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.
Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This faux slate top coffee table showcases a robust and rustic charm, blending a dark, textured tabletop with solid wooden legs for a sturdy, grounded look. The imitation slate surfa...
Wood
Chambers Coffee Table by Croft House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Chambers Coffee Table presents as an industrial, minimalist back drop to coffee table styling. Its cool, slate toned steel frame holds two inset pieces of glass as a top and lowe...
Steel
Room Coffee Table by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
Room Coffee Table by Goons Dimensions: D 122 x W 77 x H 38 cm. Materials: Wood. Goons is located in Paris, France. All of their designs are made out of wood.
Wood
Eberhart Bertha Coffee Table
By Eberhart Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bertha is a versatile and spacious coffee table. The table is constructed by three sub elements: The assembly ring, wooden legs and table top in either concrete, oak or birch. The almost floating table top and the sculptural impression of the legs, gathers the design around form and material. The round coffee table is minimal and timeless with a contemporary feel and works perfect in a modern living space. Available in: Light Birch, Dark Oak, Light Oak, Concrete Light...
Wood
Swedish Coffee Table
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid hardwood with hardwood veneer, made in Sweden in the 1960s, signed ST.
Hardwood
Theodore Alexander Dorchester Cocktail Table
Located in Annville, PA
The Theodore Alexander Dorchester Cocktail Table is outlined in a slender and decorative motif. The Dorchester Cocktail Table possesses a refined and sumptuous presence that recalls ...
Walnut
Taorma Square Coffee Table
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee Table Taorma Square with solid walnut wood frame and feet and with polished marble top in red level finish. Also available on request in solid walnut wood in moka stained fin...
Marble
A coffee table by Chester Jones
By Chester Jones
Located in London, GB
A fine low table with a blackened steel base on brass feet. The top is made with shaped bubinga battens with softened edges and hand polished.
Brass, Steel
French Coffee Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C French ash low table/coffee table. 1890 Top depth 47cm Thickness of top 3.5cm
Ash
Sexy Coffee Table by Baker
By Baker Brothers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful walnut coffee table by Baker, with burl inlay.
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table, 'Black Top'
By Florence Knoll
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This classic steel T-Bar coffee table was designed by Florence Knoll in approximately 1952. It still retains its original Knoll Bowtie Label, confirming that it is part of an early K...
Steel
Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table was designed for Knoll International in the 1960s. Its base is crafted from steel, and it boasts a Formica top that is in good shape for its ag...
Steel
Massive 1970s teak planter coffee table
By (after) Raymond Loewy
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Stunning 1970s Danish conversation pit table from a Detroit mid century modern home. This huge teak platform floats on casters and is definitely not your everyday coffee table! Stand...
Teak
Edward Wormley Cork Top Card Table for Dunbar
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Rare cork top card table model 4615 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the 1940s. Featuring stylish swing out cork lined corner drink drawers (see final photo for catalog sho...
Glass, Mahogany, Cork
Frank Lloyd Wright Coffee Table and Lounge Chairs
By Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Usonian Plywood designs by Frank Loyd Wright reproduced by a woodworker in Ohio about 10 years ago. Based on plans of the original furniture from FLW’s Swanson House, these reproduct...
Plywood
Pair of Kindt-Larsen Danish Modern Daybeds
By Edvard Kindt-Larsen
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
A pair of teak framed daybeds by the design duo of Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen for Gustav Bahus. Typically seen with armrests and back support this pair was used as single beds for th...
Teak
