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.
Tomlinson Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Club Chair or Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern club chair or lounge chair By Tomlinson USA, 1960 Sculpted walnut frame, with upholstered seat and back. Matching pillow included. Measures: 27....
Upholstery, Walnut
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Cane Dining Armchairs
By Tomlinson
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Mid-Century Modern dining armchairs By Tomlinson, "Sophisticate" Collection USA, Circa 1960s Sculpted walnut, with caned backs and vinyl upholstery Measures...
Cane, Walnut, Faux Leather
Paul McCobb Style Mid-Century Modern Walnut Spindle Back Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern spindle back armchairs or dining captain chairs In the manner of Paul McCobb USA, Circa 1950s Solid sculpted walnut, with upholstered sea...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frames, with caned backs and vinyl upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut High Back Armchairs, Pair
By Broyhill
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern "Brasilia" armchairs or dining captain chairs By Lenoir Chair Company (a subsidiary of Broyhill) USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut frames, with upho...
Upholstery, Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchairs, Pair
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or dining captain chairs By Broyhill Brasilia USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 23.75"W x 21.75...
Upholstery, Walnut
1950's American Design Sculptural Walnut Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
1950's American design sculptural walnut armchairs, fully restored and re-upholstered in Kravet fabric, with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Walnut, Fabric
1950's Sculpted Walnut Lounge Chairs
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950's sculpted walnut lounge chairs. Very well crafted chairs with beautiful wood grain. Newly upholstered in a white Boucle.
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chairs. America circa 1970’s, iconic Mid-Century Modern styling. Beautiful curves and unique shape. Masterfully restored in a rich dark espre...
Fabric, Walnut
1960s Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs with Fruit-Wood Base
By Tomlinson
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of 1960s modern sculptural lounge chairs with fruitwood base and bouclé fabric, fully restored and newly re-upholstered in bouclé fabric, with minor wear and patina du...
Bouclé, Fruitwood
Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs circa the 1960s is all about scale and subtle yet distinct touches. The chairs feature deep seated walnut frames with fluid line...
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Panel Back Sculptural Lounge Arm Chairs - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Frame Upholstered Panel Back Sculptural Lounge Arm ...
Fabric, Walnut
