Edmond J. Spence Dressers

1911-1986

Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.

Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.

During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.

Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.

Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: Edmond J. Spence

Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edmond J. Spence, c1950s

$5,625Sale Price|25% Off

Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edmond J. Spence, c1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Elevate your living space with a touch of timeless elegance courtesy of this exquisite Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by renowned designer Edmond J. Spence, dating back to...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Edmond J. Spence, Sculptural Highboy, Walnut, Sweden, 1950s

$5,950

Edmond J. Spence, Sculptural Highboy, Walnut, Sweden, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Stamford, CT

Edmund Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Highboy, Walnut, Sweden, 1950s A rare sculptural highboy dresser designed by Edmond Spence and produced in Sweden c. 1950s. Thi...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Edmond J Spence, Swedish Modern, Maple, Rare Wave Dresser, 1950s

$13,000

Edmond J Spence, Swedish Modern, Maple, Rare Wave Dresser, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Stamford, CT

Edmund J Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Burled Maple, Rare "Wave" Dresser, 1950s Swedish modern double dresser or sideboard designed by Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple

Edmond J. Spence Wave Highboy Dresser

$10,000

Edmond J. Spence Wave Highboy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Tall dresser by Edmond Spence, c.1950s, Sweden. The dark stained maple dresser features five drawers with a unique sculpted wave front design. The top of the dresser has two tambour ...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple

Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

$11,750

Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in High Point, NC

A birch dresser designed and produced by American designer Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.25"H x 71.75"W x 20.0"D All items ship...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT!

$6,400

Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT!

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT! Hidden set of fitted drawers inside of inlayed front doors and brass hardware.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

$10,500

Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in High Point, NC

A birch dresser designed and produced by American designer Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.0"H x 78.0"W x 20.0"D All items ship f...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond J. Spence, Scandinavian Modern Birch Dresser

$7,500

Edmond J. Spence, Scandinavian Modern Birch Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in New York, NY

Scandinavian Modern Maple dresser designed by Edmond Spence. Dresser has 6 ample drawers and case features Mid Century Styling. Restored , placement ready. Stamped made in Sweden on ...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond J. Spence Checkerboard Dresser

$2,500

Edmond J. Spence Checkerboard Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This mid-century gentleman's chest was designed by American furniture maker Edmond Spence, and features his famous checkerboard pattern drawers. Full walnut grain throughout, with tw...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Edmond J Spence, Dresser and Nightstands, Burled Maple, Bentwood, Sweden, 1960s

$13,500 / set

Edmond J Spence, Dresser and Nightstands, Burled Maple, Bentwood, Sweden, 1960s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Stamford, CT

Edmund J Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Dresser and Nightstands, Burled Maple, Bentwood, Sweden, 1960s Swedish modern double dresser and pair of nightstands designed by Edmond ...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple

Edmond J. Spence High Boy Dresser

$5,000

Edmond J. Spence High Boy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Denton, TX

Edmund J. Spence High Boy Dresser With sculpted pulls and legs. Edmund J. Spence brought of mix of styles to his designs making them very unique.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Wood

White Lacquer Eight Drawers Mid-Century Modern Double Dresser

$6,200

White Lacquer Eight Drawers Mid-Century Modern Double Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Made in Sweden Edmond Spence design white lacquer double dresser.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

$11,500

Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in High Point, NC

A birch dresser designed and produced by American designer Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s.

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Vintage Edmond Spence Swedish Credenza or Long Dresser Mid Century Modern Style

$2,400

Vintage Edmond Spence Swedish Credenza or Long Dresser Mid Century Modern Style

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Saddle River, NJ

Vintage Edmond Spence Swedish Credenza or Long Dresser in Mid-Century Modern Style This Mid-Century Modern credenza or long dresser by Edmond Spence, crafted in Sweden during the 196...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Wood

Edmond J Spence, Dresser, Burled Maple, Bentwood, Sweden, 1960s

$7,250

Edmond J Spence, Dresser, Burled Maple, Bentwood, Sweden, 1960s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Stamford, CT

Edmund J Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Standard Dresser, Burled Maple, Bentwood, Sweden, 1960s A fully refinished double dresser or sideboard designed by Edmond J. Spence and ...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple

Lacquered Blond Birch 6 Drawer Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dresser Credenza Mint

$11,500

Lacquered Blond Birch 6 Drawer Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dresser Credenza Mint

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Lacquered blond birch 6 drawer Swedish Mid-Century Modern dresser credenza mint.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Vintage Edmond Spence Swedish Tall Highboy Dresser in Mid Century Modern Style

$2,500

Vintage Edmond Spence Swedish Tall Highboy Dresser in Mid Century Modern Style

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Saddle River, NJ

Vintage Edmond Spence Swedish Tall Highboy Dresser in Mid-Century Modern Style This Mid-Century Modern tall highboy dresser by Edmond Spence, crafted in Sweden during the 1960s, show...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden C1953

$3,295

Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden C1953

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fantastic simple and elegant 3 drawer dresser with a two door cabinet above. Have the original paperwork from its sale, original and only owners. In excellent vintage condition with ...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Architectural walnut dresser by Edmond Spence

$9,600Sale Price|20% Off

Architectural walnut dresser by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

A long dresser in walnut designed by Edmond J. Spence and made in Sweden. It features a slightly curved front and three stacks of twelves drawers in total supported by brass-capped f...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Brass

Edmond Spence Wavy Front Bachelor's Chest in Maple

$8,750

Edmond Spence Wavy Front Bachelor's Chest in Maple

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Dallas, TX

Discover the timeless elegance of the Tall Bachelor's Chest by Edmond Spence, c.1950s, Sweden. Despite being an American designer, Spence had most of his pieces, including this exqui...

