Admirers of vintage mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize the Widdicomb Furniture Company name for the fruitful partnerships it forged with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. But there is more to the Widdicomb story than the albeit quite covetable sofas and bedroom furniture it produced during the middle of the 20th century.
A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The American city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. Furniture maker George Widdicomb emigrated from England to the United States in 1845, eventually setting up a cabinet shop in Syracuse, New York, before moving west to Grand Rapids. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.
The Widdicomb shop in Grand Rapids prospered, as the patriarch’s formal English training allowed him to produce pieces with superior craftsmanship compared to those of his competitors. Although the Civil War halted business and took the life of one of the Widdicomb brothers, the family’s survivors would start anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, soon renamed the Widdicomb Furniture Company.
John Widdicomb, however, split from the family business in 1897 to create the John Widdicomb Company, where he would go on to focus on Louis XV- and French Provincial-style furnishings. Chairs made in these styles have distinct characteristics, such as floral motifs carved in the frames and gently angled backrests. John's company also remained a family affair: The founder’s son, Harry, assumed control of the company when his father died in 1910, while John's nephew Ralph Widdicombe — who retained the English spelling of his last name and joined the John Widdicomb Company at its start — designed every single piece of the offerings at his uncle's manufacturing outfit until he retired in 1951. Ralph was an internationally distinguished furniture designer whose modern mahogany bedroom suite won first prize at the Paris Exposition in 1900.
The original iteration of Widdicomb, which was helmed by John's older brother William while John ran his own brand, had shifted from making period revival styles of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, to manufacturing modern pieces in the late 1920s. Today vintage Widdicomb seating, tables and other pieces produced during the postwar years are particularly sought after by collectors of mid-20th-century furniture.
In 1959, master woodworker George Nakashima created his Origins collection for Widdicomb when the firm merged with Mueller Furniture Corporation and was known, for around 10 years, as Widdicomb-Mueller. Origins, a revered Shaker-influenced group of nightstands, upholstered lounge chairs, dining-room tables and more, saw Nakashima working with woods like Carpathian elm and laurel in his Pennsylvania studio.
Eventually, the two Widdicomb companies would combine in 1970, operating under the name John Widdicomb Co.
In 2002, the business closed after more than a century of operations, and its assets were acquired by Stickley Furniture. Interestingly, it was not the first time Widdicomb and Stickley overlapped: In the final years of the 19th century, the companies opened a shared storehouse in London, while John Widdicomb and Albert Stickley would travel Europe together for the purposes of research.
Find vintage Widdicomb coffee tables, case pieces, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.
Widdicomb Travertine and Walnut Coffee Table by Dale Ford Mid Century
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Expertly crafted from a stunning combination of travertine and walnut, the Widdicomb Coffee Table designed by Dale Ford Mid Century exudes timeless elegance. Upgrade your living spac...
Travertine
Widdicomb Burled Elm Demi Lune Coffee Table - Mid Century Modern Cocktail Table
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Decatur, GA
Rare Mid-Century Widdicomb Burled Elm Demi Lune Coffee Table, Circa 1960s A scarce and elegant demi lune coffee table produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company during the 1960s. Showc...
Elm, Mahogany, Burl
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table Model 1786 Circa 1955
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Bernville, PA
A stellar T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table Model 1786 Circa 1955 by Widdicomb. Expertly crafted inlaid walnut on solid tapered polished brass legs. Professional...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Solid Wood Coffee Table, Grand Rapids 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and timeless Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed and manufactured by Widdicomb Furniture Corporation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, one of the most respected American furnit...
Wood
George Nakashima Origins Line Coffee Table for Widdicomb, Carpathian Elm, 1961
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Camden, ME
A rare and documented coffee table designed by George Nakashima for Widdicomb, produced as part of the Origins Line, introduced in 1958 and discontinued in 1963. This example retains...
Elm, Burl, Walnut
Freeform Coffee Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, C. 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Westport, CT
An iconic design by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb (1950, USA), this sculpted walnut and brass Freeform cocktail table (Model 1759) embodies organic elegance. Its fluid, cloud-...
Brass
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Triangular Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern sculpted walnut triangular coffee table or occasional side table By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Measures: 36" W x 32.5" D x...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings FreeForm "WCD" Cocktail Table for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings designed FreeForm "WCD" Cocktail Table for Widdicomb. This is the more rare larger model vs "1759". Great and collectable design from Gibbings. The table...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Glass Top Brass and Walnut Coffee Table for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early coffee table by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings, manufactured by Widdicomb c.1950s, USA. This square glass top table features the original thick green glass with walnut pillar legs and f...
Brass
Freeform Walnut and Brass Coffee Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic sculpted walnut and brass biomorphic cocktail/coffee table (model 1759) designed by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb (1950, USA). Free-form, organic design reminiscent of a clo...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cocktail Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern American cocktail coffee table made of hand crafted Walnut, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, ...
