Pay a visit to the town of High Point, North Carolina — long the capital of American-made furniture — and, from nearly any location in the city, you’ll see a tall smokestack bearing the name Tomlinson. It’s a name with deep roots there: In 1901, Sidney Halstead Tomlinson, Sr., and his brother founded the Tomlinson Chair Manufacturing Co., producing adaptations of 19th-century European antiques for an enthusiastic American audience. Later the Tomlinson Furniture Company grew rapidly over the ensuing decades, becoming a significant contributor to High Point’s thriving manufacturing economy.
Although Tomlinson began with a focus on antique-style furniture, by the middle of the century the company had adopted aesthetics from the modern style that was rapidly growing in popularity around the world.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Tomlinson Furniture produced coffee tables, storage cabinets and seating in the low-slung, sleek silhouettes that were typically characteristic of what we now know as mid-century modern designs.
Working with designers like John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, the company experimented with materials like woven cane and unique styles such as neoclassical lounge chairs in cherrywood that were seen as thoughtful modern interpretations of Biedermeier furniture.
During the mid-1950s, Tomlinson Furniture introduced its dramatic and decorative Sophisticate line, a collection of case pieces, seating, tables and more, available in a variety of woods. Today, designs that originated in the collection, such as its pecan-framed chairs with seats and backs of woven leather straps, are increasingly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Tomlinson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
$3,995
H 30 in W 80 in D 20 in
Henredon Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Mahogany Dresser or Credenza
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie triple dresser or credenza By Henredon USA, Circa 1970s Walnut, with original Asian-inspired brass hardware. Measu...
Brass
$3,150
H 30.25 in W 78 in D 19 in
Thomasville Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Walnut Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie twelve-drawer long dresser or credenza By Thomasville, "Horizon" Collection USA, 1950s Carved walnut, with origin...
Brass
$3,295
H 31 in W 72 in D 19.25 in
Thomasville Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Walnut Dresser, Circa 1970s
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie long dresser or credenza By Thomasville USA, Circa 1970s Carved walnut, with original Asian-inspired brass hardware. M...
Brass
Vintage Henredon Pine Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Enhance your interior with this masterful Henredon credenza, a perfect marriage of rustic warmth and sophisticated Chinoiserie detail. Crafted from solid knotty pine by one of Americ...
Brass
Chin Hua Dresser Credenza by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Century Chin Hua Dresser Credenza Sideboard buffet or dresser manufactured by Century Furniture as part of the Chin Hua collection from the 1970s. E...
Brass
$925
H 48 in W 40 in D 20.25 in
American of Martinsville Mid-Century Highboy Dresser with Chinoiserie Style
By American of Martinsville
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century highboy dresser by American of Martinsville. This 1960's piece features a bleached mahogany case with 3 small drawers at the top of the case and 4 generously sized drawe...
Brass
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Tomlinson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tomlinson Sophisticate Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This dresser measures: 78 wide x 19.75 deep x 32.5 inches tall We take our photos in a...
Brass
$3,295
H 32.38 in W 74.75 in D 19.5 in
Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Fruitwood Faux Bamboo Credenza
By National Mt. Airy
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie faux bamboo sideboard or credenza By National Mount Airy Furniture Co. USA, Circa 1960s Sculpted bamboo form fruitw...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Chinoiserie Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Brass
$2,100
H 30.75 in W 72 in D 19.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Triple Dresser, Wood & Brass, 1950s Asian Style
Located in Charleston, SC
Mid century Asian modern triple dresser. Minimalist Scandinavian inspired profile with a Chinoiserie flair. Accented with traditional Chinese motifs. Gol...
Brass
