Barbara Barry intends for her furniture designs to connect people to the splendor of the natural world around them. Her lounge chairs, tables and other pieces reflect the influence of the Hollywood Regency style as well as Barry’s admiration for organic materials and the subdued color palettes of the great outdoors. Simple and calming, her furniture is quietly elegant and has garnered Barry renown worldwide as a leader in interior design.
A native of California, Barry was surrounded by artists from the moment she was born and credits her mother with instilling a strong sense of confidence in her. Barry’s mother, a painter, encouraged her to nurture her creative impulses. The designer initially pursued a degree in art — she is an active painter today — but quickly eschewed the norms of formal education, leaving school to travel through Europe.
While traveling, Barry fell in love with the wines and cheeses of the cities she visited, inspiring her to open her own cheese shop in Mendocino upon her return to California. Her predilection for interior design quickly began to show itself as she went about setting up and running her store, and Barry began drawing designs for her own furniture. She moved to Los Angeles and established her own design firm in 1985.
Working with small local businesses to get her pieces made, she became more passionate about expressing herself through her furniture and quickly amassed a following for her work. Today, for its thoughtful merge of clean lines, 1940s Hollywood glamour and the soft palettes of the sea, sky and foliage of her state, her understated furniture is an international success.
Barry is expressly opposed to the use of patterns, opting instead for solid neutrals that pair well with warm brass or vintage bronze lighting fixtures and allow for the colors in a painting on the living room wall to pop. She is focused on bringing harmony and order into a space, and her minimalist designs — acid-washed mahogany side tables, armchairs with dark stained rattan backrests — are sought after by A-list celebrities, politicians and leading manufacturers alike. Barry has created exclusive furniture collections and home decor for legendary brands including Baker Furniture, McGuire Furniture Company and others.
Find Barbara Barry decorative objects, seating, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
Owing to the company’s collaborations with many leading designers and artists over time, vintage Baker furniture is consistently sought after today. The heritage brand’s chairs, dining tables, desks and other pieces are widely known to collectors and design enthusiasts for their fine craftsmanship and durability.
Within a few decades of its launch, Baker Furniture Company evolved into one of the largest and most important furniture manufacturers in the United States and became known for its high-quality production standards. Siebe Baker and business partner Henry Cook founded the original iteration of Baker Furniture Company in 1890 in Allegan, Michigan, after immigrating to the United States from the Netherlands. Allegan is a small town west of Grand Rapids, which, at that time was home to Widdicomb Furniture Co. and more and was known as America’s furniture capital. The company manufactured doors and interior moldings and introduced a combination desk and bookcase in 1893. In the early 1900s, Siebe became the sole owner of the business.
Among others, stage designer Joseph Urban and modernist designer Kem Weber contributed designs to Baker in the 1920s. In 1932, under the leadership of Siebe’s son, Hollis, who started at the company as a salesman but took the reins when his father passed in 1925, Baker Furniture introduced bedroom pieces and debuted its Manor House collection, which made reproductions of European furnishings available to the American market. (Hollis was an avid traveler and procured antiques overseas for the company to reproduce in the United States.) Soon, Baker Furniture Company moved to Holland, Michigan, and eventually opened showrooms in Grand Rapids and elsewhere.
Pioneering Scandinavian designer Finn Juhl created a Danish modern line for Baker in 1951, and the company produced his award-winning Chieftain chair for a short time. In the late 1950s, Baker introduced the Milling Road label to reach a younger audience with stylish but less costly furnishings like console tables, walnut dining chairs and more, and in 1961, British furniture designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings introduced a modern neoclassical line at Baker.
The 1960s and ’70s saw the introduction of historic reproduction furniture lines such as Woburn Abbey and the Historic Charleston collection, which remain very popular to this day. In 1990, Baker was licensed to produce a furniture line from Colonial Williamsburg. That same year, the Smithsonian Museum introduced Baker’s Chippendale chair into its permanent collection and the Grand Rapids Art Museum dedicated an exhibition to Baker’s 100th anniversary, a showcase that included 150 pieces of furniture Siebe Baker had collected as part of a larger assortment that had served as inspiration for his designs.
Today, vintage Baker furniture, such as its elegant mahogany nightstands and teak credenzas — particularly those crafted by Finn Juhl — sees high demand online and elsewhere. The company continues to produce contemporary collections with well-known designers such as Bill Sofield, Barbara Barry and Kara Mann and remains on par with some of the highest quality furniture in the industry.
