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.
Frederic Weinberg Iron Shelves
By Weinberg, Frederic Weinberg
Located in New Windsor, NY
Iron and masonite three shelf unit designed by Frederick Weinberg. Angle iron construction with the original masonite shelves. Circa 1950-60. Good overall condition. The masonite she...
Iron
Poul Cadovius for Cado Rosewood 3 Bay Danish Modern Shelving Unit
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in New Windsor, NY
Rosewood three bay modular shelving unit designed by Poul Cadovius for Cado. Circa 1968. The Cado System is comprised of 26 separate parts: four wall mounted brackets, 12 shelf supports, three cabinets and seven shelves. There are two drop front cabinets, one for records which includes wire partitions and the other has a mirrored back with white laminate tops and the largest has two doors with a sliding surface for a stereo turntable...
Brass, Metal
1950s Frederic Weinberg Iron End Table or Stacking Shelf
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in New Windsor, NY
A classic 1950s iron and masonite design by Frederic Weinberg. This Weinberg design was specifically made to stand alone or added to by stacking the ...
Iron
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Ash and Laminate Console Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New Windsor, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ash and laminate modular console table. Two white laminate shelves and solid ash open frame low console table. Circa 1960. Signed with gold metal tag, Dunba...
Laminate, Ash
Nils Jonsson Danish Modern Rosewood Six Drawer Dresser
By Nils Jonsson
Located in New Windsor, NY
An exceptional Danish Modern six drawer Rosewood dresser designed by Nils Jonsson. Circa 1960. This piece came out of a very distinguished New York City apartment at Gracie Square ad...
Rosewood
Jean Gillon Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in New Windsor, NY
Large and roomy Brazilian Jacaranda executive desk. Chrome legs and drawer hardware. The four drawers are flush right of the user. High and wide enough from the desk top for loads o...
Chrome, Nickel
1970s Geometrical Chrome Shelving Unit in the Manner of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Bensalem, PA
Uniquely shaped chrome etatgere with recessed smoked glass shelves.
Chrome
1960s Chrome and Walnut Ètagerè
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern étagère or open display shelving unit. Shelves are non-adjustable.
Chrome
Milo Baughman Style Chrome Étagère
By Milo Baughman
Located in Redding, CT
Milo Baughman style chrome étagère with four glass shelves. Great for display piece for living room, office or bedroom. Domed open top makes...
Chrome
Chrome Vitrine in the Hollywood Regency Style
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Chrome and glass vitrine in the Hollywood Regency style. This interesting étagère has a wider lower section with two large glass shelves (17.5" Deep) and three more narrow shelves...
Chrome
Chrome Glass and Oak Etagere in the style of Baughman c. 1970's
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Voguish 1970's Mod chrome etagere shelf unit, with tinted glass insert shelves that rest in oak frames. The etagere features four shelves, a lower, a second ( 25 H ) Middle ( 48...
Chrome
William Watting for Fristho Two-Bay Teak Modular Wall Unit
By William Watting, Fristho
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attributed to William Watting for Fristho, this two-bay modular wall unit is built around three cylindrical teak upright posts that run floor to ceiling, supporting four adjustable s...
Metal, Brass
