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.
Miraculous ALL ARM Set of 12 Walnut Danish Style Chairs by Tomlinson, c 1958
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large set of rare examples is Unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally r...
Leather, Walnut
Miraculous Set of 8 Walnut Danish Leather Strap Chairs by Tomlinson, c 1958
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. An i...
Leather, Walnut
Miraculous Set of 12 Vintage Walnut Danish Leather Strap Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. This l...
Leather, Walnut
Miraculous Set of 14 Vintage Walnut Danish Leather Strap Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. This l...
Leather, Walnut
Miraculous Set of 14 Vintage Walnut Danish Leather Strap ARM Chairs by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large set of rare examples is Unique on the World market. The set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally ...
Leather, Walnut
Stellar Set of 8 Walnut Dining Chairs by Michael Taylor for Baker, circa 1955
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
A magnificent meticulously restored set of eight (8) dining chairs from a boutique series by the esteemed Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, circa 1955. There are two (2) host and six (6) side chairs; host arm height is 24.25 inches. Taylor's masterful design executed in the superior walnut selected for this particular production, resulted in some of the finest dining chair examples produced during the 1950s. As with most Taylor seating designs, the chairs are extremely comfortable. Stout, exceptionally crafted and intended for heavy regular use. Organic perfection. From a time when the Lincoln Continental...
Walnut
Set of Six Mid-Century Tomlinson Dining Chairs, Walnut
By Tomlinson
Located in Trenton, NJ
This distinguished set of six dining chairs by Tomlinson Furniture Company of High Point, North Carolina represents the finest tradition of American mid-century modern furniture-maki...
Wood
J. Stuart Clingman for Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
J. Stuart Clingman for Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19.5 wide x 18 deep x 38 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches Each capta...
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s Set of 6 Mid-Century Danish Design Teak Dining Chairs
Located in Wesseling, DE
Elegant set of six Danish dining chairs crafted in the 1960s. The chairs feature beautifully shaped backrests with a gently curved silhouette, highlighting the refined craftsmanship...
Teak
Set of 6 Danish Teak Dining Chairs Attributed to Erik Buch, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant set of six Danish teak dining chairs attributed to Erik Buch and produced in the 1960s. Featuring a light and refined design with excellent seating comfort. The chairs are in...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Walnut & Cane Dining Chair by American of Martinsville, 6 pcs
Located in Plainview, NY
A set of six Mid Century Modern dining chairs, a testament to the refined craftsmanship of the American Furniture Co of Martinsville, VA. This co...
Cane, Walnut
Set of 6 Teak and Bouclé Dining Chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, 1960s
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Jutex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous set of six (6) dining chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Jutex (1960s Denmark) is comprised of two armchairs and four side chairs. Some of the many things that make th...
Bouclé, Teak
