Take a medal from the King of Sweden, a splash of the roaring twenties, and a series of talented designers and you get Johnson Furniture Co.’s elegant Art Deco and period-revival furnishings as well as a taste for why the Johnson name prevailed for over a century in American furniture manufacturing.
A wealth of forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s. It eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The city became a destination for woodworkers who hailed from all over the United States as well as Europe, and Johnson Furniture Co. cofounder Carl Johnson, who had been recognized for cabinetmaking by the head of the royal family in his native Sweden, brought his royally acknowledged talents to America with his two brothers, Hjalmar and Axel in 1887. Together, they established Cabinetmakers Co. in Grand Rapids. In 1908, the brothers sold their start-up and founded Johnson Furniture Co.
Tom Handley, of the well-respected English furniture company Waring and Gillow, became an in-house designer with Johnson Furniture Co. in its early days. Handley would stay on as part of both the Johnson label and of Johnson-Handley-Johnson — a companion company that spun off from Johnson in 1922 — until his death in 1926. At the time, archaeological discoveries were all the rage. The greatest influence on Art Deco jewelry, for example, was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922, and some vintage Tom Handley designs were adaptations of Egyptian furniture. The brand specialized in a range of styles that included Art Deco, Chippendale, Queen Anne and more.
Acclaimed designer David Robertson Smith, who had made furniture in the Arts and Crafts style for the likes of Gustav Stickley, carried the Johnson Furniture Co. creative team into the early 1930s. Grand Rapids had by then become a thriving hub with respect to the mass production of furniture, and Smith’s sophisticated Dynamique line — a collection of coffee tables, cabinets and more in alluring woods such as walnut and mahogany and based on French furniture — was among the first mass-produced modern furniture made in America.
Johnson hired Lorenzo Rutili, a Carnegie Institute graduate who studied design in Europe, to lead the brand’s design division. Rutili oversaw 30 years of successful Johnson Furniture Co. collaborations with other notable designers including Paul Frankl, Eliel Saarinen, Bert England, J. Robert F. Swanson and Pipsam Saarinen Swanson. After wrapping up his tenure at Johnson, Rutili moved on to design furniture at Tomlinson in North Carolina.
During the 1960s, Kipp Stewart and Milo Baughman designed residential furnishings for Directional — a favorite of mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — and Johnson produced these pieces, becoming the sole manufacturer for the North Carolina brand.
After a merger with Timberline Inc., Johnson Furniture Co. secured contracts for hotels, motels and university dormitories. In 1983, Johnson and Rose Manufacturing became RoseJohnson Inc. It was later purchased by La-Z-Boy.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Johnson Furniture Co. case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other furniture.
Set of 10 Paul Frankl “X” Metal Drawer Pulls Handles, Keeler Brass, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in East Quogue, NY
Rare, complete set of ten (10) authentic vintage gold-toned metal “X” drawer pulls, removed from a Paul Frankl dresser produced by the Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1950s. Measur...
Metal
Ten Drawer Dresser by Paul Frankl, C. 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Westport, CT
A meticulously restored Paul Frankl Dresser from Johnson Furniture, a mid-century masterpiece circa 1950s. This vintage gem, designed by the iconic Paul Frankl, features 10 drawers a...
Nickel
$4,500 / set
Mid Century Teak Bench with Cabinets
By Renzo Rutili, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a wonderful 3 piece mid century set. An 8.5 ft bench with 2 modular cabinets. The set is SOLID teak construction with very beautiful details and amazing brass handles and det...
Brass
Johnson Furniture English Tudor Carved Burled Walnut Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding English Tudor, William & Mary, or Jacobean style three-drawer commode, dresser, or chest of drawers By Johnson Furniture USA, Circa 1930s Carved walnut, with burled...
Walnut, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Maple Highboy Dresser by Johnson Furniture Co., USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maple highboy dresser from the Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for their collaborations with modernist icons, like Paul Frankl and Eliel Saarinen. This pie...
Maple
Paul Frankl " Station Wagon " Tall Dresser for Johnson Furniture, c.1945
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Frankl " Station Wagon " Tall Dresser for Johnson Furniture, c.1945.
Brass
Magnificent Restored Eight Drawer Chest by Renzo Rutili, circa 1965
By Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
If a piece feels like Tommi Parzinger, but is marked Johnson Furniture, there can be only one answer as to its Designer: Renzo Rutili. Mr. Rutili was a seminal furniture designer of ...
