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.
$2,900
H 48 in W 36 in D 12.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit or Shelving Unit in Walnut with Milk Glass Shelves
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very cool asymetrical design book shelf or wall unit circa early 1960's.. The unit features walnut framing with inlayed white milk glass shelving. Great mcm high contrast look with...
Brass
1960s Chrome and Walnut Ètagerè
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern étagère or open display shelving unit. Shelves are non-adjustable.
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A modular wall unit by Stanley featuring walnut veneer cabinets and drawer fronts supported by silver metal frames with adjustable shelves and cabinets. The unit combines an upper ca...
Aluminum
$1,800
H 71 in W 26 in D 14 in
Mid Century Chrome and Walnut Frame Smoked Glass Shelves Lighted Etagere MINT!
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Compact Chrome and Walnut Frame Smoked Glass Shelves Lighted Etagere MINT!
Chrome
$4,541
H 96.86 in W 65.36 in D 18.12 in
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This is a rare American ‘Omni’ modular freestanding shelving system in walnut and aluminium, designed by George Nelson in 1952 and manufactured by Herman Miller, America. The shelvi...
Metal, Aluminum
$481Sale Price|29% Off
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 11.42 in
Mid-Century Modern 1960 Sought after Freestanding Tomado Rack, 3 teak shelves
By Tomado
Located in Markington, GB
Sought after freestanding Tomado rack in very good vintage condition, this rack comes with two black metal laddders and three wooden (teak) shelves . A real rarity and very collectab...
Metal
Price Upon Request
H 80 in W 37 in D 16.75 in
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf
By HG Furniture
Located in Kensington, MD
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf Additional information: Material: Walnut Featured at DC Gorgeous honey-toned walnut that would certainly play wel...
Walnut
$2,593Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 63.59 in W 42.33 in D 19.69 in
Teak Mid-Century Modern Free Standing Shelving Unit with Writing Table, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern freestanding shelving unit. Striking Belgium design from the 1960s. This wonderful Mid-Century Mo...
Iron
$5,658
H 104.34 in W 37.01 in D 17.72 in
Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stylish wall unit bookcase in a pleasant walnut wood with warm tones, great executive quality and attention to detail, the refined line of the lateral black metal supports made up of...
Brass, Iron
$2,520
H 75.65 in W 93.65 in D 13 in
1960s Mid Century Modern Free Standing Walnut Shelving in the Style of Cadovius
Located in Cordova, SC
Quintessential mid century modern shelving. A good staple item for storage. The piece can be painted to match your interior color palette. Is free standing but, I would recommend bra...
Wood
Danish Modern Rosewood Modular Wall Unit / Desk / Display Cabinet
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful vintage rosewood wall unit made in Norway, featuring a clean Scandinavian modern design with excellent storage and display options. This versatile piece includes a built-in...
Rosewood
Merton Gershun Mid Century American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Tall dresser
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...
Brass
Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A very rare Gio Ponti Display Cabinet, Model 2140, produced by Singer & Sons and executed in beautifully grained Italian walnut. This m...
Walnut
John Kapel Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser Glenn of California
By John Kapel
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This distinguished by John Kapel for Glenn of California dresser features a streamlined design with exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials. Notable elements include elegantl...
Walnut
Merton Gershun Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Highboy
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Hooker Furniture Highboy Dresser
By Hooker Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Classic mid-century highboy dresser by Hooker Furniture featuring sculpted wood drawers and a woven sliding door. The left side has three drawers, and the right side reveals three ad...
Cane, Walnut
