5 Midcentury Modern Furniture Brands to Look For

Midcentury Modern furniture is a broad term used to describe furniture from the 1930s to the mid-1960s and is always fun to find at local estate sales. Midcentury modern furniture is making a comeback thanks to its clean lines and classic style, which caters to a simpler way of living.

As you search for your next piece, here are five of the most popular brands to keep an eye out for.

Herman Miller

Herman Miller is a widely popular brand, even today. Known for their beautiful seating options, their brand launched in 1905 in Zeeland, Michigan, where they initially sold bedroom sets.

Like many companies during the great depression, Herman Miller faced tough times in the early 1930s. They decided to shift away from traditional furniture to a style that better fit the needs of Americans at that time. The results are, well timeless.

They are known for pieces that are proportionate and minimal, but also often include a pop of color.

Knoll

German-born Hans Knoll founded the company in 1938 but after his unexpected death in 1955, his wife Florence took the helm. She is credited with the company’s success.

Knoll is also known for its seating options including the Tulip, the Barcelona, and the Hardoy chairs that are all still popular today.

They also designed the iconic Barcelona Chair, along with the Butterfly chair.

Broyhill Brasilia

The Broyhill Brasilia line, designed between 1956 and 1960 was inspired by the architecture of the classic Brazilian capital. If you find a piece, but it! It’s a great find and will become a cornerstone of your MCM collection. The line was originally introduced at the Seattle World Fair of 1962.

It’s known for its signature swooping curves, and the walnut wood is so unique you will want to make sure it stays in tip-top shape.

Milo Baughman

Milo Baughman (pronounced “Boff-man”) was born in Kansas and raised in California. Unlike Knoll, Broyhill, and Herman Miller, Baughman focused on comfort, with design second. Other MCM designers wanted their pieces to be pieces of art, first and foremost.

Baughman is credited with creating the California Modern look that is relaxed, while still fitting in easily with MCM design aesthetic.

Heywood Wakefield

Despite being known as an MCM design icon, Heywood Wakefield started in 1826 with the five Heywood brothers making wooden chairs in their father’s barn. Their work helped perfect the process of bending wood to make furniture. In 1897, they joined up with the Wakefield Rattan Company, with additional acquisitions to follow.

Throughout the years, Heywood Wakefield hired several soon-to-be known artists including Gilbert Rohde and Russell Wright.

From the 1930s to the 1950s, the company became well-known for its solid wood furniture that was Art Deco-inspired. These MCM pieces included bed frames, dining sets, and side tables.

Midcentury Modern furniture is a great find at local estate sales. To find your next piece, check out our upcoming estate sales to see if we are offering any soon.