Century Furniture Vitrines

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.

Creator: Century Furniture

Century Furniture Chin Hua Burl wood Vitrine by Raymond Sobota

$1,800

Century Furniture Chin Hua Burl wood Vitrine by Raymond Sobota

By Century Furniture

Located in Miami, FL

Century Furniture Chin Hua Burl wood Vitrine by Raymond Sobota 6 glass shelves.

Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Baker Burl Wood & Glass Vitrine, Collectors Edition

$3,495

H 84 in W 30 in D 13.5 in

Baker Burl Wood & Glass Vitrine, Collectors Edition

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Baker Burl Wood & Glass Vitrine—Collectors Edition is a beautifully made display cabinet, perfect for showcasing fine collectibles, art, books, and heirloom pieces. Standing 84 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 13.5 inches deep, it features an elegant burl wood veneer with brass-trimmed glass panels. The glass door measures 72.5 inches high and 25.5 inches wide, providing a clear and stylish view of the interior. Inside, there are three fitted glass shelves, each measuring 28 inches wide and 11 inches deep. The top shelf has 25 inches of clearance, the middle shelf 22.5 inches, and the bottom shelf 24 inches, with the option to accommodate up to three additional glass shelves for increased display capacity. Designed with both functionality and sophistication in mind, this vitrine is fitted with two interior lights, controlled by a switch located on the left middle shelf, ensuring that your displayed items are beautifully illuminated. Its classic and timeless design makes it a versatile addition to both traditional and modern interiors. In well-cared-for vintage condition, this premium Baker display cabinet...

Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Black & Burl Chin Hua Dresser by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furn

$3,995

H 31.25 in W 76 in D 18 in

Chinoiserie Black & Burl Chin Hua Dresser by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furn

By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture

Located in Topeka, KS

Marvelous vintage Chinoiserie Chin Hua Collection dresser or sideboard by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture comprised of an ebony-tone wood frame, burlwood inlays, brass trim & hardware, double doors, and nine drawers total. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, it has been cleaned but has no outstanding flaws that we have detected. Normal wear as you would expect with use & age. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. NOTE: IF you love this Chin Hua Collection dresser or sideboard by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture, we have the matching armoire/wardrobe, pair of nightstands, and pair of mirrors in separate listings here for sale if they are still available. We also have many other items from the Chin Hua line. Check them out! OH, MY GOODNESS!!!! If you are looking for a dynamic dresser for your bedroom. Or a beautiful buffet for your dining room. Or a CRAZY gorgeous credenza for your entry hall or living room. You have DEFINATELY found it! This beauty is part of the original Chin Hua Collection designed by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture in 1975. The entire collection was retired in 1998 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. And this piece bears the original Century Furniture tag and is not part of the new collection and is only available vintage!!! So, It’s your LUCKY DAY!!! Playing with Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie styles, Raymond Sabota designed this piece oh-so-handsomely. It is comprised of a stunning rectangular ebony-toned wood framework featuring beautiful burlwood inlays on the door fronts, 6 drawers, and phenomenal recessed top. It exhibits double doors in the center of the cabinet and three drawers on each side of the double doors all surrounded with beautiful brass trim & displaying magnificent brass hardware. And hidden BEHIND those double doors lies a marvelous secret!! THREE more drawers graduating from narrow at the top to a bit wider at the bottom AND they also have lovely brass pulls in the center of each drawer. That’s NINE drawers total!! Talk about AMPLE storage space for linens, clothes, books, or whatever your stow-away needs are! It is going to be an incredible addition to your bedroom or dressing area if you choose to use it as a dresser but its usage is not limited to that! It will be BEAUTIFUL in your dining room used as a sideboard or buffet, in the family room as a cabinet for games, toys, and art supplies, or in an entry utilized as a credenza hosting a lovely sculpture or artwork on top and endless options below. Whatever its use, it bears an EXQUISITE and timeless style you are sure to love for years to come! 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 in total, 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 make 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 dresser...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Vintage Regency Century Chin Hua Burl Pagoda Dresser

$2,550

H 31 in W 76 in D 18.5 in

Vintage Regency Century Chin Hua Burl Pagoda Dresser

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Add a touch of sophisticated drama to your home with this spectacular vintage credenza from Century Furniture’s iconic "Chin Hua" collection, designed by Raymond Sobota. This piece i...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Maple, Burl

Century Furniture Chin Hua Armoire Gentleman's Chest

$850

H 79 in W 38 in D 19 in

Century Furniture Chin Hua Armoire Gentleman's Chest

By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Asian Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Century Furniture Gentleman's Chest or Armoire by the high-quality furniture maker Century, from their "Chin Hua" line de...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Brass

1960s Industrial Vitrine in Metal, Italian Mid-Century Furniture

$2,138Sale Price|20% Off

H 78.75 in W 47.25 in D 21.66 in

1960s Industrial Vitrine in Metal, Italian Mid-Century Furniture

Located in Milano, IT

Industrial Furniture - Mid-Century Modern Display Vitrine - Collectible Design Offered for sale is a 1960s display vitrine in steel and glass, ...

