Century Furniture Armchairs
Known for its durable vintage display cabinets, nightstands and dressers made of cherry, oak, walnut and more, Century Furniture of Hickory, North Carolina, began as an upholstered goods company in 1947 but added case goods and sophisticated mahogany dining-room furnishings shortly thereafter.
Launched by Harley Ferguson Shuford Sr., a Hickory native who was born to a family of textile mill owners, Century Furniture was intended to be “the best furniture company in the world.” With respect to speed and efficiency, the brand found its footing midway through production on a government contract that Shuford had secured in the early days to manufacture thousands of five-drawer chests. The effort was significant, but it was also a teachable moment as far as Shuford and his team’s learning the ropes of running a factory.
After hiring designer Raymond K. Sobota in 1950 and introducing the enormously popular Citation Collection in 1954, Century established its reputation as a leader in stylishly designed high-quality furniture. Sobota had furniture in his blood — after graduating from Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he worked for his uncle Karl Schmidt, who was at the time a well-known furniture designer for Berkey and Gay and other makers in the Grand Rapids area, then known as America’s furniture capital. Sobota soon launched his own studio, designing furniture as a freelancer for various local manufacturers. Shuford found him by happenstance, journeying to Michigan’s second-largest city to offer a job to another designer who turned him down but recommended Sobota instead.
Century’s Citation line — a sizable collection for the brand that spanned furnishings for the bedroom, dining room and more — is revered in the world of vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors. The pieces sold very well during the 1950s, and the line is an oft-cited success story for Sobota, who would go on to win awards for his work and whose own catalogue of designs for the brand is massive.
In his 40-year career at Century, until he retired in 1995, he designed well over 100 furniture lines. Sobota’s nightstands, cabinets, side tables and more are characterized by his interest in Asian design, distinctly and brilliantly expressed in his Hollywood Regency–style Chin Hua line, which debuted during the 1970s. With its geometrically decorative brass drawer pulls and door handles as well as dining-chair seat-back carvings — all inspired by Asian motifs — this collection has rendered vintage pieces that saw Century’s craftsmen working with alluring ebonized walnut and more, some of the company’s most sought-after work today.
Also in the 1970s as well as in the 1980s, Manhattan interior designer Jay Spectre introduced an Art Deco–informed spirit at Century Furniture, creating oversize, inviting lounge chairs and bentwood benches that featured plush tufted leather cushions. Spectre’s Eclipse collection was at one point among the largest-selling lines for the brand.
Century licensed collections with celebrity interior designers such as Thomas O’Brien, Charlotte Moss and Bunny Williams among others. In 2013, when Alex Shuford III was named president of Century Furniture, the move marked the succession of the third generation to lead this company, which is today one of the world’s largest privately held manufacturers of high-end furniture.
Find Century Furniture lounge chairs and dining chairs as well as vintage mid-century modern credenzas, dressers and more on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Century Furniture
French Empire Figural Ebonized Giltwood Armchair with Dolphins by Century 20thC
By Century Furniture
Located in Big Flats, NY
A French Empire style chair by Century Furniture offers maple frame with upholstered seat and back, flanking giltwood carved dolphins beneath each ebonized arm, and raised on slightl...
Category
20th Century American Empire Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut Upholstered seat & Cane Back Armchair
By Century Furniture
Located in Germantown, MD
A Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut with Upholstered seat with Cane Back Armchair in great vintage condition.
Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and stands 36.5z" tall. Sea...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery, Cane
Raymond Sabota Century Greek Key Arm /Dining Chairs-Manner of Michael Taylor
By Michael Taylor, Century Furniture
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning pair of midcentury Chinoiserie styled chairs in the manner of Michael Taylor. These solid ebonized wood framed chairs w. a cream colored velvet upholstery stand regally. Can...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
JAMES MONT for CENTURY Asian Ming Style Horseshoe Armchairs - Pair
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Asian Chinoiserie Ming style horseshoe armchairs in a James Mont design by Century Furniture. Solid wood frame with high gloss lacquer finish, carved backrest, horseshoe sh...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Century Furniture Highbacked Crocodile Embossed Leather Armchair
By Century Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Century Furniture Highbacked Crocodile Embossed Leather Armchair. Circa 21st Century, pre-owned. Premium finish hand carved wooden frame. Bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Crocodile, Wood
Damask Italian Provincial Armchairs by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of Century Furniture Damask Italian Provincial Throne Host Accent Statement Armchairs...
Category
1980s American Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Cotton
Chippendale Style Ball & Claw Tapestry Armchairs by Century Furniture - Set of 2
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description be sure to click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this listing.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of...
Category
1980s American Chippendale Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Cotton
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Brass
James Mont Hollywood Regency Style Chinoiserie Lounge Chairs, 1970's
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Lambertville, NJ
James Mont Style horseshoe Chinoiserie accent lounge chairs. These Hollywood Regency style chairs feature beautiful honey wood curved fra...
Category
1970s Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Oversized Regal French Wingback Armchairs by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of An
Pair of Oversized Regal French Wingback Damask Armchairs by CENTURY FURNITURE
With heavy Cotton Damas...