Walnut
Coffee Table Designed by T.H. Robsjohn – Gibbings for Widdicomb, 3304
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Coffee table designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for the Widdicomb Furniture Company. All original condition. Coffee table measures 72.5″ wide, 18.75″ deep and 16″ high.
Wood
Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Round Walnut Coffee Table Tapered Legs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern round walnut coffee table tapered legs.
Walnut
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Bleached Mahogany & Black Button Tufted Bench, 1950's
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb bleached mahogany bench with tufted black vinyl surface. Featuring a sturdy rectangular braced, solid Mahogany frame, button tufted, finished in impressed, patterned faux black leather. Coffee table with tray...
Fabric, Plastic, Mahogany
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Model 1761 Coffee Table, 1953, Signed
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Model 1761 coffee table by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb has beautiful walnut grain and was just refinished - gorgeous and ready for immediate use. Signed und...
Walnut
Widdicomb Walnut Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut coffee table by Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Widdicomb, c.1950s. The table features a flared rectangular top on faceted tapered legs and faceted stretchers on the length and w...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Marble Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Marble Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 54 wide x 24 deep x 14 inches hi...
Marble
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Marble Cocktail Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
We have perfectly restored this beautiful cocktail table designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. This includes refinishing the base and having the marble expertly polished....
Marble
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Square Mahogany Coffee Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Bainbridge, NY
T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb square mahogany Coffee Table. Side Table. Circa 1960. Featuring a solid board surface, beautifully grained Mahogany veneer, with solid turned ma...
Mahogany
Gibbings for Widdicomb Light American Walnut Giant 9.5' Long Coffee Table MINT
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings for Widdicomb Light American Walnut Giant 9.5' Long Floating top Coffee Table MINT.
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Brass Leg Mahogany Coffee Table Bench
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Brass Leg Mahogany Coffee Table Bench This coffee table measures: 54 wide x 30 deep x 16.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Fi...
Brass
Widdicomb Three-Drawer Travertine Top Coffee Table, 1963
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
An elegant and rare mid-century modern three-drawer coffee table by the Widdicomb Furniture Company, dated to the 1960s and retaining its original stenciled Widdicomb label with mode...
Travertine
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Sabre Leg Mahogany Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Sabre Leg Mahogany Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 17 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighti...
Mahogany
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Cocktail table model #3343
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Lynn, MA
Circular saber leg cocktail table by TH Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Cataloged as model 3343 Cocktail Table. Beautiful contrasts and fantastic grains.
Walnut
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Klismos Leg Side or Cocktail Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern walnut klismos leg coffee table or cocktail table designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb furniture. Elegant and graceful square top with a two-tier desig...
Wood
Walnut & Brass Coffee Table by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. Excellent Cond.
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rectangular walnut coffee table with solid brass cross stretcher designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and made by Widdicomb, 1950s. Expertly restored and refinished. Excellent condit...
Brass
Mid-Century "Sherry" Coffee Table By Widdcomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crafted by the prestigious Widdicomb Furniture Company for their "Sherry" collection, known for its exceptional woodwork and attention to detail, this coffee table is a perfect examp...
Wood
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Coffee Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 15.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Mahogany
Modernist Coffee / Cocktail Table Model 1640 Designed by T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare, early and important, coffee table designed by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb 1952, Model 1640. The base is comprised of solid mahogany pillars penetrated by solid brass bars. ...
Brass
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Triangular Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique mid-century modern sculpted walnut triangular coffee table or occasional side table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb circa 1950s. This gorgeous table is constructed fro...
Walnut
Rare Walnut and Brass Coffee Table by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. Excellent
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb coffee table. Walnut to with tapered thickness and solid cast brass legs with seamless feet. Expertly refinished and in like new condition...
Brass
Stunning Widdicomb Adam Style Paint Decorated Wood & Glass Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super elegant Widdicomb paint decorated glossy wood coffee table in the Adam style having a lovely rectangular shape with rounded sides. The stunning faux ...
Glass, Wood
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Brass leg Mahogany Coffee Table Bench
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An iconic T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb brass leg coffee table or bench. A slab of mahogany floats on splayed brass legs. Exaggerated bull nos...
Brass
Coffee Table T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in Wood, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Milano, IT
American designed coffee table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for the Widdicomb manufacture from the 1950s. The coffee table is made of walnut wood and under the base of the top there is...
Wood
Mid-Century Marble-Top Coffee Table by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage coffee table features a beautiful vintage marble-top set on lacquered hardwood sled base. Perfect table height for use as a coffee or cocktail table at home or bu...
Marble
1955 T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb 3307 Coffee Table in Sherry Walnut
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1955 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb #3307 Coffee Table. This is a stunning example of Robsjohn-Gibbings' work and one that is so representative of Wi...
Wood