Category

1960s Italian Industrial Vintage Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Steel

Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Triple Dresser, 1970s

$3,295

H 31.5 in W 76 in D 18.5 in

Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Hollywood Regency Triple Dresser, 1970s

By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie triple dresser or credenza By Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture, "Chin Hua" Collection USA, 1970s Beautiful book-...

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Art Deco French Vitrine in Burl Walnut

$10,000

H 84 in W 59 in D 18 in

Art Deco French Vitrine in Burl Walnut

Located in Houston, TX

Beautiful vitrine is made out of burl walnut wood. It has trapezoid shape top and oval bottom. Sides are covered with curved glass and the front has glass keyed door. Upper part has ...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Burl

Art Deco Vitrine by Max Coini, Walnut & Burl, Dutch Design, 1920s

$8,824

H 65.16 in W 63.19 in D 15.75 in

Art Deco Vitrine by Max Coini, Walnut & Burl, Dutch Design, 1920s

By Max Coini

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School vitrine or display cabinet. Design by Max Coini Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid walnut base with origina...

Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Macassar, Walnut

Mid Century Burl Wood Glass 38" Wide 76" Tall Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine MINT

$3,200

H 76 in W 38 in D 14 in

Mid Century Burl Wood Glass 38" Wide 76" Tall Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine MINT

By Heritage-Henredon, Drexel

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid Century Burl Wood Glass 38" Wide 76" Tall Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Burl

Asian-Influenced Cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture, USA 1970

$3,414

H 77.96 in W 38.19 in D 18.51 in

Asian-Influenced Cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture, USA 1970

By Century Furniture, Raymond Sabota

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

Asian-Influenced Cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture, USA, circa 1970 An exceptional and refined tall cabinet designed by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture of Distinc...

Category

1970s Vintage Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Ebony Wood Vitrine with Italian Custom Made Art Furniture Handles

$5,810

H 80.32 in W 35.44 in D 18.51 in

Neoclassical Ebony Wood Vitrine with Italian Custom Made Art Furniture Handles

By Alexander's Collection, Alexander Anisimov

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Neoclassical Ebony Wood Vitrine with Italian Custom Made Art Furniture Handles Product Overview The Neoclassical Ebony Wood Vitrine from Alexander's Collection is a masterpiece of l...

Category

2010s Hong Kong Neoclassical Revival Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Metal, Silver Leaf

Pair of Dark Burl Wood Lighted Display Curio Cabinets Vitrines Mastercraft MINT

$6,000 / set

H 85 in W 38 in D 18 in

Pair of Dark Burl Wood Lighted Display Curio Cabinets Vitrines Mastercraft MINT

By Mastercraft

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of Dark Burl Wood Lighted Display Curio Cabinets Vitrines Mastercraft MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Burl

Previously Available Items

Chinese Chippendale Syle Vitrines Cabinets Curios by Century Furniture - Pair

Sold

H 76 in W 14 in D 27 in

Chinese Chippendale Syle Vitrines Cabinets Curios by Century Furniture - Pair

By Century Furniture

Located in Kennesaw, GA

From plates to cosmetics to jewelry, make your special things stand out in these beautiful display pieces by Century Furniture. They have Chinese Chippendale styling and a two tone C...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Chinese Chippendale Style Pagoda Form Cabinets / Vitrines by Century, Pair

Sold

H 76.5 in W 26 in D 13 in

Chinese Chippendale Style Pagoda Form Cabinets / Vitrines by Century, Pair

By Century Furniture

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a 1970s pair of Chinese chippendale style pagoda form cabinets by Century Furniture. The finish is original, and the top portions are removable from the bases. They have mirr...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Century Furniture Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Century Furniture vitrines for sale on 1stDibs.

Century Furniture vitrines are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Prices for Century Furniture vitrines can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,395 and can go as high as $2,895, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,145.

Questions About Century Furniture Vitrines

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.
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.
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.
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 defines mid-century modern furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
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 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.