Thrive Home Furnishings

The resurgence of Mid Century Modern Furniture is fueled by the desire for high quality pieces that are not only functional but also pieces of art that stand alone in the home. Garage-salers, auction goers, and interior designers seek out Denmark’s pieces as well as American built furniture for its look that is easily refurnished and returned to its original beauty.
Mid Century Modern furniture, the term coined primarily by Cara Greenberg in her book Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950’s, was highly influenced by the minimalist movements in Scandinavia as well as Denmark. Originating from the period of the 1930’s to 1960’s, Danish designers became known for their vintage minimalist look and their use of intricate yet well made wood designed furniture. One of the founders of the style is Kaare Klint who followed the teachings of the Bauhaus ideas of modernism.
Creating the Blueprint

Klint’s attention focused on clean lines, classic furniture craftsmanship, proportion, and the requirements of the home. His designs were followed in suit by designers including Jacobsen and Wegner. Their designs thrived in the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Common themes for designers following Klint were:

• clean lines
• simplicity of design
• strive for form and beauty
• attention to wood choice.

America’s Passion for Style

Beginning in the 50’s, American manufacturers began obtaining licenses from Danish companies to create pieces mirroring these designs. The American companies promised their Danish forefathers that they would continue the tradition of high standards of craftsmanship. Unfortunately, though they flourished from the start, the introduction of new and less expensive materials, and the openings of Sears and other grand scale department stores, resulted in a decline in interest in the furniture. This came after the peak of the style in the early 60’s.
Reemergence of the Lane Tabletop and Danish Influence on Style

Fortunately, this history and tradition did not die at that point. Collectors and furniture lovers have fueled an interest in Danish Mid Century Modern furniture in recent years, seeking out quality pieces over the newer, cheaper designs. One design has had growing popularity, Lane woodwork pieces. Lane’s use of multiple wood types such as Oak, Walnut, and Teak to create intricate inset designs for tabletops and the unstained but veneered finish created pieces that showcased style and taste. These pieces were the largest selling items in the heyday of American Mid Century Modern, proving that their worth has only multiplied with age.
For those seeking out the period pieces, it becomes a game of finding a diamond in the rough. Some have been stained over by their naïve owners; some have signs of wear and tear or have been painted to suit the style of the times. Restoring these classic pieces is part of the fun, for the return to original glory brings great joy to collectors. By stripping them of unsightly paint and stain and refinishing the surface, the designs once again come alive and their value returns. Now, Lane pieces, along with their Danish predecessors, can be found amid the newer designs that follow their style. The beauty of Mid Century Modern both suits today’s desire for clean lines and the classic discernment of knowledgeable collectors.