Modern for the rest us

During the 1950’s and 1960’s not everyone could afford hi-end design from designers like Paul McCobb, Paul Evans, Harry Bertoia, or Adrian Pearsall just to name a few. However, the furniture companies from the mid century modern era took advantage of the moment and designed affordable modern pieces for the general public.  Today these pieces are still in circulation and still speak style from bye gone days. Below are just a few companies that produced modern lines that are collectible and still affordable.

Daystrom Furniture, South Boston VA

In the 1960’s Daystrom Furniture developed and patented designs in metal, vinyl, laminate and acrylics for the low-end kitchen dinette product category.

The company closed in 1996

Conant BallFurniture, Gardner MA

Products: Cane seat chairs, bedroom and dining room chairs, kitchen, dining room and bedroom furniture in Early American design, and later Modern design. At one time Russell Wright designed for them.  However, the bulk of their Modern Mates line was designed by Leslie Diamond and not Russell Wright
Company closed: about 1990

R-way Furniture company, Sheboygan WI

Closed by 1992 this furniture manufacture produced quality, stylish, modern pieces that are in circulation today. The high quality of R-Way products means that they are still popular with buyers of solid, vintage furniture.

American of Martinsville, Martinsville VA

The company was a prolific producer of modern furniture from the 1950’s and 1960’s. Many of these quality collectible pieces from its modern period are in circulation today. Today American of Martinsville, Inc. operates as a contract furniture manufacturing company. It offers case goods, upholstered furniture, wood seating, and occasional tables, as well as accessories, including folding tables, metal stack chairs, table bases, and table tops. 

LLoyd Manufacturing, Menominee MI

Lots of chrome tubing, Formica and steel and hair pin legs they were a division of Heywood Wakefield and known for metal furnishings like dinette and patio sets as well as school furniture.  The company is no longer in business but the line is still in circulation.