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Swedish Modern Edmond Spence Brutalust 8-Drawer Dresser

$4,995

Mid-Century Swedish Modern Edmond Spence Brutalust 8-Drawer Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

Make a bold statement with this rare circa 1960s Mid-Century Modern Brutalist 8-drawer dresser, designed by Edmond J. Spence and made in Sweden. The dramatic sculpted drawer fronts c...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Lowboy Dresser

$4,195

Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Lowboy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 54.25 wide x 20.25 deep x 30.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Eight-Drawer Bedroom Dresser

$5,800

Edmond Spence Eight-Drawer Bedroom Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stylish Scandinavian Modern dresser by Edmond J. Spence features spacious side-by-side storage including drawer and shelf space. Quality vintage construction and unique mid-cent...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Wood

Edmond J. Spence, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut, Sweden, 1950s

$6,950

Edmond J. Spence, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut, Sweden, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Stamford, CT

Edmond Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut, Sweden, 1950s A rare sculptural dresser or sideboard designed by Edmond Spence and produced in Sweden c. 1950s...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Dresser with Sculpted Drawer-Length Pulls by Edmond J. Spence

$2,495

Mid-Century Modern Dresser with Sculpted Drawer-Length Pulls by Edmond J. Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Vero Beach, FL

American modern lowboy dresser with six dovetailed drawers and sculpted pulls. A mid-century modern beauty with a distinctive profile by American designer Edmond J. Spence. Spence's ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmund J Spence, Swedish Modern, Maple, Wave Highboy, Sweden, 1950s

$10,000

Edmund J Spence, Swedish Modern, Maple, Wave Highboy, Sweden, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Stamford, CT

Edmond J Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, "Wave" Highboy, Maple, Sweden, 1950s Swedish modern highboy dresser designed by Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden circa 1950s. Thi...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Modern Sculptural Birch 6 Drawer Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden

$3,975

Mid Century Modern Sculptural Birch 6 Drawer Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous elegant and a large sculptural piece of furniture by Edmond Spence c1953 from Sweden. In amazing original condition with minimal wear and was just touched up ever so slightl...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple, Birch

Edmond J. Spence 6 Drawer Dresser

$5,000

Edmond J. Spence 6 Drawer Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Denton, TX

Edmund J. Spence 6 Drawer Dresser With sculpted pulls and legs. Edmund J. Spence brought of mix of styles to his designs making them very unique.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Wood

Edmond Spence Swedish Blond High Boy Gentleman's Chest Dresser 4 Drawers MINT!

$5,400

Edmond Spence Swedish Blond High Boy Gentleman's Chest Dresser 4 Drawers MINT!

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Edmond Spence Swedish Blond High Boy Gentleman's Chest Dresser 4 Drawers 2 Doors Compartment MINT!

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Mid Century Modern Long Dresser Walnut & Birch Made In Sweden

$3,575

Edmond Spence Mid Century Modern Long Dresser Walnut & Birch Made In Sweden

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Beautiful, long elegant dresser by Edmond J. Spence. Six-drawer dresser in walnut with birch pulls, handles. Exceptionally clean and well designed, dovetailed case and bevelled top e...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Edmond Spence Midcentury Maple Highboy Dresser

$3,847

Edmond Spence Midcentury Maple Highboy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Midcentury maple highboy dresser. This highboy measures: 44.25 wide x 18 deep x 45.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Bronze

Edmond Spence Swedish Danish Modern Long Birch 9 Drawers Credenza Dresser MINT

$7,400

Edmond Spence Swedish Danish Modern Long Birch 9 Drawers Credenza Dresser MINT

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Edmond Spence Swedish Danish Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern long birch 9 drawers credenza dresser MINT!.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Lacquered Walnut 6 Drawers Long Dresser Cabinet Credenza Mint!

$7,400

Edmond Spence Lacquered Walnut 6 Drawers Long Dresser Cabinet Credenza Mint!

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Edmond Spence sculptural pierced carved pulls Lacquered walnut 6 drawers long dresser cabinet credenza mint! Sculptural pierced carved pulls.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Maple, Teak

Edmond Spence Designed Gentleman's Chest

$3,500

Edmond Spence Designed Gentleman's Chest

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tall chest of drawers with checkerboard pattern. Designed by Edmond Spence, with Mid-Century Modern lines. Please confirm location NY or NJ.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Honey Amber Tone Finish Edmond Spence High Chest Gentlemen's Dresser Double Door

$6,800

Honey Amber Tone Finish Edmond Spence High Chest Gentlemen's Dresser Double Door

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Honey amber tone finish edmond spence high chest gentlemen's dresser comode double door.

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy Dresser

$3,847

Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38.5 wide x 20.25 deep x 47.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Highboy "Checkerboard" Dresser

$3,000

Edmond Spence Highboy "Checkerboard" Dresser

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Edmond Spence designed midcentury dresser features stunning marquetry combined with carefully sculpted "Checkerboard" front. Four lower drawers offer spacious storage while top ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Edmond J. Spence dressers for sale on 1stDibs.

Edmond J. Spence dressers 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 Edmond J. Spence dressers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dressers by Edmond J. Spence were created in the mid-century modern style in sweden during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dressers by Kai Kristiansen, Arne Vodder, and Westnofa Furniture. Prices for Edmond J. Spence dressers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,450 and can go as high as $14,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,998.