Pay a visit to the town of High Point, North Carolina — long the capital of American-made furniture — and, from nearly any location in the city, you’ll see a tall smokestack bearing the name Tomlinson. It’s a name with deep roots there: In 1901, Sidney Halstead Tomlinson, Sr., and his brother founded the Tomlinson Chair Manufacturing Co., producing adaptations of 19th-century European antiques for an enthusiastic American audience. Later the Tomlinson Furniture Company grew rapidly over the ensuing decades, becoming a significant contributor to High Point’s thriving manufacturing economy.
Although Tomlinson began with a focus on antique-style furniture, by the middle of the century the company had adopted aesthetics from the modern style that was rapidly growing in popularity around the world.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Tomlinson Furniture produced coffee tables, storage cabinets and seating in the low-slung, sleek silhouettes that were typically characteristic of what we now know as mid-century modern designs.
Working with designers like John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, the company experimented with materials like woven cane and unique styles such as neoclassical lounge chairs in cherrywood that were seen as thoughtful modern interpretations of Biedermeier furniture.
During the mid-1950s, Tomlinson Furniture introduced its dramatic and decorative Sophisticate line, a collection of case pieces, seating, tables and more, available in a variety of woods. Today, designs that originated in the collection, such as its pecan-framed chairs with seats and backs of woven leather straps, are increasingly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Tomlinson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Dining Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six mid-century dining chairs by Tomlinson for their 'Sophisticate' series. Strong wood frames with padded seats. Two armchairs, four side chairs. Please confirm location NY o...
Maple
Mid-Century Set of High Back Dining Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish set of four matching dining chairs offer a shapely vinyl covered seat, with comfortable high backs. Hardwood walnut frames with tapered legs and clean modern lines add t...
Wood
$5,395Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 37.75 in W 21.75 in D 18.25 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Huntington, NY
A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.
Naugahyde, Walnut
Midcentury Dining Chairs by Young Manufacturing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six mid-century dining chairs. Walnut wood frames with black vinyl seats. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Walnut
$2,995 / set
H 33 in W 19.25 in D 20.75 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Set of Five
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East Collection" USA, Circa 1950s Solid carved walnut frames, with upholste...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,600 / set
H 36.5 in W 23 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville, Set of 6
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unusual set of midcentury dining chairs manufactured by the American Furniture Company of Martinsville, Virginia. This set includes four side chairs and two armchairs. Handsomely scu...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,650 / set
H 38 in W 18 in D 20 in
4 American Modern Tomlinson Sophisticate Tall Back Dining Chairs Mid-century
By Tomlinson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish set of 4 tall back American modern Tomlinson Sophisticate dining chairs. I love the round seat pads and sexy tall backs.
Upholstery
$2,195 / set
H 36 in W 19.25 in D 20.25 in
Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture, Victor Wilkins
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 6 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. "Fresco" series designed by Victor B Wilkins for G Plan. Maker's label on bottoms. This set is in excellent condition ...
Wood
$1,550 / set
H 36.25 in W 19 in D 20.25 in
Set of 4 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Nathan
By Nathan Furniture
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 4 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. By Nathan Furniture. Remnant of maker's label on bottoms. This set is in excellent condition with brand new black vega...
Wood
Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 6 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. This set is in excellent condition with brand new black vegan leather upholstery and few signs of age-related wear (see ...
Wood
Set of Six Mid-Century Tomlinson Dining Chairs, Walnut
By Tomlinson
Located in Trenton, NJ
This distinguished set of six dining chairs by Tomlinson Furniture Company of High Point, North Carolina represents the finest tradition of American mid-century modern furniture-maki...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Heywood-Wakefield M 154 Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Trenton, NJ
Produced by Heywood-Wakefield during the peak of mid-20th-century design, this set of six dining chairs showcases the company's influential legacy in American organic modernism. Comp...
Wood
Set of Six American Mid-Century Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Trenton, NJ
A complete set of six American mid-century walnut dining chairs from the 1960s, comprising two armchairs and four matching side chairs. The back design is the defining feature of the...
Wood
Set of Six Vintage Modern Highback Dining Chairs, Upholstered Wood
By Pulaski Furniture Corporation
Located in Trenton, NJ
This set of six vintage modern highback dining chairs is the perfect blend of mid-century style and modern comfort. The funky retro upholstery gives these chairs a unique edge, addin...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Walnut High-Back Dining Chairs, attr. Young Manufacturing, Set of 6
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Trenton, NJ
Produced during the height of mid-century design, this suite of six dining chairs by Young Manufacturing exemplifies sculptural refinement and material integrity in American modernis...
Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Highback Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Six
By American of Martinsville
Located in Trenton, NJ
A stellar exemplar of mid-20th-century American furniture production, this set of six highback dining chairs reflects the structural innovation and premium materials of circa-1960s d...
Wood
