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.
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Style Mid Century Walnut Credenza with Hutch
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Style Mid Century Walnut Credenza with Hutch The credenza measures: 59.75 wide x 18 deep x 31 inches high The hutch measures: 59.75 wide x 12 deep x 36 ...
Glass, Walnut
Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 72 wide x 19 deep x 31.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much det...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Armoire
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut Armoire This armoire measures: 42 wide x 18 deep x 45.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as m...
Walnut
Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut Lowboy Dresser
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Young Manufacturing midcentury walnut lowboy dresser. This lowboy measures: 62 wide x 20 deep x 30.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled...
Walnut
Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Lowboy Dresser
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Young Manufacturing Mid Century Walnut and Burlwood Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 78 wide x 20 deep x 31.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Walnut, Burl
Mid-Century Walnut Dresser Founders Furniture Attributed to Jack Cartwright
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Baltimore, MD
Handsome, richly grained walnut Mid-Century Modern 8 drawer dresser, attributed to Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Company, USA circa 1960’s. Expertly crafted, this absolute j...
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Dresser
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall mid-century modern dresser by Jack Cartwright. Six wide dovetail jointed drawers with black metal pulls. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders 8-Drawer Walnut & Brass Dresser or Cabinet
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
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
Mid Century Modern Walnut 9-Drawer Lowboy Dresser by Widdicomb, c1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Exceptional mid century modern walnut lowboy dresser by Widdicomb, dating to the 1960s. This beautifully crafted piece showcases the refined design and uncompromising quality that ma...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by Jack Cartwright for Founders Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Has a ...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Walnut 9 Drawer Lowboy 'First Edition' Dresser by Lane, C1960
By Lane Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Authentic Lane “First Edition” lowboy dresser in beautifully grained walnut, featuring the clean, architectural lines that define classic mid-century modern design. This long, low-pr...
Walnut
