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.
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to sho...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Style Mid Century Walnut Credenza with Hutch
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Style Mid Century Walnut Credenza with Hutch The credenza measures: 59.75 wide x 18 deep x 31 inches high The hutch measures: 59.75 wide x 12 deep x 36 ...
Glass, Walnut
Jack Cartwright Style Ramseur Midcentury Walnut and Brass Highboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Ramseur Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright Style Ramseur midcentury walnut and brass highboy dresser This highboy measures: 44 wide x 18 deep x 45.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what...
Brass
Arne Vodder Style Mid Century Danish Teak Armoire
By Arne Vodder
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Vodder Style Mid Century Danish Teak Armoire This armoire measures: 32 wide x 18 deep x 45.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled...
Teak
Lane Acclaim Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Acclaim Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 43.75 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Finish wear throughout. Scratches and Marks on...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Dresser
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall mid-century modern dresser by Jack Cartwright. Six wide dovetail jointed drawers with black metal pulls. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by Jack Cartwright for Founders Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Has a ...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This cabinet was made in the 1970s by Founders after a design by Jack Cartwright, one of the most prolific designers of the 20th century modern scene. Featuring pleasant proportions,...
Brass
1960s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Walnut Highboy Dresser Refinished
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Six Drawer Highboy Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in 1965. It has a case of walnut and features six drawers that have Dovetail Joints. I...
Steel
Midcentury Walnut Jack Cartwright for Founders Highboy Tall Dresser Refinished
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Baltimore, MD
Handsome, richly grained walnut mid-century modern 6 Drawer tall dresser, attributed to Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Company, USA circa 1960’s. Expertly crafted, this absol...
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
