What’s old is new: ’50s vintage furniture returns

For many years folks have made fun of that old ’50s furniture with its molded plastic and bright colors. However for everything there is a season and the 1950s’ designs are big in today’s vintage furniture market. Experts in this field like to designate the years 1947 to 1957 as the prime time of what is now being called, “mid-century modern furniture.”

Not only have the ’50s era furnishings acquired a new label but the price tags can be significant in the right market. It is a classic case of what is old is new again.

After World War II a whole body of information that dealt with plastics and chrome was adapted from the military to the private sector. Some applied this knowledge to the design of furniture hence came Masonite storage units, floating glass tables, upholstered aluminum chairs and more.

There are several important factors a collector will note when checking out mid-century modern furniture. The manufacturers such as Herman Miller and Heywood Wakefield of the era matter. Each company would have had designers who had achieved recognition in their own right as stars of the period.

The husband and wife team Charles and Ray Eames seem to be the designer icons of the decade. Their “rosewood and leather lounge chair and ottoman are status symbols even today.” George Nelson Ball is remembered for his starburst clock and Eileen Gray for her adjustable side table. These are just a few of the stable of designers who were noteworthy in that time span.

An interesting functional design is always important to the collector but so is the unusual. For example, a rocking ottoman that was a complete bust in the 1950s would be a treasure in today’s vintage furniture market.

Finally the usual characteristics associated with furniture such as a maker’s marks, patina and construction will have an impact on the value. During the 1950s patents on furniture designs didn’t exist so the inexpensive copycats overtook the quality manufacturers.

By 1957 the upscale producers were fleeing the marketplace where they were being undercut by the “johnny come lately.” Today this brings about a challenge for those who seek this style of furniture. A serious collector will want to review some of the many books written on this topic at their local book store or library. The ‘nifty ’50s’ were an exciting time in vintage furniture and today collectors get to enjoy it all over again.

If you have a question concerning antiques or collectibles, e-mail Jean McClelland at collectorscor@aol.com. She might not know the answer, but she’ll find out for you. McClelland does not provide any kind of pricing information, but she will help you find information.

Source: www.herald-dispatch.com