Category
1980s French Provincial Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Damask, Mahogany
1970s James Mont for Century Furniture Chinoiserie Horseshoe Ming Chairs, Pair
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Medina, OH
A beautiful pair of James Mont Chinoiserie Horseshoe Ming Chairs by Century! Original black lacquer frames with brass accents, reupholstered in ...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Brass
CENTURY French Country Oval Back Dining Armchairs - Pair
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of French Country style dining armchairs by Century Furniture, of Hickory, North Carolina, USA. Hardwood with a walnut finish, oval open carved design backs, carved curved arm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American French Provincial Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Pair of Black Leather Jay Spectre Tycoon Lounge Chairs
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Influenced by the classic Art Deco style, rarely seen or offered are the Tycoon chairs designed by one of the world's premier interior designer Jay Spectre. The Jay Spectre Collectio...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Century Furniture French Highback Carved Fauteuil Club Library Arm Chair Leather
By Century Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture carved occasional armchair, circa 1990s Inspired by French Country styling with a high back and oversized form. Made from walnut with tooled brown leather, nailhead...
Category
1990s French Provincial Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pr. Chinese Modern Ox Bow Chairs in Faux Jade Finish by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Pure voguish style pair of chairs in the Chinese, or Asia Modern style - executed in an unusual Jade faux finish. Both are in very good, original clean and ready to use condition - b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Faux Bois Carved Wood Armchairs
By Century Furniture
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of pale whitewashed faux bois carved wood armchairs with beautifully aged original surface color by Century Furniture Company. Circa 1970. Look at all pictures and read condit...
Category
20th Century Hollywood Regency Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern James Mont Style Black Lacquer Armchairs by Century
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of unique vintage James Mont style armchairs feature stylish sculpted backs, brass feet, comfortable seats, and make a great addition to any interior space. Please confirm ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Century Pair of Supple Brown Leather and Ebonized Gilded Armchairs
By Century Furniture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive glamorous pair of roomy brown leather arm chairs having regal ebonized and gilded frames. The backs are oval shaped and beautiful front and back.
Measures: Arm height 28
...
Category
1990s American Hollywood Regency Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Set of Midcentury Chinoiserie Style Lounge Chairs by Century Chair Company
By Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of horseshoe armchairs with "scrubbed white" finish by the Century Chair Company, 1987. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with d...
Category
1980s American Chinoiserie Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
CENTURY Empire Style Carved Dolphin Head Occasional Chair
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Empire style occassional chair by Century. Fruitwood with carved gold painted dolphin heads, ebony painted arms, carved acanthus leaves to knees and st...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Century Furniture Armchairs
Materials
Fruitwood, Fabric
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H 26.97 in W 27.56 in D 25.6 in
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Rattan Wicker Pair of Oversized Lounge Chairs Manner of Michael Taylor
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H 30 in W 28.25 in D 27.25 in
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Previously Available Items
Set of 4 Reproduction English Georgian Walnut Armchairs by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
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A set of 4 reproduction English Georgian walnut armchairs by Century Furniture. An amazingly sculpted set of 4 traditional armchairs. These wo...
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H 39.5 in W 23.5 in D 21 in
Louis XVI Style Bergere Armchair by Century Furniture
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CENTURY Black Lacquer & Brass Chinoiserie Ming Hand Painted Horseshoe Armchair
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian Chinoiserie Ming style horseshoe armchair in a James Mont design by Century Furniture, hand painted for them by Pam Bolick. Solid wood frame with black lacquer, gold painted...
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Brass
H 29.5 in W 31 in D 28 in
CENTURY CHAIR Faux Bamboo Chinese Chippendale Armchair
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese Chippendale style armchair by Century Chair Company. Faux bamboo frame with decorative lattice back, curved arms with lattice, green & whi...
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French Louis XV Armchairs By CENTURY FURNITURE COMPANY
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
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Century Chair Co. Horseshoe James Mont Style Oriental Asian Arm Chair
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CENTURY Empire Style Carved Dolphin Head Occasional Chair
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CENTURY Chin Hua Asian Chinoiserie Dining Armchairs - Pair
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Located in Charlotte, NC
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Vintage Century Chin Hua Asian Chinoiserie Dining Armchairs, Pair
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Asian style dining armchairs by high-quality furniture maker Century. From their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Maple hardwood with black lacquer and cream c...
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Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Armchairs
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Pair of Century Furniture Vintage Upholstered Club Chairs
By Century Furniture
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant pair of matching striped club chairs by Century Furniture. Made in the USA. Great scale and better lines. The colors are gold and beige.
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1980s American Vintage Century Furniture Armchairs
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Four Andalusia Royal Lounge Gondola Armchairs by Richard Frinier
By Century Furniture, Richard Frinier
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of four Andalucia royal lounge chairs designed by Richard Frinier for Century furniture. The armchairs feature a gondola style design that became famous with the optional ca...
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20th Century American Hollywood Regency Century Furniture Armchairs
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Century Furniture armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Century Furniture armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Century Furniture armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Century Furniture were created in the Hollywood Regency style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Thomasville, Interior Crafts, and Grosfeld House. Prices for Century Furniture armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $600 and can go as high as $18,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,500.
Questions About Century Furniture Armchairs
- What is mid century furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Century Furniture still exists. The brand operates from its corporate headquarters located in Hickory, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1947, and RHF Investments, Inc., acquired the company in 2013. You'll find a range of Century Furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
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