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.
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Double Dresser by Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Highland, IN
This stunning double dresser by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb is impeccably designed and expertly crafted. The walnut case has is exquisitely detailed with the curved front an...
Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Dresser by Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Highland, IN
This stunning dresser by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb is impeccably designed and expertly crafted. The walnut case has is exquisitely detailed with the curved front and elega...
Walnut
Ib Kofod-Larsen 12 Drawer Cabinet
By Brande Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Brande Møbelfabrik, this teak 12 drawer cabinet is beautifully constructed with dove-tailed drawer fronts with recessed ...
Teak
Torben Strandgaard Four Drawer Danish Teak Dresser
By Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful Danish modern dresser in teak and oak by Torben Strandgaard is finely crafted by Møbelfabriken Falster and beautifully detailed with a chassis base and brass wire pulls. In additional to this smaller four drawer dresser, we have a pair of larger dressers...
Brass
Stow Davis Two Bay Credenza
By Stow Davis
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome credenza by Stow Davis is extremely well built and chock full of pleasing details including flat stock legs that go through the teak case and the slender chrome pulls. ...
Steel
Kipp Stewart "Sun Coast" Cabinet by Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Highland, IN
This very handsome cabinet designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel Furniture is from the "Sun Coast" line. It can serve as a credenza in the dining room or a dresser in the bedroom. It's...
Wood
Jack Cartwright for Founders Chest of Drawers
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low chest of drawers designed by Jack Cartwright in a walnut finish with black accents. Dovetail jointed drawers, warm walnut grain frame, set on solid wood legs. Please confirm loca...
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 Designed Rosewood Dresser for Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional mid-century rosewood dresser from American designer master Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture. Nine ample drawers offer nearly limitless storage options, whether in t...
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern 9 Drawer Dresser by Hooker for Mainline Furniture
Located in Seattle, WA
This mid-century modern nine-drawer dresser is a blend of vintage elegance and functional design, perfect for adding a retro touch to any bedroom or living space. Crafted from warm, ...
Wood
Vintage Lane 1st Edition Mid Century Modern 6-Drawer Dresser
Located in Seattle, WA
A striking example of American Mid Century Modern design, this vintage six-drawer dresser by Lane Furniture of Altavista, Virginia is from the company's highly regarded 1st Edition ...
Wood
Mid-Century Dresser Attributed to John Van Koert for Drexel - 8-Drawer Lowboy.
Located in Seattle, WA
This mid-century modern lowboy dresser is attributed to John Van Koert for Drexel, reflecting the clean lines and refined simplicity associated with his design work for the brand dur...
Wood
