Six Top Vintage Furniture Brands

Half the battle of refinishing vintage case goods is finding pieces from reputable brands. The key lies in knowing which brands to look for and understanding their unique qualities. In this blog, I'll explore six top furniture brands that are favorites among flippers: Drexel Heritage, American of Martinsville, Henredon, Fancher, Thomasville, and Landstrom Furniture. I’ll share the pros and cons of each brand and provide insights into their value in today's market.

Vintage Drexel Heritage Furniture

The Drexel Heritage name tells a small story about what the company could suddenly do. Drexel Furniture Company had been making fine casegoods near Morganton, North Carolina since 1903, but for decades it didn't produce a stick of its own upholstery — when a collection called for an upholstered piece, Drexel bought it from someone else. That changed when Drexel acquired Heritage Furniture, a respected maker of quality upholstered pieces, and began offering work under the Drexel Heritage brand name. The merger paired Drexel's wood expertise with Heritage's upholstery craft, and the combined name signaled a full-service maker that could outfit an entire room. The corporate identity was formalized in 1968, when the business officially became Drexel Heritage Furnishings, Inc. Today you can often find many vintage case goods, branded Drexel Heritage. In its prime the brand was a genuine heavyweight — a 1966 ranking placed it third among U.S. furniture manufacturers — supplying not just homes but hotels and U.S. embassies around the world.

Though no longer in business, existing Drexel furniture is sought after for its evolutionary style and range of lines. Each line had a specific design language. For example, Accolade is a campaign-style line with flush brass hardware and protected corners, such as Bentley or Brogan. In contrast, their Touraine line has more fluid feminine lines and the french provincial style.

Pros:

• Solid Construction: Drexel furniture is renowned for its durability and high-quality craftsmanship. The pieces are often made from solid wood and feature fine joinery, making them ideal candidates for refinishing.

• Timeless Designs: Drexel offers a range of styles, from mid-century modern to more traditional pieces, which are popular among collectors and decorators. Campaign-style pieces have been popular over the last decade or so. Williams-Sonoma Home started making knock-offs a few years back.

Cons:

• Grain and Distressing: Some Drexel pieces feature heavy grain patterns or intentional distressing, which might not appeal to all buyers. Refinishing such pieces can be challenging if the goal is to achieve a smooth, uniform, high-gloss or even satin look. Unless you fill the grain, the shadow of the grain can alter the perception of the color it’s painted. If you love the grain, and there aren’t any big scratches, a cerused finish, can be a great option, such as on the Mitchells.

Value: Drexel Furniture and all it’s brand iterations hold its value well, especially mid-century modern pieces. Collectors often seek out Drexel for its quality and design, making it a wise investment for flippers.

American of Martinsville

Pros:

• Classic Styling: American of Martinsville is known for its elegant and timeless designs, often featuring clean lines and understated elegance.

• Solid Build: Like Drexel, this brand uses high-quality materials and construction techniques, ensuring longevity.

Cons:

• Complex Detailing: Some pieces come with intricate detailing, which can make refinishing more time-consuming and challenging. This can also make it harder for potential buyers to visualize the final look.

Value: American of Martinsville pieces are sought after, particularly those from the mid-century modern era. The brand's reputation for quality and design ensures that its furniture retains good resale value.

Henredon

Drexel and Henredon merged at some point in their history, so you may see Drexel Heritage or Heritage Henredon stamped on a piece.

Pros:

• Exceptional Quality: Henredon is synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. The furniture is often handcrafted and features exquisite details, making it highly desirable.

• Design Variety: The brand offers a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, appealing to various tastes. Many of these designs are repeated in the Drexel line, but perhaps with different hardware.

Cons:

• Heavily Grained Woods: Like Drexel, Henredon pieces can feature heavy graining, which may not suit all refinishing projects. Additionally, the brand's luxury status often means higher initial costs.

Value: Henredon furniture is considered a high-end brand, and its pieces often appreciate in value over time, if they are well cared for and remain in good condition. This makes it a top choice for those looking to invest in vintage furniture.

Fancher

Pros:

• Beautiful Detailing: Fancher is known for its detailed and stylish pieces, often featuring intricate carvings and unique hardware.

• Classic Appeal: The brand's designs are timeless and fit well in various decor settings.

Cons:

• Distressed and Worn: In my experience, most Fancher pieces I find, have been heavily used, showing significant wear and tear. This can add to the charm for some but may require extensive restoration work if you plan to paint, lacquer and flip.

Value: While not as high-profile as Henredon or Drexel, Fancher pieces can still fetch good prices, particularly those with distinctive details and in good condition.

Thomasville

Pros:

• Diverse Styles: Thomasville offers a wide range of styles, from English classics to more contemporary designs. This variety makes it easier to find pieces that suit different tastes and interiors.

• Reliable Construction: Known for its solid build, Thomasville furniture is durable and well-made, making it a favorite among flippers.

Cons:

• Heavy Use: The Thomasville brand is most widely known and thus many families across the country purchased sets of Thomasville for their dining or bedroom spaces. So similar to Fancher, Thomasville pieces often show signs of heavy use, which can require significant restoration efforts. If you have the stamina, then the final piece you end up with is better than anything you could buy new today.

Value: Thomasville furniture is generally affordable and offers good resale potential, especially for well-preserved or expertly restored pieces.

Landstrom Furniture

Pros:

• Unique Hardware and Design: Landstrom is celebrated for its distinctive designs, particularly the use of oversized copper hardware and clean, boxy lines. The brand's pieces are often instantly recognizable and highly collectible.

• Quality Craftsmanship: Landstrom pieces are made from high-quality materials like solid cherry wood and feature tight construction, indicating excellent craftsmanship.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Landstrom furniture, particularly certain styles and pieces, can be hard to find. This rarity can make sourcing them more challenging for flippers.

Value: Landstrom furniture is highly valued in the market, especially pieces with the iconic copper hardware. Their rarity and distinctiveness can command higher prices, making them a good investment for those who can find them.

Conclusion

Rescuing and flipping vintage furniture is a rewarding endeavor, particularly when you choose the right brands. Drexel, American of Martinsville, Henredon, Fancher, Thomasville, and Landstrom offer a range of styles and qualities that cater to various tastes and budgets. By understanding the unique pros and cons of each brand, you can make informed decisions that enhance the appeal and value of the piece you select. Whether you're a furniture flipper or just in the market for a refinished vintage piece, these brands provide a solid foundation for beautiful one-of-a-kind makeovers.

I love exploring the history and craftsmanship behind these brands. It adds a layer of appreciation and storytelling to the process. Each piece is a part of the furniture-making legacy in this country. We share a few facts about the manufacturer for every piece we sell, so don’t forget to check the Maker tab on the next piece you view.