Browse vintage Baker armchairs, sofas, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$10,500 / item
H 34.25 in W 77.25 in D 30.25 in
CraftAssociates Sofa, Peabody Bracket Back Sofa, Upholstered
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Sofa, Peabody Bracket Back Sofa, Upholstered This Lawrence Peabody Bracket Back Sofa for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly hand crafted and upholstered. This L...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Designer Barbara Barry Sleek Contemporary Sofa for Baker Furniture
By Barbara Barry
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Timeless and sophisticated sofa by Barbara Barry having a sleek silhouette, one seat cushion and 3 back cushions. HT
Upholstery
$3,295
H 33 in W 65.5 in D 34 in
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Modern Regency Upholstered Camelback Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous and very comfortable modern Regency style camelback upholstered sofa or loveseat By Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 65.5"W x 34...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Lawrence Peabody Modern Sofa for Craft Associates Furniture
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, thick weave fabric This Lawrence Peabody modern sofa for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. This Peabody sofa is a licensed reintroduction for Craft Associates. The sofa is shown here in solid walnut and thick weave, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 31.5" (80.01cm) L 88" (223.52cm) D 30" (76.2cm) Arm height 22.25" (56.52cm) Seat height 17.5" (44.45cm) Seat width 80" (203.2cm) Seat depth 21.5" (54.61cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Fabric, Walnut
Custom Modern Channeled Sofa in Grey
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Hand crafted in Canada with the utmost attention to detail and quality, this sofa is a true testament to modern design and functionality. The sleek and minimalistic styling of this sofa is sure to make a statement in any living space. The channeled back not only adds a touch of texture and dimension, but also provides extra support for a comfortable lounging experience. Each channel is meticulously stitched by our skilled craftsmen, ensuring a flawless and durable finish. The sleek and modern appearance is elevated even further by the tapered satin black legs, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. These legs also provide a sturdy and stable foundation for the sofa, making it a practical and stylish choice for any household. But the true highlight of this sofa is its high performance fabric that is both soft to the touch and incredibly durable. This fabric is designed to withstand everyday use, making it perfect for families and those with pets. Its warm grey color palette adds a touch of warmth and coziness to the overall look, making it a versatile piece that can easily blend in with any existing decor. The channeled back provides ample support for your back offering a luxurious seating experience. Whether you're enjoying a movie night...
Fabric, Wood
$19,110
H 31.49 in W 90.55 in D 39.37 in
Les Bains Sofa by Tristan Auer, Modern Tinted Beechwood Design
By Tristan Auer
Located in Paris, FR
This sofa, is made of tinted beechwood, and it has a domed seat cushion. The piping diameter is 5mm. Bultex foam 23kg for the back cushion Bultex foam 35kg for the seat cushion Dacron duvet for the seat cushion The Sofa comes in 2 different sizes Small size : 74,80' x 39,37'x 31,49' Large size : 90,55' x 39,37' x31,49'. 13245 € We offer our clients the possibility to chose the velvet color they want. Below is the guideline for the footage: Small sofa: 10 linear meter of velvet fabric, and 5,7 Japanese ribbon Large sofa: 14 linear meter of velvet fabric, and 6,5 Japanese ribbon Tristan Auer is an interior architect and a designer and set designer. He grew up in Aix-en-Provence and graduated from ESAG-Penninghen. After his studies, he joined the team of Christian Liaigre and Philippe Starck before he opened his interior design firm in Paris in 2002. Tristan Auer generally works for private clients, shops, hotels, and palaces. He renovated the Mosquito Cotton House...
Beech
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa High Back Settee
By Robert Marinelli Design
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa High Back Settee
Wood
Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.
Walnut
$8,797Sale Price|50% Off
H 24 in W 96 in D 37 in
Custom Warren Sofa by Foley & Cox, Hand-Crafted, Wool Fabric, USA
Located in New York, NY
New to the foley&cox HOME custom collection is the Warren sofa, shown here. Featuring clean lines and low profile, the contemporary sofa is made with solid wood frame, feather w...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$11,987
H 33 in W 94.02 in D 40.01 in
Neue Sofa by Laura Kirar for Baker Furniture - Modern Leather Design
By Laura Kirar, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Taking its name from the German word for "new," this sofa is influenced by the vibrant "New Cafe" culture of 1920s Vienna. It features a slightly rounded back with three loose cushio...
Leather
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 34 deep x 34.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 25 inches We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Wood
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa This sofa measures: 93.25 wide x 37.5 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 24 inches We take our photos in a control...
Upholstery
Baker Scalloped Back Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Scalloped Back Sofa This sofa measures: 81.25 wide x 36 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 24 inches We take o...
Upholstery
Weiman Mid Century Channeled Crescent Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Weiman Mid Century Channeled Crescent Sofa This sofa measures: 93 wide x 38 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 28.5 inches We take our photos in a ...
Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall mid century cloud sofa Sofa measures: 124 wide x 72 deep x 31.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in wh...
Upholstery, Wood
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Chrome Base Settee Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman style mid century chrome base settee sofa The sofa measures: 60 wide x 34.5 deep x 30 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 21 inches We take our ph...
Chrome
