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.
Mid-Century Two Tier Coffee Table
Located in Trenton, NJ
This stylish midcentury coffee table features a striking matched wood finish with sturdy chrome frame. The two tier design features substantial vintage construction...
Chrome
California Modernist Coffee Table by Manuel Martin, 1944
Located in Coronado, CA
A California modernist coffee table constructed in mahogany by Los Angeles based furniture maker Manuel Martin. This early modernist table was made in 1944 and features a solid wood ...
Wood
Midcentury Coffee Table of Great Form in the Style of Persal
Located in Buchanan, MI
Midcentury coffee table of great form in the style of Persal.
Wood
American Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood coffee table designed and produced in the USA, c. 1950s. Minor natural cracking to surface. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 15.75"H x 43.5"W x...
Wood
Mid-Century Coffee Table by McIntosh
Located in London, England
Mid-Century circular coffee table by McIntosh. Lovely, flamed veneer on the top. Some replaced veneer and re-polished. U.K circa 1960.
Walnut
Mid-Century Danish Coffee Table
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A mid-century coffee table. Two tiered with lower magazine rack. Solid teak. Dimensions: H 44.5cm W 130cm D 57.5cm Origin: Danish Date: Circa 1960 Item Number: 2111243 All of o...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Tapered Legs
Located in Trenton, NJ
This simple yet striking mid-century coffee table features clean modern lines and vintage wood construction with dark finish. Tapered legs and sturdy build make this perfect as a sof...
Wood
Large Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
Made from hardwood this impressive coffee table, boasts a gorgeous grain and colour as well as thoughtful design and intricate design features. This large table is beautifully const...
Wood
Mid-Century Two-Tier Coffee Table
Located in Weesp, NL
Two-tier wooden mid-century coffee table in great condition. A stylish and sophisticated coffee table that fits nicely into just about any living room. This beauty will be shipped o...
Wood
$4,000
H 16.25 in W 66.25 in D 18 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Coffee Table - Far East Collection - Mid-Century Modern
By Michael Taylor
Located in St. Louis, MO
Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection from the 1950s, coffee table two-tone finish with brass double rings and feet. Excellent original condition. Can be ebonized for addition...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern coffee table featuring rich walnut grain on a set of sturdy legs. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Vintage Modern Coffee Table by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury coffee table by Lane Furniture Company, circa 1960s. Ample table surface area, uniquely sculpted legs, one drawer un...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern maple coffee table features a rectangular top with splayed and tapered legs underneath. A stylish design by Paul McCo...
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Benck Fine Furniture
By Benck Fine Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage cane front coffee table by Benck Fine Furniture of New York. Featuring inlayed top, spacious front drawer, and sculpted and metal capped legs. Please confirm locati...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut coffee table. Rather than your common long and narrow coffee table, this coffee table is closer to a square. Please confirm item pickup location (New York...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Oak Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern coffee table featuring an inlayed top and rich oak wood grain throughout. Please confirm item location with dealer.
Oak
