Designer and architect Greta Magnusson Grossman first gained fame in her native Sweden, where she established her store and workshop and became the first woman to receive a prize for furniture design from the Swedish Society of Industrial Design. In 1940, she married jazz musician Billy Grossman and moved to Los Angeles.
Upon her arrival in Southern California, she opened the Magnusson Grossman Studio on Rodeo Drive and rapidly became popular among the Hollywood elite, including Greta Garbo and Gracie Allen.
In addition to creating iconic furniture and lighting — like the Grasshopper series for Barker Bros. or the Cobra lamp for Ralph O. Smith — Magnusson Grossman designed 14 homes in the Los Angeles area inspired by the Case Study Houses.
Combining her Scandinavian roots with laid-back West Coast style, Magnusson Grossman became a notable contributor to California modernism.
Find a range of vintage Greta Magnusson Grossman table lamps, floor lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Credited for being at the forefront of the West Coast modernist design movement, Glenn of California introduced a relaxed, breezy and elegant style to postwar America. The company was based in Arcadia, California, a city situated near Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. It specialized in the production of easily accessible and reasonably affordable furnishings that included credenzas, chairs, cabinets, tables and more.
However, it wasn’t until Glenn of California hired the prolific American furniture designer Milo Baughman that the company made a name for itself in the annals of American mid-century modern design. Baughman prioritized function — he worked with simple forms and often used sleek, flat-bar chromed metal and natural materials such as walnut in his pieces.
Glenn of California marketed Baughman’s designs along with those of unsung Swedish architect and designer Greta Magnusson Grossman in their successful California Modern collection. The first woman to receive an award from the Swedish Society of Industrial Design, Magnusson Grossman drew on her Scandinavian heritage to create iconic homes as well as furnishings for Glenn and other companies that helped define mid-century-era Southern California. The furniture she and Baughman designed became known for its laid-back Los Angeles style and thoughtful integration of walnut, iron and Formica.
In addition to employing the talents of Baughman and Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California collaborated with several other notable and influential designers. These included Stanley Young, Kipp Stewart, John Kapel and Paul Laszlo. Laszlo, an American-Hungarian architect, interior designer and furniture designer, was well-regarded among Hollywood’s elite and designed pieces for Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck and Elizabeth Taylor.
While the company is no longer in business, vintage Glenn of California furniture remains highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Discover a range of vintage Glenn of California dressers, dining tables, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Dining Table by Michael van Beuren for Domus
By Michael van Beuren, Domus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer Michael van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This example is a dining t...
Rattan, Pine
George Nakashima Walnut Dining Table for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut dining table by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s for their "Origins" collection. The table features a tapered rectangular top with ...
Walnut
Finn Juhl Drop Leaf Table for Baker
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finn Juhl walnut drop leaf table for Baker Furniture, c.1950s, USA. The asymmetrical table is a perfect height for an entryway, behind a sofa or in front of the bed. The drop leaf op...
Walnut
Teak Dining Table with Lazy Susan for Sun Cabinet Company
By Sun Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Teak dining table for Sun Cabinet Company, Thailand. The table features a flush-set, rotating lazy susan black granite disk at the tables center. The table is supported by four solid...
Granite
Arne Jacobsen Coffee Table for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen Coffee Table for Fritz Hansen, c.1950s, Denmark. The coffee table features a teak table top and chrome base. Dimensions 59" width x 25" depth x 19" height. Condition...
Chrome
George Nelson Expandable Coffee Table for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson expandable coffee table for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. The unique table features a stained maple table top and four ebonized legs. The two shorter sides of the table ...
Laminate, Maple
Milo Baughman Dining Table by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Highland, IN
This classic mid-century dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional takes a simple, rectilinear form and dresses it up with bands of mixed wood veneers. The 72" long tabl...
Wood
Danish Vintage Dining Table by Gunni Omann
By Gunni Omann
Located in London, GB
A stunning Danish vintage dining table by Gunni Omann. It was recently imported from Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. The quality is exceptional, it has a gorgeous colour tone an...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Expanding Dining Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing the exquisite vintage expanding dining table from the renowned designer Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. This timeless piece, part of The Irwin Collection, showcases exceptional design and superior craftsmanship. Crafted in the 1950s in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this table features a spacious surface supported by solid mahogany legs and brass tone stretchers, adding a unique touch to its classic design. The table comes with two extensions, each measuring 15", allowing the table to extend to a generous 101.5" when fully expanded. Perfect for accommodating unexpected guests, this dining table is a true statement of both style and functionality. If you're interested, we also have the matching dining chairs and credenza available to complete the look. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you purchase vintage furniture from Danish Modern NoHo...
Brass
Italian Mid Century Modern Dassi Dining Table By Edmondo Palutari
Located in Westport, CT
A wonderful, sleek, and angular extendable dining table designed by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi Mobili Moderni. The table features a tapered rectangular top with two leaves veneered ...
Walnut
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller gate leg dining table George Nelson Vintage 1950s Walnut Gate Leg Dining Table By Herman Miller. George Nelson Designed This Table For Herman Miller In The 1950s With A Special Wide Wood Hinge And Double Gate Leg For Stability. This Table Is Considered An Iconic Mid Century Modern Design. This Fabulous Design Is Essentially 3 Modern Tables In 1. 1. A Small Dining Table. 2. A Desk or Work Table With 1 Leaf In The Up Position. 3. A Large Dining Table - Fully Extended - Seating 6 or More . This Original Walnut George Nelson Gate Leg Table...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Dining Table by Studio Moscatelli, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Dining Table by Studio Moscatelli ,1950s
Wood
