Skip to main content

Century Furniture Buffets

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
140
94
62
57
43
Creator: Century Furniture
Related Items
Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s
Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s

Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s

$1,760Sale Price|44% Off

H 33 in W 65.5 in D 18.5 in

Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bleached Mahogany Credenza by Harvey Probber. This credenza is in good vintage condition and has a patina commensurate with its age. Four white accent drawers can be revealed by sl...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Century Furniture Paris Gardens Credenza
Century Furniture Paris Gardens Credenza

Century Furniture Paris Gardens Credenza

$1,895

H 41.5 in W 79.5 in D 22 in

Century Furniture Paris Gardens Credenza

By Century Furniture

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Century Furniture credenza from their Paris Gardens Collection. The credenza with two central doors concealing four drawers (the upper with silver lining panel). They are flanked by ...

Category

20th Century French Provincial Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Wood

Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s
Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s

Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s

$5,350

H 38.19 in W 78.35 in D 21.66 in

Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

Introducing an alluring low sideboard, meticulously crafted from bleached oak and graced with plinth legs, embodying the distinct design essence of the 1950s. This sideboard harmonio...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur Furniture, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur Furniture, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur Furniture, 1960s

$2,850

H 32.75 in W 60 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur Furniture, 1960s

By Ramseur Furniture Company

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century walnut credenza crafted by cabinet maker Ramseur Furniture in the United States, circa 1960s. This beautifully crafted piece embodies the clean lines and thoughtful funct...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by R-Way Furniture, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by R-Way Furniture, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by R-Way Furniture, 1960s

$2,100

H 31.75 in W 59 in D 18.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by R-Way Furniture, 1960s

By R-Way Furniture Company

Located in Raymondville, TX

This vintage mid-century modern credenza by R-Way Furniture features a classic design, beautiful amber tone walnut wood with a lacquered finish, and versatile storage. To the left is...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll
1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll

1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll

$5,825

H 27.5 in W 71.5 in D 17.5 in

1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century walnut credenza designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll Associates Inc. circa 1950s. This exceptional piece showcases a gorgeous walnut frame supported by fo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Chrome

Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

$9,950

H 31 in W 48 in D 20 in

Sleek Restored Vintage Modern Credenza in Walnut by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

By Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Located in Atlanta, GA

A stunning example of a rare multipurpose case piece by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s. Expertly crafted walnut case construction with elegant lines and detail. Wo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Credenza Sideboard in Sculpted Walnut by Greta Grossman 1950s
Mid Century Modern Credenza Sideboard in Sculpted Walnut by Greta Grossman 1950s

Mid Century Modern Credenza Sideboard in Sculpted Walnut by Greta Grossman 1950s

$6,500

H 32.75 in W 72 in D 18 in

Mid Century Modern Credenza Sideboard in Sculpted Walnut by Greta Grossman 1950s

By Glenn of California, Greta Magnusson Grossman

Located in Troy, MI

Stunning Mid Century modern sideboard in walnut designed by Greta Magnusson - Grossman for Glenn of California circa 1950s Fully restored three panel front door cabinet on a floatin...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Oak Sideboard, France, 1950s
Midcentury Oak Sideboard, France, 1950s

Midcentury Oak Sideboard, France, 1950s

$9,000

H 39.77 in W 82.68 in D 21.66 in

Midcentury Oak Sideboard, France, 1950s

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

This exceptional 1950s French oak sideboard is a masterful blend of provincial heritage and midcentury modernism, embodying the transition from tradition to a bolder, more architectu...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s

$2,595

H 32 in W 60 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s

By John Van Koert, Drexel, Karl Johan, Henredon

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This Drexel Profile K37 buffet credenza by John Van Koert stands as a commanding exemplar of mid-century modern elegance—defined by precision, craftsmanship, and sculptural detail. C...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Chrome

Rayas Striped Credenza with Dark Burl Wood Marquetry
Rayas Striped Credenza with Dark Burl Wood Marquetry

Rayas Striped Credenza with Dark Burl Wood Marquetry

$8,000

H 24 in W 43 in D 22 in

Rayas Striped Credenza with Dark Burl Wood Marquetry

By Merve Kahraman

Located in Istanbul, TR

This exclusive credenza is originally designed as a custom shoe cabinet. It is uniquely created by assembling striped geometric wooden veneer pieces together, portraying a 3D illusio...

