When the first iteration of the Lane Furniture company began to produce its now-famous Lane cedar chests in the early 20th century, the family behind the brand was unsure of how successful they’d be, so they initially didn’t bother adding their name to the offerings.
The manufacturer was off to a modest start but the family was industrious: The Lanes were made up of farmers and contractors who’d built more than 30 miles of the Virginian railroad. They owned a cotton mill and purchased thousands of acres of land in Campbell County, Virginia, where the Virginian railroad was intended to cross the main line of the Southern Railway.
The Lanes hoped to start a town in this region of the state, and by 1912, streets for the town of Altavista had been laid out and utility lines were installed. In the spring of that year, John Lane purchased a defunct box factory at a bankruptcy auction. His son, Edward Hudson Lane, was tasked with the manufacturing of the cedar “hope” chests for which the Lane family would become known, even though the company was initially incorporated as the Standard Red Cedar Chest Company.
The Standard Red Cedar Chest Company struggled in its early days but introduced an assembly system at its small factory after securing a contract with the federal government to produce ammunition boxes made of pine during World War I. The company prospered and applied mass-production methods to its cedar-chest manufacturing after the war, and, in 1922, rebranding as the Lane Company, it implemented a national advertising campaign to market its products.
Ads tied the company’s strong cedar hope chests to romance. Anchored by copy that read “The gift that starts the home,” the campaign rendered a Lane cedar chest a necessary purchase for young women to store linens, clothing and keepsakes as they prepared to marry.
Wartime production during World War II had Lane producing aircraft parts. In the 1950s, the family-owned company began to branch out into manufacturing tables, bedroom pieces and other various furnishings for the entire home. Today, the brand’s vintage mid-century furniture — which includes the Perception, Tuxedo and Acclaim collections — is highly sought after.
Designed by Andre Bus, Lane’s Acclaim furniture collection of coffee tables, end tables, dressers and more has been compared to Drexel’s wildly popular Declaration series for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and the impeccably clean contours that are frequently associated with the best of mid-century modern design.
Ads for the Acclaim line suggested that it included “probably the best-selling table in the world.” Before its offerings expanded to include items for the bedroom and dining room, Lane was primarily known for its tables and case pieces — there are side tables, coffee tables and more created by Bus in the Acclaim collection, each sporting graceful tapered legs and dovetail inlays.
Later, during the 1960s, Lane offered handsome modular wall units created by the likes of Paul McCobb, an award-winning Massachusetts-born designer best known for his work at Directional.
The company was acquired by United Furniture Industries in 2017 and became particularly well-known among contemporary consumers for its upholstered furniture. In 2022 United abruptly closed and ceased operations at Lane.
Vintage Lane furniture is generally characterized by relatively neutral styles, which are versatile in different kinds of interiors, as well as good quality woods and careful manufacturing. All of these attributes have made Lane one of the most recognizable names in American furniture.
Browse storage cabinets, side tables and other vintage Lane furniture on 1stDibs.
H 22.25 in W 22 in D 15 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Nightstands from Perspective Series by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century modern nightstands from the Perspective line by Lane Furniture features hardwood construction, beautiful walnut veneer with original finish, single dovetaile...
Walnut
H 22 in W 22 in D 15 in
Lane 'Perception' Nightstands by Warren Church, Mid-Century Modern
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning midcentury Lane Nightstands. An elegant basket weave finish design, rectangular drawers with built in handles, and clean dovetail drawers. Please confirm location with sell...
Wood
H 23 in W 24 in D 21 in
Lane Furniture Mid-Century Tables
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern end tables by Lane Furniture with single drawer and bottom shelf. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
H 24.25 in W 25 in D 16.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim handles. Please confirm location NY of NJ.
Brass
H 34.5 in W 23 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Bedside Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century walnut end tables with two drawers and brass hardware. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
H 20.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern End Tables with Single Drawer by Lane Furniture
By Lane Furniture
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century modern end tables by Lane Furniture features hardwood construction, original walnut finish, single dovetailed drawer with caned front, and tall tapered legs....
Walnut
H 18.12 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Pair of wooden bedside tables with small drawer, mid-century 1960s style
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pair of Night Stands wood with drawer, 1960.
Wood
H 20.5 in W 19.2 in D 26.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Paul Mccobb Nightstands/End Tables
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Paul Mccobb nightstands/end tables Offered is a pair of mid-century nightstands with sleek lines designed by American designer Paul Mccobb. Made from yellow birch...
Birch
H 24 in W 23 in D 14 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Pair of Nightstands or End Tables
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pair of Nightstands Elevate your bedroom with this exquisite pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern nightstands. Crafted from solid wood—typically high-quality...
Wood
H 25.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Located in Sheffield, MA
A pair of similar but not identical stands have simple yet elegant contemporary and functional design with tapered legs and a square table top. Side tables, end tables, night stands...
Wood
Pair Mid-Century End Side Tables Nightstands American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
Striking pair of mid-century modern walnut nightstands or end tables by American of Martinsville, circa 1970’s, one of the most esteemed furniture producers of the Mid-century era. E...
Metal
Mid Century Hollywood Regency Campaign Style End Tables Pair
Located in Baltimore, MD
An exceptional pair of Hollywood Regency Campaign style Mid-Century Modern, side tables/night stands by Imperial Furniture, circa early 20th century. These absolute jewels remain in ...
Brass
Pair Mid-Century End Side Tables Nightstands American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
Striking pair of mid-century modern walnut nightstands or end tables by American of Martinsville, circa 1970’s, one of the most esteemed furniture producers of the Mid-century era. E...
Aluminum
Pair Mid Century Harvey Probber Nightstands End Tables
By Harvey Probber
Located in Baltimore, MD
A remarkable pair of mid-century nightstands, end tables by Harvey Probber. These absolute jewels remain in nearly pristine condition. The lines are clean and elegant with exceptiona...
Brass
Mid-Century Teak Pair Nightstands Tables
By FBJ Møbler
Located in Baltimore, MD
These Scandinavian Modernist, teak Danish tables/ nightstands were produced in Denmark, by FBJ Mobler circa 1970’s, elegant design with clean straight lines make them sleek, minimali...
Teak
MidCentury Pair of Nightstands/Side Tables Drexel Modulus Collection
By Drexel
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern pair of nightstands/ side tables by Drexel furniture from their Modulus collection a beautiful example of American craftsmanship. Expertly crafted, these ...
Wood
