. In 1900, Sidney Halstead Tomlinson founded Tomlinson Chair Manufacturing Co. in High Point, N.C. Joined by his brother, the company began production in January 1901. The company became Tomlinson of High Point...
Brass
Pair of Lounge Chairs by John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in New York, NY
A pair of walnut lounge chairs designed by John Luberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson collection. These are at the moment being sold C.O.M.. These need to be refurbished but are ...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Tomlinson Sophisticate Slipper Chairs, a Pair
By Tomlinson
Located in Raleigh, NC
An incredible pair of vintage slipper chairs in excellent restored condition. These have been rejuvenated with a satin black lacquer to contrast the original cane. New boucle upholst...
Upholstery, Cane, Hardwood
Sold
H 28.4 in W 27 in D 23 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs by John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in New York, NY
A pair of walnut lounge chairs with original cane and fabric cushions. Designed by John Luberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson collection. These chairs are currently being recovere...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 28.4 in W 27 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, Slipper Chair, Cane, Walnut, 1950
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut lounge chair with original cane or rattan braided backs and fabric cushions. Designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson collection, America, circa 1950. Oth...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 28.4 in W 27 in D 22.8 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, Slipper Chairs, Cane, Walnut, 1950
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut lounge chairs with original cane or rattan braided backs and fabric cushions. Designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson collection, America, circa 195...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 28.4 in W 27 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, Slipper Chairs, Cane, Walnut, 1950
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut lounge chairs with original cane or rattan braided backs and fabric cushions. Designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson collection, America, circa 195...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 28.4 in W 27 in D 22.8 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, Slipper Chairs, Cane, Walnut, 1950
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut lounge chairs with original cane or rattan braided backs and fabric cushions. Designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson collection, America, circa 195...
Fabric, Cane, Walnut