Founders Furniture Company
American
Founders Furniture Company was a short-lived 20th-century American brand that produced enduring mid-century modern designs. The company's streamlined dressers, lounge chairs and coffee tables feature solid wood construction and simple but elegant designs.
The history of Founders Furniture Company began in 1946 when it was established as a subsidiary of Knoll Inc., an esteemed manufacturer known mainly at the time for its pioneering workplace furniture — largely owing to the work of visionary designer Florence Knoll — so it launched Founders as its residential division.
During its years of operation, Founders hired celebrated American modernist designers like Milo Baughman and David Parmelee, who created sleek commodes and sideboards in mahogany and rosewood for the brand. Michigan native Jack Cartwright, a designer at Heritage during the 1950s, also worked at Founders as head designer before moving on to start his eponymous furniture company in 1963.
Founders continued operations until 1965 when Thomasville Furniture acquired it. Established in 1904 in North Carolina — home to other iconic mid-century brands such as Drexel and Broyhill — Thomasville expanded significantly during the 1960s and purchased several other American furniture manufacturers.
Today, the timeless styles and exceptional craftsmanship associated with Founders Furniture Company pieces continue to render them desirable even for today’s interiors.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Founders case pieces, seating, tables and more.
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Creator: Founders Furniture Company
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid-Century Modern Walnut Rolling Buffet Server
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern rolling extending bar cart or buffet server cabinet
By Jack Cartwright for Founders
USA, 1960s
Sculpted walnut, with durable laminate top.
...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Table Cabinet by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century made side table with beautiful rosewood inlay. Drum style pedestal table with cabinet storage and octagonal shape inset.
Please confirm location.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Walnut Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders – Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in San Diego, CA
Walnut Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders – Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
A striking example of refined American design, this Mid-Century Modern walnut credenza by Jack Cartwri...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
Set of 6 Founders Patterns 23 Mid Century Brushed Chrome Dining Chairs
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Lutz, FL
Set of 6 Mid Century Modern Dining Armchairs in Brushed Chrome/Aluminum with upholstered seats. Purchased from original owners as part of a suite with the matching Founders Furniture...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Sideboard
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern walnut sideboard designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders is a stunning example of refined American modernism. Featuring rich walnut grain, sculpted recessed ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Expanding Walnut Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Expanding Walnut Dining Table with 2 Leaves
This table measures: 58 wide x 38 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 24.75 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
This lowboy measures: 67 wide x 18 deep x 30.25 inches high
Fair Vintage Condition - Piece has Areas of Stainwear Thr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Founders Mid Century Dresser by Jack Cartwright
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Mid Century four drawer dresser in a very well grained clear birch with dark chocolate brown drawer fronts . The chromed U shaped finger pulls give detail to the dark color and wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Jack Cartwright
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition:
Original Vintage Condition
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Steel
Burl
Brass Credenza by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century modern credenza by Founders. Designed with a combination of bright burl wood grain and polished brass. Two cabinets on either side with smoked glass doors each...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall mid-century modern dresser by Jack Cartwright. Six wide dovetail jointed drawers with black metal pulls.
Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Founders / Dillingham American Mid-Century 12-Drawer Teak Low Chest
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century teak 12-drawer low chest with three sections of four drawers each with circular brass drawer pulls in a rectangular cabinet resting on four square teak legs. (FO...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Wood, Teak
Jack Cartwright for Founders Brazilian Rosewood Bar Cabinet Mid-Century Modern
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Jack Cartwright for Founders Brazilian rosewood bar cabinet. This piece has been well cared for and is in wonderful vintage condition. The rosewood has tons of graning and has a deep...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
$2,880 Sale Price
20% Off
MCM Founders Furniture Side Table Chrome Ebony Rosewood CDP#47133 David Parmelee
By David Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage Founders Furniture MCM (Mid-Century Modern) lamp, corner, or side table CDP (Continuing Design Program) # 47133 and attribu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Chrome
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Restored Chestnut
Bronze 4-Drawer Large Desk by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the United States towards the late 1960s, this desk was designed by Jack Cartwright and manufactured by Founders in very low numbers, probably due to the quality required dur...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Mid century modern chest of drawers by jack Cartwright for founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern dresser by Jack Cartwright for Founders features hardwood construction, original maple finish, four dovetailed drawers with white lacquer fronts, and original...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Birch, Lacquer
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Slate Top Nightstands - Pair
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Slate Top Nightstands - Pair
Each nightstand measures: 22.5 wide x 15 deep x 23.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Slate
Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Co. Burl Wood Nightstand / Bedside Table
By Founders Furniture Company, Renzo Rutili
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century nightstand / bedside table comprised of an upper two-drawer chest with burl wood veneer and two polished brass drawer pulls, resting on an open square base with ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal, Brass
Modern Founders Furniture Company Danish Teak Credenza With Display
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid Century Modern teak Danish credenza with display by Founders Furniture Company. Two bottom tambour doors conceal adjustable shelves and three ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Teak
Founders Walnut Lazy Susan Mini Bookcase
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century walnut lazy susan mini-bookcase with a rectangular form of alternating panels and two compartment shelves on each side, on a ful...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut King Headboard
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut King Headboard
This headboard measures: 77.75 wide x 1.5 deep x 34 inches high
Great Vintage Condition - a Few Very Fine Scratches. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
2 MCM Founders Corner Step Tables Black Brass Sabots Coronado Grp Luther Draper
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern corner step tables from Coronado Group by Luther Draper for Founders Furniture. Gorgeous condition. This pair of tables have been completely restored to their original glory. The tops have been stripped and repainted and the legs have been sanded and given a fresh finish. There may still be some age-related signs of use that refinishing did not catch. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa 1955.
Note- We have listed here as well, if they are still available, an additional pair of tables 1 step and 1 side, in this same style but with a satin finish. Although their sheens are different, they would be very complimentary to each other.
Double Delightful-ness!! This is a stunning pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern corner step tables from the Coronado Group designed in 1955 by Luther Draper for Founders Furniture. Their long straight legs with cross stretchers and beautiful brass sabots on the feet are eye catching and sophisticated. They are square with a corner angled step and comprised of a superb matte finished hardwood with Classic back beveled edges. They would look stunning beside your loveseat; living room sofa; dividing a corner or u-shaped sectional; or even a separation for perpendicularly placed sofas and chairs. They will add just the right Mid-Century Modern flair to your home.
Founders Furniture was started in 1947 as a subsidiary of the esteemed Knoll International for their residential line and then merged with Thomasville Furniture in 1965.
It is said that Luther Draper designed for the whose-who of high caliber furniture companies in the mid-century. He designed The Coronado Group collection for Founders Furniture in 1955. He had an unmistakable clean, modern mark he left on his work. He also designed fabulous furniture including the “India Teakwood” collection for White Furniture Company and the well known “Boomerang Desk” for Alma, which was recognized for its prize-winning office furnishings. He also worked in High Point, North Carolina, for such well-known firms as Henredon, Myrtle Desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Brass
Jack Cartwright for Founders MCM Danish Modern Walnut Full Headboard
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
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
Vintage Jack Cartwright for Founders MCM Danish...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut
Founders Mid Century Walnut Mirror
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders Mid Century Walnut Mirror
This mirror measures: 21.5 wide x 1 deep x 46.5 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Midcentury Sideboard by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern sideboard by Founders with drawer and cabinet storage. Great for home or office use. Warm teak wood with accenting chrome hardware.
Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Teak
Magnificent Rosewood Jack Cartwright Founders Bachelors Chest of Drawers
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent rosewood Jack Cartwright Founders bachelors chest of drawers. This piece is in wonderful vintage condition with only light signs of age. The rosewood color is deep and da...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Rosewood
$1,800 Sale Price
20% Off
1960s Jack Cartwright for Founders Wall Mirror in Walnut 32x48 in
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Wall Mirror designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders. This particular example dates to the 1960s and was produced in the USA. It's comprised of a walnut frame with glass mi...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Founders Dark Walnut Lazy Susan Mini Bookcase
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century dark walnut lazy susan mini-bookcase with a rectangular form of alternating panels and two compartment shelves on each side, on ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Metal
Baughman Style Chrome Floating Bar Cabinets Credenza Mid-Century Modern Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful set of four Milo Baughman style chrome mirror clad floating cabinets by Founders. Two upper cabinets with built-in lighting and two lower cabinets with one adjustable shelf...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Chrome Club Arm Chairs / Milo Baughman Pierre Cardin
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of vintage Italian upholstered club side chairs purchased with a Paul Evans game table. Designer sled base for legs. These were "Made in Italy". Recently located a reference. Wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Upholstery
Founders Patterns 10 Mid Century Lowboy Dresser
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders Patterns 10 Mid Century Lowboy Dresser
This lowboy measures: 77.75 wide x 18 deep x 30.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Leather, Wood
Modernist Blonde Mahogany Coffee / Magazine Table, X-Sides, Robsjohn
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist blonde mahogany coffee / magazine table. X-sides. Manner of Robsjohn Gibbings, Classic Modernist design.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Mahogany
1970s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Walnut Credenza / Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Six Drawer Credenza Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in 1970. It has a case of walnut and features six wide drawers that have Dovetail Joi...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Steel
Pair of Aluminum Frame Upholstered Chairs in the Style of Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Pair of aluminum frame chairs upholstered in a soft grey corduroy in the style of Harvey Probber. Manufacturer, Founders Furniture Company.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Founders Furniture Company
Materials
Aluminum
Founders Furniture Company furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Founders Furniture Company furniture 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 Founders Furniture Company furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Founders Furniture Company 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 furniture by Kent-Coffey, Merton Gershun , and Conant Ball. Prices for Founders Furniture Company furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $495 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,978.
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Questions About Founders Furniture Company
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024United Furniture took over Lane Furniture in 2017. After that, the furniture maker became well known among contemporary consumers for its upholstered furniture. In 2022, United abruptly closed and ceased operations at Lane due to financial problems. Find a collection of Lane Furniture pieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024The story of what happened to the Lane Furniture company is one of financial difficulties. 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 due to bankruptcy. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Lane furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024The most famous Swedish furniture company is arguably IKEA. Founded in 1943, the company has grown to become one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world. The brand has more than 450 stores located in more than 60 countries. Shop a range of IKEA furniture from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024IKEA is generally considered to be the world's largest furniture company. Established in 1943 in Älmhult, Sweden, the company now operates more than 450 stores around the world. In 2022, more than 800 million people visited IKEA stores, and millions more bought pieces online. Find an assortment of vintage IKEA furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024Yes, most Bombay Company furniture is real wood. The furniture maker produces pieces out of rubber wood, cherry wood and other hardwoods. Some pieces also feature other materials, such as bamboo. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Bombay Company wood furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJuly 9, 2024What happened to the Drexel Heritage furniture company was that the brand went out of business. In 2014, the last plant operated by Drexel Heritage — known to mid-century modern furniture collectors as Drexel Furniture — closed its doors. The North Carolina company rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, the Heritage Home Group, which was formed years earlier by an equity investor called KPS Capital Partners when it acquired Drexel Heritage and other manufacturers such as Lane and Broyhill, filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. Production of Drexel furniture never resumed.
Find vintage Drexel dressers, sofas, dining tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
More Founders Furniture Company Furniture
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Founders Furniture Company Dining Room Tables
Founders Furniture Company End Tables
Founders Furniture Company Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Founders Furniture Company Dining Room Chairs
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Founders Furniture Company Side Tables