When it comes to flying-under-the-radar vintage brands, not many remain. One exception? Century Furniture. The North Carolina-based brand has worked with no shortage of talent over the years. Raymond Sabota, James Mont, Charlotte Moss, and Bunny Williams have all partnered with the brand. Yet compared to brands like Henredon, vintage Century Furniture can oftentimes be snapped up for a deal. This makes it the perfect brand for up-and-coming collectors and budget-minded decorators alike. Curious to learn more about Century Furniture? Read on!
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About Century Furniture
Century was founded in 1947 in Hickory, North Carolina. What initially began as a purveyor of other brands’ upholstery pieces soon transformed into a manufacturer in its own right. A year after being established, the brand opened a case goods plant. The first design to roll off the assembly line was an 18th-century-style mahogany dining suite. The design set the stylistic tone for Century — classically-informed furniture with a modern touch.
In 1950, the brand hired Raymond K. Sabota as its lead wood furniture designer. Ultimately, the partnership would last for forty-five years, resulting in more than 150 collections. Sabota brought an Eastern sensibility to his case good designs, which in turn shaped Century’s offerings at large. Scrolling through the Century archives, it’s easy to see the brand’s affinity for Asian influences, including Ming table leg silhouettes, horseshoe-shaped chairs, and altar table-inspired consoles. Without question, Sabota’s Asian-inspired Chin Hua collection remains one of the brand’s most iconic. Designer James Mont, another designer known for his deft blending of Eastern and Western influences, also famously designed for the brand in this era.
A Regency Renegade
While there’s no single term that sums up the Century Furniture aesthetic, the brand is a rich resource for Hollywood Regency furniture. In addition to their Chinoiserie-inspired pieces, the brand’s catalog also includes French, Italian, and Neoclassical revival styles — all cornerstones of the Hollywood Regency aesthetic.
Those looking for Mid-Century Modern furniture shouldn’t discount the brand, either. Although they didn’t work as extensively in modernism as brands like Broyhill, they did design in the atomic style. Of course, true to their aesthetic, many include subtle Asian design hallmarks.
Lead image by John Merkl
