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.
Vintage Nightstands Chests Briar Burl Wood by Hickory White
By Hickory White
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a MCM pair of vintage Hickory white "Briar" 3 drawer burl wood with...
Brass
$4,500 / set
H 23.25 in W 26 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Brass Nightstands by Founders for Thomasville
By Thomasville, Founders Furniture Company
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A striking pair of mid-century modern burl wood nightstands / chest of drawers by Founders for Thomasville, produced in the United States during the 1970s. The clean rectilinear form...
Brass
$2,995
H 24.25 in W 24 in D 16 in
Hickory Manufacturing Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Nightstands - Pair
By Hickory Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hickory Manufacturing Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 24 wide x 16 deep x 4.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Minor Areas of Stai...
Brass
Mastercraft Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Nightstands - Pair
By Mastercraft
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mastercraft Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 28 wide x 20 deep x 24 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Cloudiness and Minor Marks in Cl...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Style Burl Dressers
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-century style burl dressers with four drawers each with polished brass turned knobs with a hand rubbed warm brown finish with subtle distressing and raised on square tapered legs...
Brass
$3,847 / set
H 20.25 in W 26 in D 17 in
Milo Baughman Style Lane Mid Century Burlwood Nightstands - Pair
By Lane Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman Style Lane Mid Century Burlwood Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 26 wide x 17 deep x 20.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio ...
Burl
$2,995 / set
H 25 in W 28 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Burl Nightstands by White Furniture, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of high-quality Mid 20th century Modern nightstands by White Furniture of Mebane, expertly crafted of walnut burled and banded construction with three spacious drawers. The in...
Brass
$4,500 / set
H 24.25 in W 28 in D 28 in
Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Walnut Bedside Chests, Refinished
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie nightstands or chests of drawers Attributed to T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings By Widdicomb USA, 1950s Scul...
Brass
Edmond Spence Wavy Front Nightstands in Birch
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
Introduce timeless elegance to your bedroom with Edmond Spence's Wavy Front Nightstands in Birch, exclusively available at circa20c. These mid-century modern masterpieces beautifully...
Birch
Mid-Century Style Burl Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-century style burl dresser with four drawers each with polished brass turned knobs with a hand rubbed warm brown finish with subtle distressing and raised on square tapered legs ...
Brass
Pair 1950s Italian Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1950s Italian nightstands with mirror top featuring maple hardwoods, brass hardware and sabots.
Brass
Pair Italian Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
A lovely pair of 1950s Italian burl wood nightstands featuring two doors, glass top with brass knobs and sabots.
Brass
Pair 1970s Katline Macassar Nightstands Adalberto Caraceni for Modernindustria
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1970s Italian modern Katline Macassar nightstands designed by Adalberto Caraceni for Modernindustria, each featuring an open shelf and draw...
Brass
Albano Sycamore Chest, 1950s
By Albano
Located in Houston, TX
Sycamore chest by Albano, 1950s, United States (New York). The rectilinear case is fitted with four drawers veneered in figured sycamore and mounted with brass hardware, raised on sh...
Brass
Pair 1950s French Lacquered Maple Occasional Side Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of chic 1950s French lacquered maple occasional side tables with a single drawer and polished brass hardware.
Brass
Pair 1940s French Ebonized Directoire Style End Table Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1940s French ebonized Directoire style end tables composed of black lacquered wood, white marble top, and brass hardware and sabots.
Marble, Brass
