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.
Mid-Century Modern “Sophisticate” Hutch by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Trenton, NJ
This mid-century modern two-piece hutch is from the Sophisticate line by Tomlinson, known for its refined and architectural approach to American modern furniture. The upper section ...
Wood
Mid Century Modern English Modern Teak Sideboard
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern English Modern Teak Sideboard Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Top has been refinishe...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Drexel Declaration Sideboard/Hutch
By Drexel
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Drexel Declaration Sideboard/Hutch Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish we...
Walnut
Mid Century English Modern Teak Sideboard by McIntosh
By A.H. McIntosh Furniture
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century English Modern Teak Sideboard by McIntosh Average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected finish wear, scratching, and discoloration. Top has been re...
Teak
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Tomlinson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This dresser measures: 78 wide x 19.75 deep x 32.5 inches tall All pieces of furniture...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Sideboard
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Sideboard
Wood
Burl Front Mid-Century Modern Sideboard By Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sophisticated mid-century sideboard manufactured by Drexel, crafted in richly grained walnut. Features clean modern lines with ample storage, including drawers and cabinet space, all...
Brass
$2,595
H 32.25 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Tomlinson Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet Server or Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet By Tomlinson, "Sophisticate" Collection USA, 1950s Walnut, with gorgeous inlaid chevron-patterned d...
Brass
Mid Century English Modern G Plan Teak Hutch
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century English Modern G Plan Teak Hutch Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. ...
Teak
Long Mid-Century Modern Server by Greaves & Thomas
By Greaves and Thomas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury sideboard or server. Manufactured by Greaves & Thomas who were inspired by Danish furniture design in the mid-20th century. Handsome flame mahogany veneer exterior...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Tobia Scarpa, 1970s Architect and designer Tobia Scarpa graduated in 1969 at the University of Venice and in the same year won a “Compasso d’Oro” pri...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Erik Worts
By Erik Wørts
Located in Allerum, SE
Mid-century modern sideboard by Erik Worts in oak and wenge. ca 1960s Denmark. Born in 1922, Wörts was a celebrated Danish furniture maker renowned for his masterful craftsmanship a...
Oak, Wenge
Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern sideboard by Paul McCobb with a sleek marble top. This stunning case piece offers plenty of room for storage within its many drawers hidden by unique foldi...
Maple
Sold
H 31.75 in W 80 in D 18 in
Tomlinson Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Sideboard Credenza, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Tomlinson Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Walnut and burl wood, with original brass har...
Brass
Tomlinson Mid Century Walnut Cane Front Sideboard Credenza
By Tomlinson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tomlinson mid century walnut cane front sideboard credenza This credenza measures 61 wide x 20 deep x 32 inches high ?All pieces of furnitur...
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 31.5 in W 68 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Burled Walnut Credenza or Sideboard by Tomlinson, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Beautiful patchwork burled walnut credenza or sideboard by Tomlinson. Rich dark mocha brown coloring. Clean lines with brass pulls and aged brass patina legs, circa 1960s.
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 68 in D 18 in
Tomlinson Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Chrome Sideboard Credenza, 1970s
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering an exceptional Mid-Century Modern burl wood and chrome sideboard or credenza by Tomlinson Furniture. The sideboard features stunning patchwork burl wood with chrome legs and...
Chrome
Sold
H 33.5 in W 73.5 in D 19 in
Chinese Chippendale Fretwork Credenza Sideboard Buffet Newly Lacquered Mirrored
By Tomlinson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage newly lacquered navy gloss Chinese Chippendale fretwork mirrored credenza sideboard buffet. Brass hardware will be polished and add...
Mirror
Tomlinson Burlwood Credenza or Sideboard with Brass Details
By Tomlinson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Burlwood credenza or sideboard from Tomlinson Furniture of North Carolina. The right side of the piece has four drawers with brass pulls, and the left side is a cabinet with one shel...
Brass
Sideboard by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Dallas, TX
This two-toned handsome sideboard was created by Tomlinson Furniture. This four panel door sideboard opens to reveal ample storage with a set of three drawers, a slot for severing tr...