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.
Pair Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb End Tables
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb end tables. Refinished.
Walnut, Lacquer
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Round Walnut End Table Klismos Sabre-Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic 1950s T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb round end table with lower shelf on three Klismos sabre-legs. Top has beautiful book matched walnut veneer with a boarder, includes...
Walnut
Pair of Robsjohn Gibbings End Tables for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Robsjohn Gibbings End Tables for Widdicomb. Tapered Upright Dowel legs. Elegant understate form. Purchased separately. Fortunate to find a...
Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Two-Tiered Table by Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Highland, IN
This Robsjohn-Gibbings end table was beautifully crafted of walnut and maple by Widdicomb and is newly restored in a translucent ebony finish.
Maple, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Widdicomb Square Two Tiered Cocktail Coffee Lamp Table 19
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A mid century modern walnut two tiered table designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Model 1781. Excellent wood color and selection. The color of the photographs do not do...
Walnut
Pair of Widdicomb Modern American Mid-Century Parsons Style Wooden End Tables
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century walnut Parsons-style end tables with rectangular forms and a lower stretcher shelf suspended between four square legs. (WIDDICOMB MODERN)(PRICED AS PAIR)
Wood, Walnut
Breathtaking Restored Pair of Art Deco Small Chests by Widdicomb, c 1938
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent small chests are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation rea...
Brass
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Sculpted Walnut Nightstands, Refinished
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut nightstands By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Measures: 24"W x 17"D x 24.25"H. Professionally r...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Two-Tier Walnut Veneer Circular End
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century circular two-tier end / side table with a circular top and lower shelf, supported by four tapered square legs, finished in walnut veneer...
Wood
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Occasional Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut occasional table by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s for their "Origins" collection. The table features three tapered dowel legs wi...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, American Modern, Walnut, Side Table, USA, 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Stamford, CT
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb, American Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, "Saber Leg" End Table, USA, 1960s A unique fully refinished model no. 3334 "saber leg" side table designed by...
Walnut
Widdicomb Trapezoidal Side Table
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut side table by Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Widdicomb, c.1950s. The table features trapezoid table top with faceted tapered legs and faceted stretchers. This design is similar ...
Walnut
3 T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Parsons Design End Side Tables
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
3 American mid-century square Parsons-style walnut end / side tables. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR WIDDICOMB FURNITURE CO.)(PRICED EACH)
Wood, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Petite Night Stands for Widdicomb Brass Legs Cane Handles
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Espresso-stained mahogany single drawer cabinet with elegantly tapered solid brass legs and cane-wrapped handles with solid oak interiors. A very understated yet sophisticated design...
Brass
Robsjohn Gibbings Multi Level Side Table - Model 1756
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
A three tier en table by TH Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Moel 1756. Dimensions: 18” L x 30” W x 24” H Lower Tier: 19.5” H
Wood
Sculptural X Table by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Pair Available
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural X Table, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. This table is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color. Th...
Wood, Walnut
Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Single Drawer Open Compartment Side
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century walnut end / side tables with an open compartment above a single lower drawer with a rounded walnut bar drawer pull with tapered brushed chrome caps at e...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Klismos Leg Side Tables by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Klismos leg side tables designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. They are currently being refinished an...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Saber Leg Cocktail Side Tables 1957 - a Pair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An absolutely gorgeous pair of T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb side or cocktail tables, ca 1957. Banded and book matched tops. The graceful saber legs are reminiscent of the Klismos chair.
Mahogany
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Sabre Leg Side Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two tier side table by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings, manufactured by Widdicomb c.1950s, USA. This beautiful walnut table features a large round table top with lower display shelf and three ...
Walnut
Pair of Robsjohn Gibbings Parsons End Tables for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Understated Parsons form end tables by Robsjohn Gibbings. Price is for the pair (2 pieces). Wear to the finish and some lose and damage to veneer. Please request additional photos. ...
Wood
Gibbings for Widdicomb Square Two Tier Walnut End Center Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American walnut Mid-Century Modern square two tier coffee side center end lamp table stand in restored condition.
Walnut
Gorgeous Restored Pair of End Tables by Widdicomb in Cream Lacquer, circa 1938
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant and rare pair of end tables (series number 1110) by Widdicomb, circa 1938. Stout mahogany construction with exquisite case and foot detail. Fabulous nickel screen accent i...
Nickel
Klismos Occasional Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Ferndale, MI
Klismos occasional table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb furniture. Banded edge top sits on swooping tapered saber legs. Nicely refinished with original Widdicomb TH Robsjohn Gibbings...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Elegant X Base End Table for Widdicomb Refinished
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant X Base End Table, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. This table is currently being refinished and can be...
Wood
Pair of Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb End or Side Tables
By Edward Wormley, Widdicomb Furniture Co., Dunbar Furniture, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
A strong pair of Robsjohn Gibbings designed black end or side tables. These need to be refinished. "Original Black" finish is worn. Signed and dated on underside. 1954
Wood
Widdicomb Walnut Parquetry Top End Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A very special side table, by Widdicomb Furniture, post-T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. It features an ash rift-cut, diamond-shaped parquetry top, surrounded by a wooden gallery edge, and a ...
Ash
Dark Walnut Nightstands by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
Set of nightstands designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950-1959. Executed in walnut, completely restored in our dark walnut fin...
Nickel
Pair of Square Widdicomb End Tables with Nero Portoro Marble Tops
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Lovely pair of Widdicomb end tables circa 1960. They feature a square wood base with an inset piece of gorgeous Nero Portoro marble to serve as the top. The marble is absolutely st...
Marble
Pair of Gibbings Ebonized Dark Lacquer Walnut One Drawer End Side Tables Mint!
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Gibbings Ebonized Dark Lacquer Dovel Leg Walnut One Drawer End Side Tables Nightstands MINT!
Walnut
Pair of Rectangle Light Walnut Klismos End Side Tables by Gibings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Rectangle Light Walnut Klismos End Side Tables by Gibings for Widdicomb MINT!
Walnut
Pair of Widdicomb End Tables with Verre Églomisé Top and Resin Sides, circa 1960
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Pair of Hollywood Regency end tables or side tables by Widdicomb with Verre Églomisé gold leaf on glass and resin breeze block sculptural sides set in ma...
Gold Leaf
Widdicomb End Table with Églomisé Top and Resin Breeze Block Sides, circa 1960
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Hollywood Regency end table or side table by Widdicomb with Verre Églomisé gold leaf on glass and resin breeze block sculptural sides set in mahogany fra...
Gold Leaf
Rare Nesting Tables by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous Mid-Century side tables by Widdicomb. Warm walnut grain and inlay brass trim. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Wood
Widdicomb Mid-Century American Blond Maple Cantilever Side / End Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century (circa 1950) 'Cantilever' blond maple end / side table with a rectangular form, lower shelf that extends beyond the plane of the tabletop, and four square legs. ...
Wood, Maple