Few friendships last a lifetime, but Milo Baughman (1923–2003) and Thayer Coggin (1922–2003) were united by their desire to craft American furniture with timeless heirloom appeal. Today vintage Thayer Coggin sofas, coffee tables, alluring chrome-framed chairs and other furnishings are recognized as masterpieces of good design and remain highly sought after by collectors near and far.
Having both served in the military during World War II and coming from humble backgrounds — Coggin from Denton, North Carolina, and Baughman from Goodland, Kansas (but raised in California) — they shared a passion for simple, modern design in home furnishings. In 1953, after showing his prescient designs to a number of companies (who turned him down) in the furniture center of High Point, North Carolina, Baughman decided to pay a last-minute visit to Coggin, who had just founded his eponymous brand. After a nearly hour-long meeting in which Coggin shot out of his seat exclaiming he had never seen anything like Baughman's work, the two men shook hands. They would be friends and collaborators for the next 50 years.
Coggin let Baughman pursue his singular vision, while the Thayer Coggin company benefited from its close relationship with the ever more prominent Baughman, the manufacturer’s lead designer and an architect of California modernism who also collaborated with Drexel Furniture, Glenn of California and others during his career.
In 1968, New York Times critic Rita Reif hailed Baughman’s work for its elegance and sophistication. “With this furniture,” she wrote of his new collection, Environment 70 produced by Thayer Coggin, “who needs a decorator?” Baughman’s name became synonymous with sleekly modern, comfortable furniture the whole family could enjoy — stylish seating upholstered with impossibly cozy bouclé fabric and dashing case pieces that reflected the venturesome sensibility associated with mid-century modernism as well as the functionality of the Bauhaus.
Although its founder died in 2003, Thayer Coggin remains an esteemed family-run brand in High Point. Each item of furniture is bench-made by a single craftsperson to ensure “continuity among related pieces,” the company says, and comes in a vast array of upholstery fabrics, wood and metal finishes. Like the friendship that defined it, Thayer Coggin furniture is built to last.
Find a unique collection of new and vintage Thayer Coggin furniture today on 1stDibs.
Vintage Niedermaier Wood and Strap Lounge Chairs - Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional pair of vintage lounge chairs by Niedermaier epitomizes the refined architectural spirit of mid-century design. Crafted with robust wooden frames in a light, natural...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Boho Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Reclining Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Boho Reclining lounge chair. Designed by the iconic Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin and tagged below. Beautiful pale grey upholstery in pristine condition. Acquire...
Metal
Vintage Boho Bielecky Brothers Lounge Chairs With Ottoman
By Bielecky Brothers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional lounge chair and matching ottoman set by the renowned Bielecky Brothers offers the ultimate blend of comfort and high-end Mid-Century Coastal design. Crafted from th...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage Boho Postmodern Lounge Chairs After Donghia - A Pair
By Donghia
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introducing a captivating pair of Vintage Boho Postmodern Lounge Chairs, inspired by the iconic designs of Donghia. These armchairs exude a sophisticated yet relaxed aesthetic, perfe...
Bouclé, Wood
Vintage Boho Christian Liagre Upholstered Arm Chairs - A Pair
By Christian Liaigre
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Experience the pinnacle of understated luxury with this exceptional pair of armchairs by the legendary French designer, Christian Liaigre. Celebrated for his mastery of proportion and quiet elegance, these chairs embody his iconic aesthetic through clean, architectural lines and a strong, geometric form. The chairs are upholstered in a sumptuous, textured pale-yellow fabric that is both visually striking and incredibly soft to the touch. This plush seating is perfectly balanced by a sleek, minimalist black metal frame, which lends the substantial forms an elegant, airy lift. Their generous proportions and deep seats promise unparalleled comfort, making them the perfect statement pieces for a sophisticated living room, a serene library, or a chic executive office. This iconic pair is offered in great vintage condition, with minor scuffs and blemishes consistent with their age and use, preserving their authentic design provenance. Measuring a generous 35" wide and 27" high, with a deep 25" seat, their scale is both commanding and inviting. The timeless design seamlessly integrates into a variety of high-end interiors, from Contemporary and Minimalist to Modern and even Transitional decors. Seize the rare opportunity to own a piece of design history. Make this extraordinary pair of Christian Liaigre chairs...
Metal
Vintage Boho Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Angled Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stunning vintage Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin sofa embodies timeless sophistication with its sculptural curved form and sleek modern design. Upholstered in a classic neutral ...
Metal
Pair of Milo Baughman Lounge Chairs by Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Highland, IN
Baughman at his best, this clean-lined design features architectural frames of chromed steel that support an upholstered seat. Deeply cushioned seats and upholstered arm rests add t...
Steel
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Vintage Mid Century Modern T Back Lounge Chairs
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Denville, NJ
This authentic pair of Milo Baughman lounge chairs for Thayer Coggin showcases the designer’s signature flat-bar chrome frames paired with the original blue upholstery. The chairs fe...
Chrome
Pair Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Lounge Chairs Mid-century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic pair of signed Milo Baughman executive lounge chairs. These are perfect chairs to set on the other side of an executive's or lawyer's desk. They are in need of reupholst...
Chrome, Steel
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Lounge Chairs
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Denton, TX
A very rare pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin lounge chairs. These are an earlier model that include the original labels. These chairs have been restored in a faux teddy bear i...
Walnut
Pair of Streamlined Milo Baughman Flat Wide-Band Leather Chairs
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Glamorous, over-scaled, streamlined pair of chairs from a limited production collection designed Milo Baughman Classic for Thayer Coggin. Originally designed in 1972, these chairs ar...
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of barrel back lounge armchairs with chrome tube frames. Great size and shape, seat height is 18.75, very comfy with chrome in tip top shape. Upholstery is a ...
Chrome