Brass, Bronze
Paul Frankl Cork Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example, a cork top waterfall edge...
Brass
Exquisite Mahogany and Bookmatch Bird's-Eye Maple Chest by Renzo Rutili
By Johnson Furniture Co., Renzo Rutili
Located in Atlanta, GA
If a piece feels like Tommi Parzinger, but is marked Johnson Furniture, there can be only one answer as to its Designer: Renzo Rutili. Mr. Rutili was a seminal furniture designer of ...
Brass
1939 Flexible Home Arrangements Birch Dresser by Eliel Saarinen & Pipsan Swanson
By J. Robert F. Swanson, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, Johnson Furniture Co., Eliel Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a four-drawer dresser, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the John...
Zinc
Vintage Modern Chest / Dresser by Renzo Rutili
By Johnson Furniture Co., Tommi Parzinger, Renzo Rutili, Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Wonderful Chest of 4 Drawers by Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Company. Beautiful sculptural front legs. Practical size to work in most rooms. Some wear to the finish. Structura...
Wood
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Renzo Rutili Mahogany and White Micarta Chest-on-Chest
By Johnson Furniture Co., Renzo Rutili
Located in Chicago, IL
Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture tall two-tiered gentleman's chest. Mahogany cases and drawer/door fronts with a white Micarta first tier top and four white Micarta sabots over lar...
Brass
John Stuart Midcentury Highboy Walnut Dresser
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern Highboy dresser designed by John Stuart for Johnson Furniture Co. in the United States, circa 1960s. Pure style and sophistication, featuring t...
Walnut
High-Boy Dresser With Nickel X-Shaped Pulls By Paul Frankl For Johnson Furniture
By John Stuart Inc., Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage gem is designed by the iconic and prolific Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. retailed by John Stuart in the heart of New York City, circa 1950s. This highboy dresser...
Nickel
1939 Flexible Home Arrangements Birch Credenza by Eliel Saarinen, Pipsan Swanson
By Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, Johnson Furniture Co., Eliel Saarinen, J. Robert F. Swanson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a birch dresser, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the Johnson Fu...
Zinc
Paul Frankl Cork Highboy Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example, a cork top waterfall edge...
Brass
1939 Flexible Home Arrangements Birch Dresser by Eliel Saarinen & Pipsan Swanson
By Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, J. Robert F. Swanson, Eliel Saarinen, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a birch dresser, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the Johnson Fu...
Zinc
1939 Flexible Home Arrangements Birch Dresser by Eliel Saarinen, Pipsan Swanson
By Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, Johnson Furniture Co., Eliel Saarinen, J. Robert F. Swanson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a five-drawer tall dresser, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the...
Zinc
1939 Flexible Home Arrangements Birch Dresser by Eliel Saarinen & Pipsan Swanson
By Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, J. Robert F. Swanson, Eliel Saarinen, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a four-drawer dresser, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the John...
Zinc
1939 Eliel Saarinen & Pipsan Saarinen Swanson Johnson Four Drawer Dresser
By Johnson Furniture Co., Eliel Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous and beautifully restored Eliel Saarinen, J. Robert Swanson, and Pipsan Saarinen Swanson 4-drawer dresser, produced by Johnson Furniture Co. circa 1939. ...
Metal
1939 Flexible Home Arrangements Birch Dresser by Eliel Saarinen & Pipsan Swanson
By Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, J. Robert F. Swanson, Johnson Furniture Co., Eliel Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a birch dresser, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by the Johnson Fu...
Zinc, Metal
$2,750
H 30.25 in W 70.5 in D 17.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by LA Period
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
$2,750
H 32 in W 64 in D 18.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by Dixie
By Dixie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Aluminum
Teak Mid-Century Modern Tall Dresser
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-Century Modern teak high boy dresser, chest of drawers, made in Denmark. Minimalist Danish Modern inspired profile and extremely well-made dr...
Teak
$2,095
H 30 in W 62.25 in D 18 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut 7-Drawer Dresser by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
$9,200
H 32 in W 72 in D 20 in
1950s Paul Frankl Moroccan Red Lacquered Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iconic Paul Frankl 10-drawer chest with freshly polished brass X pulls, refinished and shown in Moroccan Red Lacquer from Frankl's Debonair Collection for Johnson Furniture. Pair Available. Please note buyer has the option to select any color for professional refinishing to match the desired interior. Certainly one of Paul Frankl's most celebrated designs, the chest is timeless and pairs well with contemporary, eclectic and mid century decor. Paul Frankl was known in the Art Deco period for his architectural skyscraper...
Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl, Cerused Oak, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern Chest of drawers in cerused natual oak with a combed oak border. Original brass pulls. Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Mint Restored.
Brass
$2,495
H 30.5 in W 64.25 in D 18.25 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern “Vega” Walnut Dresser
By Morris of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
$2,850
H 54.25 in W 36 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - John Keal Walnut Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
$2,495
H 30.25 in W 56 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished -Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Dresser by United Furniture
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
$3,195
H 31.25 in W 76 in D 19.25 in
Newly Refinished - American of Martinsville 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
$2,765Sale Price|30% Off
H 33 in W 36 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb 3-Drawer Dresser #1508 Blonde Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mid-century Paul McCobb 3-drawer dresser Planner Group #1508. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, 3 drawer, solid maple, blonde finish, brass pulls, W...
Maple
$3,195
H 31 in W 62 in D 20 in
Newly Refinished- Mid Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Dresser by United Furniture
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Sold
H 35.5 in W 49 in D 22.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Maple Dresser by Johnson Furniture Co., USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maple dresser from the Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for their collaborations with modernist icons, like Paul Frankl and Eliel Saarinen. This piece embod...
Maple
Sold
H 32 in W 72 in D 23 in
Paul Frankl Johnson Furniture Ivory Lacquer 10 Drawer Dresser X-Pull Hardware
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning and rare Paul Frankl dresser, a true collector's piece crafted in the 1950's by Johnson Furniture Company. Features ivory original lacquer in double dresser style with Fran...
Metal
Sold
H 30 in W 66 in D 20 in
Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Sculptural Cherry Long Dresser or Credenza
By Johnson Furniture Company, George Nakashima, Renzo Rutili, George Nakashima Studio, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Hudson, NY
Exceptional sculptural solid cherry dresser designed by Renzo Rutili. This piece retains both the Johnson Furniture Company stamp as well as the metal John Stuart Inc. metal tag. Exp...
Cherry
Sold
H 32 in W 72 in D 22.5 in
Low-Boy Dresser With Nickel X-Shaped Pulls By Paul Frankl For Johnson Furniture
By John Stuart Inc., Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage gem is designed by the iconic and prolific Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. retailed by John Stuart in the heart of New York City, circa 1950s. This double wide, lo...
Nickel
Eliel Saarinen Designed Tall Dresser by the Johnson Furniture Co.
By Eliel Saarinen, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Chest of drawers designed by Eliel Saarinen for the Johnson Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its design was part of the Flexible Home Arrangements (FHA) furniture colle...
Aluminum
Paul Frankl Cork Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example, a cork top waterfall edge...
Brass
1930s Art Nouveau Johnson Furniture Campaign Dresser
By Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique 1920s / 1930s dresser for sale. A very beautiful dresser that has stood the test of time, and manufactured by Johnson Furniture. It's made of mahogany is a dark walnut finish...
Brass
John Stuart Midcentury Long Walnut Dresser
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern dresser designed by John Stuart for Johnson Furniture Co. in the United States, circa 1960s. Pure style and sophistication, featuring a rectang...
Walnut
Paul Frankl "Emissary" Dresser for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large modern dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture's "Emissary" line in the United States, circa 1960s. This eight-drawer dresser features a sturdy walnut wood case sitting on a chrome steel base that matches the geometric handles on each drawer. Its spacious drawers make it the ideal home addition to storing bedroom essentials...
Chrome, Steel
Sold
H 33 in W 72 in D 20.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Credenza, Dresser by Bert England Travertine Top
By Bert England, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous credenza or dresser by Bert England. Walnut with travertine marble top, has 6 drawers which open to reveal 8 pull out drawers with sculpted handles. Brass stretcher and legs...
Travertine, Brass
Midcentury Dresser by Renzo Rutili Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Renzo Rutili, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Highly crafted dresser using solid wood with brass details. In original condition with excellent patina.
Brass
Spectacular Midcentury Dresser with Quartz Handles
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
White lacquered chest of drawers with agate handles with gold colored trim. Simple but stunning design by the Johnson Furniture Company, retailed by John Stuart. (Please confirm i...