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.
1970s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Walnut Credenza / Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Six Drawer Credenza Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in 1970. It has a case of walnut and features six wide drawers that have Dovetail Joi...
Steel
1970s Jack Cartwright for Founders Six Drawer Credenza Cabinet in Rosewood
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Six Drawer Credenza Dresser, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture. This particular piece was produced in the United States and dates to the 1970s. The dresser...
Rosewood
1970s Jens Risom Design 72 inch Credenza / Cabinet in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza / cabinet designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design. This particular piece was handcrafted in the USA and dates back to the 1970...
Brass
1970s Jens Risom Designs 72 inch Credenza / Cabinet in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza / cabinet designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Design. This particular piece was handcrafted in the USA and dates back to the 1970...
Brass
1970s Jens Risom Design 72 inch Credenza / Cabinet in Walnut and Brass
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Credenza / Cabinet, designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Designs. It was handcrafted in the USA in the 1970s. It has a beautifully grained ...
Bronze
1960s Jens Risom Designs Large 3-Drawer Cabinet / Credenza American Black Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut credenza, designed by Jens Risom and produced by his company, Jens Risom Designs. It was handcrafted in the USA in the 1960s. It has a beautifully grained walnut cas...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright For Founders Brazilian Rosewood Credenza
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 1960's mid-century modern Brazilian rosewood credenza with three drawers and two doors with one adjustable shelf, designed by Jack Cartwright for founders, fully restored wit...
Rosewood, Lacquer
Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This cabinet was made in the 1970s by Founders after a design by Jack Cartwright, one of the most prolific designers of the 20th century modern scene. Featuring pleasant proportions,...
Brass
Jack Cartwright For Founders Rosewood Credenza
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970's rosewood credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders has highly grained, rosewood veneer sitting on sleek, minimal chrome legs and a black metal support base. Left-side grad...
Rosewood
Jack Cartwright Designed Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long walnut sideboard by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture. Three cabinets with shelving and drawer storage. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Brass
Jack Cartwright Designed Rosewood Dresser for Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional mid-century rosewood dresser from American designer master Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture. Nine ample drawers offer nearly limitless storage options, whether in t...
Metal
Sideboard / Credenza In Rosewood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Sideboard in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik. Danish design from the 1960s with aluminum handles and feet. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Kai Kristian...
Aluminum
