I was inspired by this post by mid_century_friends on Instagram highlighting the space saving, innovative designs of post-war European furniture.
Here where we live in the Midwest region of the United States, we are excited whenever we encounter European mid century designs. But, US manufacturers and designers offered some versatile designs as well.
This post will feature some of our favorite designs, in no particular order, from Europe and the US! Some of the pieces are currently available at the time of writing this post. Any pieces that are sold will be clearly indicated as sold. Often blog readers leave comments asking for values on their pieces or if we will purchase vintage items. Please use the contact form for a response regarding our services.
Adrian Pearsall's Modular Sectional for Craft Associates
Currently available in our shop, we have this customizable modular sectional designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. We believe it was Adrian Pearsall's answer to Martin Borenstein's modular sofa designed for Brown Saltman. This is truly versatile seating! Each of the 4 seating sections, along with the cushions and the single formica table are removable and interchangeable. If you look at the original ad above, you can see one of the seating sections even placed on the floor. There are two bases, one is 73.5" long and the other is 49.5", you can set the bases up in an L shape, one continual line of seating, one behind the other, or on other sides of the room (even different rooms)!
Dillingham's Rosewood Bar
Surprisingly, this unique and compact Dillingham rolling bar covered in Rosewood is still in the shop! Slide open the top to reveal a white laminate surface where you can serve drinks and utilize the built in ice bucket. Open the left cabinet to store your wine in the built in rack and on the right there is a top drawer and lower cubby for more storage. And of course, this bar cart rolls!
Expandable Danish Teak Sofa Table
When you look at this table, you may dismiss it as a normal sofa table - but it actually expands into a full dining table! This table is currently available in the store!
Founders Charter Collection Secretary Desk
Available in our store now, we have a Founders Charter Collection Secretary. I was intrigued by how the ad above showed three units together that created a wall unit. If you have a smaller space - this versatile storage piece will work well!
Arne Vodder for Sibast Danish Teak Credenza
Originally purchased at Anton Dam in Copenhagen, Denmark, we have the privilege to consign this Arne Vodder for Sibast Danish Teak Credenza. Lovingly cared for by one family for many decades, the credenza retains its original finish with minimal signs of wear. The tambour doors slide smoothly and reveal three compartments with adjustable shelves and two slender drawers. The credenza is also finished on the back!
Mahogany Dining Set (Unknown Maker)
We haven't been able to identify the maker of this beautiful Mahogany dining set, but the professional refinisher that worked on this set informed us of that it is made of mahogany! This particular set has a lighter tone than you may associate with mahogany because it is bleached mahogany with a black speckled "fly specks" finish. Another unique feature of this dining set is that there is a nested leaf that you can opt to use, or it perfectly fits three leaves. There are three leaves (12 inches each).
Bernhard Pederson & Son Teak Secretary Desk (Sold)
This Bernhard Pederson and Son secretary desk sold quickly, but I had to add it to this list! Pull the top drawer of this Danish Teak Secretary desk and voila! The tambour top section opens and the top drawer is actually a writing surface. But that writing surface also lifts up to reveal another surprise - a mirror and storage - like a vanity set up!
There is also storage under the tambour cover - two large cubbies and four smaller sections above with two sliding drawers. Below the top drawer there are three other roomy drawers.
Stanley's Royal American Wall Unit (Sold)
We have a Stanley Royal American credenza in our own home and it was very tempting to add this Stanley Royal American free standing wall unit to our home! It sold in 2023 and we are happy that it stayed local! It can be configured in different arrangements, as two separate pieces or connected into a large unit. It is finished on all sides to be admired from all angles! This is an heirloom quality piece, with high quality construction featuring walnut and Brazilian rosewood. This is our favorite design by Stanley!
American of Martinsville's Dania Bar (Sold)
Another piece that sold locally was this American of Martinsville Dania Bar designed by Merton Gershun. This bar is in two pieces. The bottom is a chest with 3 louvred drawers and the top has a cabinet with three cubbies. Open the top cabinet to reveal a lighted space to store your barware! Below to the right is a locked (key included) and lighted area for your drinks and to the left there is another storage cubby with a drawer! You should hear everyone gasp as they explore this cool, one of a kind bar!
Drexel's Parallel Credenza (Sold)
Last, but not least we enjoyed the design of Drexel's Parallel Credenza designed by Barney Flagg. This piece was featured in our Gallery's grand opening and sold in 2023. The credenza features tambour sliding doors and three interior drawers along with shelves. We loved the flair of the external legs.
Did you enjoy seeing all of these innovative designs? While we cannot guarantee that we can source another, one way to be the first to know when we have more exciting finds is to join our newsletter!