Category

2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Wood, Burl, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple, Grasscloth & Wrought Iron Credenza, 1950s
Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple, Grasscloth & Wrought Iron Credenza, 1950s

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple, Grasscloth & Wrought Iron Credenza, 1950s

$5,000

H 33.25 in W 60 in D 18.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple, Grasscloth & Wrought Iron Credenza, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Furniture Co. Maple 2 Door, 4 Drawer Buffet Cabinet. Featuring a solid Maple frame, two Greige grasscloth covered sliding doors (between Pant...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items
Olive Burl Black Lacquer Asian Modern Campaign Style Brass Accent Server Dry Bar
Olive Burl Black Lacquer Asian Modern Campaign Style Brass Accent Server Dry Bar

Olive Burl Black Lacquer Asian Modern Campaign Style Brass Accent Server Dry Bar

Sold

H 30.5 in W 59.5 in D 19 in

Olive Burl Black Lacquer Asian Modern Campaign Style Brass Accent Server Dry Bar

By Henredon, Drexel, Century Furniture, Dorothy Draper

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Dorothy Draper style campaign server bar cart on casters made by esteemed US furniture maker Century circa 1970s. Old growth flaxen flared grain olive ...

Category

1970s American Campaign Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Century Furniture Contemporary Biedermeier Style Fruitwood Buffet
Century Furniture Contemporary Biedermeier Style Fruitwood Buffet

Century Furniture Contemporary Biedermeier Style Fruitwood Buffet

Sold

H 33 in W 48 in D 17 in

Century Furniture Contemporary Biedermeier Style Fruitwood Buffet

By Century Furniture

Located in Germantown, MD

A proportionate Century Furniture Contemporary Biedermeier Style Fruitwood Buffet in very good vintage condition. Measures 48" in width, 17" in depth and stands 33 " tall. Shelf is 1...

Category

Early 17th Century American Adam Style Antique Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Custom Century Furniture Italian Painted Credenza
Custom Century Furniture Italian Painted Credenza

Custom Century Furniture Italian Painted Credenza

Sold

H 34.25 in W 66.5 in D 19 in

Custom Century Furniture Italian Painted Credenza

By Century Furniture

Located in North Canton, OH

Extraordinary Vintage Century Credenza, Sideboard. Century Furniture Company shows little record of this piece in their archives, likely meaning this was a custom finished piece maki...

Category

1970s American International Style Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Paint

Century Furniture Walnut Buffet Credenza
Century Furniture Walnut Buffet Credenza

Century Furniture Walnut Buffet Credenza

Sold

H 42 in W 73 in D 23 in

Century Furniture Walnut Buffet Credenza

By Century Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Century Furniture Walnut Buffet Credenza This credenza measures: 73 wide x 23 deep x 42 inches high This credenza is in Great Vintage Condition with some scratching on top, min...

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Metal

Century Furniture Mid-Century Burlwood Buffet Credenza
Century Furniture Mid-Century Burlwood Buffet Credenza

Century Furniture Mid-Century Burlwood Buffet Credenza

Sold

H 29.25 in W 76 in D 18 in

Century Furniture Mid-Century Burlwood Buffet Credenza

By Century Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Century Furniture mid-century burlwood buffet credenza. The credenza measures: 76 wide x 18 deep x 29.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Burl

Chin Hua Buffet or Credenza by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture
Chin Hua Buffet or Credenza by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture

Chin Hua Buffet or Credenza by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture

Sold

H 31.5 in W 76 in D 18.5 in

Chin Hua Buffet or Credenza by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture

By Raymond K. Sobota, Century Furniture

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome Hollywood Regency chinoiserie buffet or credenza designed by Raymond K. Sobota for his Chin Hua Collection for Century Furniture. Comprised of dark ebonized ash with burl wood and brass accents and pulls. This credenza is in wonderful vintage condition. The outside edge of the top has been restored and re-ebonized the rest of the piece retains its original finish and gorgeous age patina which can consist of wear, nicks, and dings but nothing outstanding. The top has a fresh coat of polyurethane for durability. Please see photos, circa 1975-1998. If you are looking for a dynamic credenza for your entry hall or living room, or a buffet for your dining room… You have found it! This cabinet is part of the original Chin Hua Collection designed by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture in 1975. The entire collection was retired in1998 after a 23-year successful run. So successful that Century Furniture reissued the collection in 2012. And it is no wonder they revived it. The Chin Hua Collection was one of Century’s most revered collections of all time. However, this gorgeous piece is not part of the new collection and is only available vintage. Playing with the Hollywood Regency and chinoiserie style Sobota designed this piece handsomely. It is comprised of a deep brown almost black as in true ebony wood framework and burl wood inlays with brass accents and brass hardware. There are three sets of double doors with center brass pulls. The far-left door opens and has three pull out drawers behind it and the center and far right doors open to reveal a shelf and spacious open storage. This cabinet is gorgeous and versatile! Raymond Karl Sobota (1914-2010) is an award-winning American furniture designer. He attended and obtained his degree in design from Kendall College of Art and Design in his native home of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating in 1946 Sobota apprenticed with his namesake and uncle, a furniture designer as well, Karl Schmidt, who designed for Berkey and Gay Furniture Company. He apprenticed for seven years leading to his designing for Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Co., the Mt. Airy Furniture Co., Hekman Furniture and finally Century Furniture for whom he designed from 1952 until 1995. He designed all the company’s wood furniture during that time totally over 150 collections. The most notable being Citation, Chin Hua, Claridge, and the Henry Ford Museum and the British National Trust collections. Sobota is credited for helping to making Century Furniture the industry leader it is today. Century Furniture Company, one of the world’s largest privately owned upper-end residential furniture manufacturers, was founded in 1947 by Harley Ferguson Shuford, Sr. When first formed Century Furniture was a selling agent for local upholstery lines. But as soon as a year later Shuford had built a case goods plant in Hickory, North Carolina and that started it all. Harley Shuford along with his siblings and children acquired company after company expanding into upholstered furniture, chair manufacturing, and even a leather division. Century has made it through feast and famine in the furniture business and today retains their long-standing role as a leading force in the American home furnishings market. This amazing Chin Hua cabinet...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Wood, Burl

Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Campaign Style Burlwood Credenza, circa 1970
Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Campaign Style Burlwood Credenza, circa 1970

Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Campaign Style Burlwood Credenza, circa 1970

Sold

H 29 in W 76 in D 18 in

Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Campaign Style Burlwood Credenza, circa 1970

By Century Furniture

Located in Southampton, NJ

A beautiful burlwood and mahogany credenza by Century Furniture having brass pulls, a long interior shelf and 3 deep drawers with brass loop pulls providing ample storage. A stunnin...

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Ash, Mahogany

Brass Pull Oak Burl Wood Campaign Modern Credenza by Century Furniture, 1970s
Brass Pull Oak Burl Wood Campaign Modern Credenza by Century Furniture, 1970s

Brass Pull Oak Burl Wood Campaign Modern Credenza by Century Furniture, 1970s

Sold

H 31 in W 66 in D 18 in

Brass Pull Oak Burl Wood Campaign Modern Credenza by Century Furniture, 1970s

By Henredon, Milo Baughman, Century Furniture

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Stunning Campaign style credenza made by esteemed US furniture maker Century, circa 1970s. Mesmerizing burl wood on fronts and top. The brass pull hardware ties together British trad...

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Century Furniture Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Credenza Cabinet
Century Furniture Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Credenza Cabinet

Century Furniture Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Credenza Cabinet

Sold

H 29 in W 58.5 in D 18 in

Century Furniture Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Credenza Cabinet

By Henredon, Milo Baughman, Century Furniture

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Stunning Campaign style credenza made by esteemed US furniture maker Century, circa 1970s. Mesmerizing burl wood on fronts and top. The brass p...

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Server Dry Bar Cabinet
Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Server Dry Bar Cabinet

Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Server Dry Bar Cabinet

Sold

H 31.88 in W 38.5 in D 18.13 in

Campaign Style Brass Accent Burl Wood Server Dry Bar Cabinet

By Milo Baughman, Henredon, Century Furniture

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Stunning Campaign style server bar cart on casters made by esteemed US furniture maker Century, circa 1970s. Mesmerizing burl wood on front, top and back of cabinet. A thick sheet of...

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Grey Lacquered Brass Century Furniture Ming Credenza Buffet Sideboard
Vintage Grey Lacquered Brass Century Furniture Ming Credenza Buffet Sideboard

Vintage Grey Lacquered Brass Century Furniture Ming Credenza Buffet Sideboard

Sold

H 33 in W 79.5 in D 18 in

Vintage Grey Lacquered Brass Century Furniture Ming Credenza Buffet Sideboard

By Century Furniture

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Amazing vintage newly lacquered grey and brass accent credenza, sideboard, buffet by Century Furniture. Double doors open to reveal a shelf. There may be minor imperfections to the n...

Category

1970s American Vintage Century Furniture Buffets

Materials

Brass

Century Furniture buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Century Furniture buffets 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 buffets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original buffets by Century Furniture were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider buffets by Kipp Stewart, Broyhill Brasilia, and Henredon. Prices for Century Furniture buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,240 and can go as high as $10,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,345.

Creators Similar to Century Furniture

Henredon
Shop All Henredon Buffets
Edward Wormley
Shop All Edward Wormley Buffets
American of Martinsville
Shop All American of Martinsville Buffets
John Widdicomb
Shop All John Widdicomb Buffets
Mastercraft
Shop All Mastercraft Buffets
Baker Furniture Company
Shop All Baker Furniture Company Buffets
Questions About Century Furniture Buffets
  • What is mid century furniture?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-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.
  • How can you tell if furniture is mid century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To 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.
  • Does Century Furniture still exist?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • What is mid century modern furniture?
    2 Answers
    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, 2021
    Mid 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.
  • Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-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.
  • What year is mid-century modern furniture?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There 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.
  • How do you identify 18th-century furniture?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.
  • What furniture was used in the 16th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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.
  • What defines mid-century modern furniture?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • What is 17th-century furniture called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • Who were the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers?
    1 Answer
    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.