Thomasville Furniture was once a manufacturing giant known for its chic designs and popular licensed collections. Today, every vintage solid wood Thomasville cabinet, dining chair and dining table is a charming piece of American furniture history.
Thomasville was founded in 1904 in the town of Thomasville, North Carolina. The neighboring city of High Point, home to Tomlinson and others, would one day be known as the capital of American-made furniture, while iconic mid-century modern brands Century, Broyhill and Drexel also opened their doors in the so-called “Tar Heel State.”
Thomasville’s initial offerings were limited to one item — the Thomasville chair — and it was known in its early days as the Thomasville Chair Company. People loved Thomasville chairs so much that demand surged for more types of seating and other furnishings. In 1922, there was even a 13-foot replica of the original chair design installed in the town square. Dubbed "The Big Chair," it was rebuilt in 1951 to a height of 30 feet and still serves as the town's most notable landmark.
Thomasville quickly grew and expanded, and was featured in hundreds of retail stores across America. The manufacturer also established Thomasville Home Furnishing stores to carry the company’s products exclusively. In 1995, Thomasville was purchased by Interco Inc.
In 2002, Thomasville unveiled the Humphrey Bogart collection, the first of two highly successful licensed collections. Inspired by the Art Deco movement as well as the Hollywood Regency style, the theatrical line of alluring mahogany chests, mirror-topped nesting tables and other furnishings positioned glamour and sophistication front and center. Upon seeing the collection, Bogart's widow, actress Lauren Bacall, remarked, "They haven't missed a trick."
This was followed in 2004 by the Ernest Hemingway collection, released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the writer's Nobel Prize. The collection, which included sleigh beds, chests, dining tables and more, drew on Chippendale furniture and the French Rococo style. It represented the largest launch in Thomasville's history, boosting the company's sales and brand image.
In 2008, Thomasville introduced a new signature collection in collaboration with designer Darryl Carter. The partnership yielded a line of versatile traditionalist center tables, seating and other pieces with a contemporary twist and saw Carter offering a fresh take on the classic work for which Thomasville is known.
In 2014, Thomasville, then owned by Heritage Home Group, announced the end of operations in its native city.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Thomasville case pieces, tables, seating and more.
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Black Lacquered Dresser
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie four-drawer dresser, bachelor chest, or bedside chest By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East Collection" USA, ...
Walnut, Lacquer
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser, credenza, or sideboard By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with original brass ha...
Brass
Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection Black Lacquered Dresser Chest
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning mid-century modern Hollywood Regency chinoiserie 5-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East" Collection USA, 1960s Blac...
Walnut, Lacquer
Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Black Lacquered Dresser Chest, Refinished
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning Mid-century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie six-drawer dresser, chest of drawers, or sideboard server. By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East" collection...
Walnut, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Black Lacquer and Brass Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern eight-drawer long dresser or credenza By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with brass finished trim and ...
Walnut, Lacquer
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Campaign Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser, 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign five-drawer highboy dresser By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid cherry wood, with original brass hardwa...
Brass
