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 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 30.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to sho...
Walnut
$7,400
H 31 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Walnut 11 Drawers Dresser Credenza 2 Doors Compartment
By Knoll, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Danish Modern Walnut 11 drawers dresser credenza 2 doors compartment MINT!.
Brass
$2,950
H 32 in W 66 in D 19 in
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
Florence Knoll Rosewood 6 Drawer Double Dresser/Chest, 1960
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Rosewood 6 drawer double dresser/chest, 1960. Beautifully restored. Measures 73” long 19.25”deep 29” tall
Rosewood
$9,375Sale Price|25% Off
H 32.25 in W 76 in D 21.25 in
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
$3,795
H 31.5 in W 70 in D 18 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Dresser with Six Drawers by Lane
Located in Seattle, WA
A solid walnut 6-drawer dresser by Lane Furniture Company, circa. 1950. Fine craftsmanship with solid oak interior woods and dovetail construction. The drawer pulls/ handles are turn...
Walnut
$3,020
H 32 in W 56 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern 6-Drawer Walnut Dresser by United Furniture, Circa 1960s
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An elegant example of American Mid-Century Modern design, this six-drawer walnut dresser by United Furniture, circa 1960s, showcases the clean lines, warm wood tones, and understated...
Steel
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
H 30 in W 74 in D 18 in
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
Mid-century Modern Eight-Drawer Walnut Dresser by R-Way Furniture
By R-Way Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A handsome example of American mid-century modern craftsmanship, this eight-drawer walnut dresser by R-Way Furniture combines clean architectural lines, quality construction, and exc...
Walnut
Early Florence Knoll Model 116 Maple Credenza - Black Grasscloth Sliding Doors
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
Early Florence Knoll Model 116 Maple Credenza with Black Grasscloth Sliding Doors, 1950s A beautifully preserved early Florence Knoll Model 116 credenza, produced in the 1950s, exem...
Metal, Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group - Model 1514 Iron Base Credenza - Black Sliding Doors
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Decatur, GA
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1514 Iron Base Credenza with Black Pegboard Sliding Doors, Late 1950s An exceptional Paul McCobb Planner Group credenza, manufactured by Winchendon F...
Metal, Iron
Edward Wormley Sofa - Dunbar Model 486 - Walnut Bracket Back Mid Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century modern bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Model 486, circa 1950s. - Solid black walnut bracket back and legs have been fully restored and are in flaw...
Wool, Walnut
Widdicomb Burled Elm Demi Lune Coffee Table - Mid Century Modern Cocktail Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Decatur, GA
Rare Mid-Century Widdicomb Burled Elm Demi Lune Coffee Table, Circa 1960s A scarce and elegant demi lune coffee table produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company during the 1960s. Showc...
Elm, Mahogany, Burl
George Nelson for Herman Miller Coffee Table - Model 5756 - Walnut + Aluminum
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 5756 Cocktail Table in walnut and aluminum, circa 1950s. The juxtaposition of the hard lines and right angles of the aluminum base agains...
Aluminum
Midcentury Danish Modern Rosewood Wine Rack by Torsten Johansson
By AB Formträ, Torsten Johansson
Located in Decatur, GA
Sculptor, industrial designer and artist Torsten Johansson designed this beautiful wine rack of molded exotic rosewood and birch for AB Formträ, Sweden circa 1960s.
Birch, Rosewood
