Founders Furniture Company was a short-lived 20th-century American brand that produced enduring mid-century modern designs. The company's streamlined dressers, lounge chairs and coffee tables feature solid wood construction and simple but elegant designs.
The history of Founders Furniture Company began in 1946 when it was established as a subsidiary of Knoll Inc., an esteemed manufacturer known mainly at the time for its pioneering workplace furniture — largely owing to the work of visionary designer Florence Knoll — so it launched Founders as its residential division.
During its years of operation, Founders hired celebrated American modernist designers like Milo Baughman and David Parmelee, who created sleek commodes and sideboards in mahogany and rosewood for the brand. Michigan native Jack Cartwright, a designer at Heritage during the 1950s, also worked at Founders as head designer before moving on to start his eponymous furniture company in 1963.
Founders continued operations until 1965 when Thomasville Furniture acquired it. Established in 1904 in North Carolina — home to other iconic mid-century brands such as Drexel and Broyhill — Thomasville expanded significantly during the 1960s and purchased several other American furniture manufacturers.
Today, the timeless styles and exceptional craftsmanship associated with Founders Furniture Company pieces continue to render them desirable even for today’s interiors.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Founders case pieces, seating, tables and more.
David Parmalee for Founders Eight-Drawer Cabinet Rosewood and Black
By David Parmelee, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Miami, FL
Well-proportioned eight-drawer cabinet for jewelry or anything else. Black and Rosewood veneer.
Wood
$7,200
H 58 in W 28 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Tall 8 Drawers Ebonized Mahogany Lingerie High Chest Dresser
By Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Compact design unmarked most likely Dunbar or Harvey Prober chest with solid brass round drop pulls.
Mahogany
Mid-Century Low Chest by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 8-drawer low chest with dark stained trim, walnut drawer fronts and cabinet, and brass interlocking ring drawer pulls. (MICHAEL TAYLOR FOR BAKER FURNITURE CO.).
Metal, Brass
Michael Taylor for Baker Dresser
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautifully detailed four drawer dresser by Michael Taylor for Baker, New World collection. Stunning finish and spacious drawers add to the vintage mo...
Walnut
Founders Mid Century Dresser by Jack Cartwright
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Mid Century four drawer dresser in a very well grained clear birch with dark chocolate brown drawer fronts . The chromed U shaped finger pulls give detail to the dark color and wit...
Birch
Ramseur Chest of Drawers
By Ramseur Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall chest of drawers by Ramseur Furniture Company. Five wide drawers with wood handles. * 2 dressers are available - listing is for 1 * Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Mid-Century Highboy Dresser by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish vintage highboy dresser features ebonized finish, iconic drawer pulls, and spacious storage space. Unique piece designed by Michael Taylor for Baker furniture is perfect...
Wood
$3,247Sale Price|20% Off
H 60.63 in W 41.15 in D 20.48 in
LARGE ROBERT IDOL DESIGN FOR LANE HOME FURNiSHINGS TALLBOY CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, Robert Idol Designed for Lane Home Furnishings, Walnut & Rosewood tallboy chest of drawers wi...
Walnut, Pine
Mid-Century Modern Wood and Black Lacquer Chest, Commode
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome and classily simple, this three-drawer chest has been restored in a high polish finish.
Wood
Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Iconic Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Crafted with timeless elegance, this piece boasts clean lines, rich wood grain, and sleek brass accents. Perf...
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six-Drawer Dresser
By Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Drawer Dresser . Nicely configured shallow to deep graduated drawers . Each drawer front angled over the next .
Walnut, Wood
Fine long low twelve drawer Directional Furniture custom collection dresser
By Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Another fine piece of furniture from Directional furniture . Home to so many modernist designers . Kagen , McCobb , Baughman ,Evans . This dresser part of the Directional Custom Coll...
Brass
Rare Donald Deskey American Art Deco Moderne Chest
By Donald Deskey
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco chest by Donald Deskey for Valentine Seaver Furniture.
Aluminum
Chest of Drawers on Hairpin Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Ferndale, MI
Chest of drawers on hairpin legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Scarce Wormley Design. Measures: 45" wide also available.
Birch, Walnut
Bernhard Pederson and Son Tambour Front Rosewood Gentlemans Chest
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large impressive tambour front gentlemen chest. Nicely grained Rosewood panels on all four sides. Interior is fitted with dovetailed drawers and shelves. Tambour door is fitted so n...
Rosewood
Art Deco era black lacquer gentleman's chest with burl front doors and top
By Walter Dorwin Teague
Located in Ferndale, MI
Sleek Art Deco gentleman's chest, in the style of Walter Dorwin Teague, American, circa 1930s. Nicely refinished matte black lacquered cabinet holds five drawers behind Burl wood do...
Lucite, Burl
