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.
Fully Restored Jens Risom Walnut & Brass 8-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Danish design icon Jens Risom, this super rare model was made in the USA by his own company: Jens Risom Design Inc. This cabinet rarely comes up for sale, especially in t...
Brass
Awesome Lane Furniture 9-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser in Rosewood & Paldao Walnut
By Lane Furniture, Warren C. Church
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Over my long career in the mid-century modern field, I have owned hundreds of Lane pieces. While they're all nice and I enjoy owning all of them, there are some that rise above. This...
Brass
Restored Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Long Cabient by Red Lion in Sculpted Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
American-designed and made, this dresser features everything that makes mid-century modern furniture what it is: high quality American walnut construction, thoughtful and light desig...
Hardwood, Walnut
Lane Altavista 5-Drawer Cabinet or Dresser in Rosewood & Paldao Walnut
By Lane Furniture, Warren C. Church
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Over my long career in the mid-century modern field, I have owned hundreds of Lane pieces. While they're all nice and I enjoy owning all of them, there are some that rise above. This...
Brass
Lane Altavista Walnut & Rosewood 9 Drawer Long Dresser or Cabinet w/ Chrome Legs
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the United States, this set is reminiscent of Paul McCobb's work with Lane. While no direct attribution exists, we think it's not only possible, but likely, that...
Steel, Chrome
Barney Flagg for Drexel Parallel Carved Walnut 5-Drawer Tall Dresser or Chest
By Barney Flagg, Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Barney Flagg, this dresser was made in the 1960s by Drexel, who was the manufacturer for other high-end designers at the time. This line is made in a unique way: the main...
Walnut
Mid-Century Walnut Dresser Founders Furniture Attributed to Jack Cartwright
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Baltimore, MD
Handsome, richly grained walnut Mid-Century Modern 8 drawer dresser, attributed to Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Company, USA circa 1960’s. Expertly crafted, this absolute j...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall mid-century modern dresser by Jack Cartwright. Six wide dovetail jointed drawers with black metal pulls. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to sho...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Walnut Lowboy 12-Drawer Dresser Mid-Centu
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This substantial dresser features a clean, monolithic silhouette with a flush plinth base. Designed by Jack Cartwright, it offers twelve spacious drawers for comprehensive storage. A...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Walnut
1970s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Walnut Credenza / Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Six Drawer Credenza Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in 1970. It has a case of walnut and features six wide drawers that have Dovetail Joi...
Steel
