Milo Baughman was one of the most agile and adept modern American furniture designers of the late 20th century. A prolific lecturer and writer on the benefits of good design — he taught for years at Brigham Young University — Baughman (whose often-scrambled surname is pronounced BAWF-man) focused almost exclusively on residential furnishings, such as chairs, sofas and benches. He had a particular talent for lounge chairs, perhaps the most sociable piece of furniture.
Like his fellow adoptive Californians Charles and Ray Eames, Baughman’s furniture has a relaxed and breezy air. He was famously opposed to ostentatious and idiosyncratic designs that were made to excite attention. While many of his chair designs are enlivened by such effects as tufted upholstery, Baughman tended to let his materials carry the aesthetic weight, most often relying on seating and table frames made of sturdy and sleek flat-bar chromed metal, and chairs, tables and cabinets finished with highly-figured wood veneers.
Like his colleagues Karl Springer and the multifarious Pierre Cardin, Baughman’s designs are emblematic of the 1970s: sleek, sure and scintillating.
As you will see from the furniture presented on 1stDibs, Milo Baughman’s designs for the likes of Drexel Furniture, Glenn of California and — for five decades — Thayer Coggin are ably employed as either the heart of a décor or its focal point.
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.
Paul McCobb Mahogany Side Table with Brass X Cross Stretcher c. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Smart and elegant mid century modern mahogany side table with sexy brass X cross stretcher designed by none other than top furniture designer of the time Paul McCobb. Simple lines ma...
Brass
Tall Guy Lefevre Style Brass Mid Century Pedestal with Brown Smoked Glass Top
By Guy Lefevre
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A bam of glam! Brass pedestal (possibly by Guy Lefevre) is tall, so please be sure to review the measurements for scale. Perfect for rooms with high ceilings or elegant entries where...
Brass
Alessandro for Baker Asian Modern Faux Malachite Finish Console, circa 1980
By Alessandro for Baker Furniture, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This Baker Furniture console is by acclaimed designer Alessandro Gabrielli Gambalogna globally regarded as a master of faux finish techniques - here a faux hand applied malachite finish...
Malachite
Danish Modern Rosewood Free Standing Flip Top Dry Bar c. 1960s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Mid Century Danish Modern 1960s Rosewood Dry Bar goes from proper to party in just two flips. When not in use, the bar is understated and unassuming in keeping with Danish Modern style. When the clock strikes Cocktail Hour, it easily transforms into a functional bar with presence in any room. Drop it into your entertaining space, pair with a Mid Century Ice Bucket and some garnishes, and experience that Mid Century Modern elegance and convenience. Serve and refresh cocktails in place and enjoy uninterrupted conversation and fare. This Danish Modern Bar is finished with sexy impermeable black parchment marbled surfaces that make clean up easy and also protect and preserve the bar's underlying wood structure. Two extending shelves with borders double the counter space and protect glassware, bottles and other barware from falling. A slightly elevated central bar top serves as a stage to show off your Mixology skills. Large storage compartment below to quickly restock and keep the party going. Need some mid century modern glasses and barware to complete the look? We've got you covered. Our shop offers an extensive line and we're happy to help. Message us for details. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Barware and accessories shown not included but available in our shop - Set of 3 Design Institute of America Brass Stools in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1980 Midcentury 22-Karat Hand Painted Bamboo Tumbler Glasses, Set of 6, circa 1965 Midcentury 22-Karat Hand Painted Bamboo Rocks Glasses, Set of 6, circa 1965 Midcentury Greek Key 22K Gold Set...
Rosewood
Post Modern Curtis Jeré Brass and Smoked Glass Pedestal Signed 1984
By Curtis Jeré, C. Jeré Artisan House
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Any object placed atop this 1984 Curtis Jeré Pedestal is highlighted and enhanced. Sophisticated glamour from every angle. This sultry Post Modern pedestal features concave angled sides that float over a similarly shaped black base. The brass glows warmly and with distinction. Smoked Glass top sets a dark backdrop and brings attention to the object displayed. A chic modern pedestal that will enhance and elevate the design esthetic of any room. Signed Jeré 1984. Accessories pictured not included. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop- Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair & Custom Ottoman in Ivory Holly Hunt Alpaca Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs in Soft Camel Teddy Bear Fabric Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass and Glass Ming Coffee Table c. 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Ming tables have adorned royalty for dynasties and with this brass 1970s Ming coffee table by Mastercraft you can see why. Wide brass Asian Ming legs curve out and away from the coffee table with a sense of optimism and prosperity. They anchor the chic coffee and gently glow. Scrolled feet finish and accentuate the flowing legs. See photo 2 to really grasp how this table glows and incorporates surrounding pieces in its brass reflections. Thick tempered beveled glass with cut corners to highlight those forward arching legs. Glass sits atop a split brass square base. The lower table base section angles in purposeful symmetry with the tables legs for uninterrupted lines and reflections. A table fit for royalty dressed in modern couture. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop - Pair of Large Donghia Slipper Chairs Newly Upholstered in Ivory Tiger Velvet Rotating Top Maitland Smith Tessellated Travertine Side Tables with Brass Inlay Adrian Pearsall Angular Settee in Cafe au Lait Bouclé c. 1980 Pair of Hollywood Regency 22k Gold Painted Vases...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Black Lacquer Sideboard
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
One of his iconic designs, a restored in black lacquer sideboard by Milo Baughman. Sideboard features a floating case piece that includes three doors with shelving and silverware sto...
Chrome
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Credenza
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 18.25 deep x 34.5 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Veneer Chips and S...
Chrome
French Mid-Century Modern Credenza /Console / Sofa Table by Jacques Quinet, 1970
By Jacques Quinet
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant French Mid-Century console /sofa table / credenza by Jacques Quinet in the Modern Neoclassical spirit with double drawers in patinated and laminated wood set on a ...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza with Brass base for Calvin Group
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Dark brown Mahogany with folding front doors sideboard or credenza. Behind the folding doors are 2 Drawers and 2 adjustable shelves in a dark brown finish. Sits on...
Brass
1960s Mid Century Italian Brass Sideboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian mid century sideboard made with fully brass base and openable top with dark glasses. The sideboard can be used as a storage and is in vintage conditions. An elegant...
Brass
Barbara Barry for Baker Mid Century Gold Leaf Cabinet Credenza
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Mid Century Gold Leaf Cabinet Credenza This cabinet measures: 49.25 wide x 18.75 deep x 35.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio...
Gold Leaf
