Century Furniture Chairs
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
Pair of Black Lacquered and Brass Horseshoe Lounge Chairs
By Century Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Asian modern black lacquered horseshoe back lounge chairs with brass fittings. Manufactured by the Century Furniture Company. Each chair measures 30.5" wide, 29.5" deep, 29...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Brass
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 Chairs
Materials
Brass
French Provincial Cane Dining Chairs by Century Furniture, Set of 6
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
Set of (6) French Provincial Cane Back Dining Chairs by CENTURY...
Category
1970s French Provincial Vintage Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
Pair of Century Furniture Cos Barrel Back Chairs with Walnut Legs and Casters
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Great pair of barrel chairs in a very cool batik fabric. These chairs are classic lounge chairs with generous proportions and walnut legs with casters.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Cotton
Faux Bois Dining Chairs Lacquered by Century Furniture Set of 6
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
set of 6 lacquered f...
Category
1970s Vintage Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Wood
Italian Alfresco Style Dining Chairs by CENTURY FURNITURE - Set of 4
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
Set of (4) Italian Alfresco Style Dining Chairs by CENTURY...
Category
1980s French Provincial Vintage Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Wood
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 Chairs
Materials
Wood, Cotton
Os De Mouton Wingback Dining Chairs by Century Furniture, Set of 8
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a
Set of (8) Os De Mouton wingback dining chairs by Century Furnitu...
Category
1980s Vintage Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Mahogany
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 Chairs
Materials
Damask, Mahogany
Century Furniture Traditional Dining Chairs, Set of 8
By Century Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Century Furniture traditional dining chairs - Set of 8
Each chair measures: 25 wide x 23 deep x 39.5 high, with a seat height of 19.5 and ar...
Category
2010s American Modern Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Low Slung Lounge Chair by Century Furniture Company
By Century Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Great Art Deco Revival low slung lounge chair with cream lacquer frame, brass feet, and upholstered seat and back. The chair is in very good con...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Century Furniture Chairs
2 Vintage Century Furniture Chippendale Gooseneck Red Mahogany Arm Accent Chairs
By Century Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
2 vintage Century Furniture Chippendale gooseneck red mahogany arm accent chairs
Pair of Chippendale style armchairs by Century Furnit...
Category
Late 20th Century Chippendale Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
6 Century Furniture Deer Creek Caribou Dining Chairs Old World French Country
By Century Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
A stunning set of six century dining room chairs. 4 deer creek / mill room side chairs paired with the caribou club arm chair, sierra finish. An elegant blend between French Country and Old World...
Category
Late 20th Century French Provincial Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Set of Six Stainless Steel and Green Fabric Dining Chairs by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular set of six ‘Eclipse’ dining chairs designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture in the 1980s. The set consists of two armchairs and four armless chairs. The chairs are...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Century Furniture Parson Side Chairs Nail Head Trim
By Century Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Century Furniture Parson side chairs. Tweed upholstery in shades of cream , charcoal and tan. Decorative nailhead border. Legs and stretcher...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Fabric
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 Chairs
Jay Spectre for Century "Eclipse" Side Chair
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A channel tufted side chair by Jay Spectre for century furniture. Newly upholstered in plum suede.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 Chairs
Materials
Fruitwood, Fabric
CENTURY Chin Hua by Raymond Sobota Black Lacquer Side Chair
By Century Furniture
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style side chair by high-quality furniture maker century. From their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Made in the 1970s in Hickory, North Carolina, USA. Made fr...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Chairs
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Lacquer
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Previously Available Items
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H 29.5 in W 31 in D 28 in
Set of Five Gold Leaf Greek Key Barstools by Century
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French Louis XV Armchairs By CENTURY FURNITURE COMPANY
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For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
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H 40 in W 24.5 in D 21.5 in
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French Provincial Cane Dining Chairs by Century Furniture, Set of 6
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Chin Hua Raymond Sabota Asian Dining Chairs by Century Furniture -Set of 6
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H 39.75 in W 22 in D 23 in
CENTURY Hollywood Regency Style Button Tufted Corner Chair
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Located in Charlotte, NC
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Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Century Furniture Chairs
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Century Furniture chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Century Furniture chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Century Furniture were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Drexel, Russell Woodard, and Charles Hollis Jones. Prices for Century Furniture chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $595 and can go as high as $8,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,596.
Creators Similar to Century Furniture
Questions About Century Furniture Chairs
- 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 ExpertApril 22, 2024There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop 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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