The Icons of Furniture Flips

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, was a British designer renowned for his mid-century modern aesthetic. He created some of the most elegantly simple furniture designs of the 20th century. His pieces for John Widdicomb are highly sought after today, blending classical Greek inspiration with sleek, modern lines.

These pieces can still be found in thrift shops or on Facebook Marketplace if you're lucky. I found a set of these, but each was at a different thrift store. I snapped them up immediately. I couldn't believe my luck!

Years after the initial popularity, many other brands made pieces in the Dorothy Draper "style". Ruby, Dorothy & Dot are all examples. I find even these though are highly sought after since they are of the era. The authentic Dorothy Draper originals were made by Henredon and will have a maker mark.

Today, many of Dorothy's original designs can be purchased at Kindle Grand Rapids. They sell direct to the trade so prices aren't visible.

These buffets come in several configurations—some featuring all drawers, others with a mix of drawers and cabinet doors. What makes them truly special, though, is their signature hardware. Often, you’ll find these pieces with heavily tarnished pulls, but beneath the patina lies a stunning rosy copper tone.

Some furniture flippers choose to spray paint the hardware gold, but I firmly believe the originals should be preserved, polished, and protected. These pieces are a masterclass in subtle elegance, blending Western functionality with Eastern design influences. I've seen these also described as "chinoiserie" because the legs have an Asian style. More on chinoiserie below.

Originally designed for military campaigns, this style dates back centuries and was built to be easily transported across battlefields. These pieces are distinguished by their signature brass corner brackets and recessed hardware, designed to prevent protrusions that could get caught during transit.

The Henredon campaign furniture I used in my closet design back in 2015—now in my showroom office—is a prime example of how these pieces can be adapted to modern spaces. Originally china hutches, they were repurposed to suit a contemporary aesthetic, proving a timeless appeal.

Today, vintage campaign furniture is more expensive than it used to be, partly because retailers like Williams-Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, and World Market have revived the style with newly made pieces. So now when a FB Marketplace seller sees those prices they automatically jack up the price of the vintage pieces. As always, though, the original vintage pieces, made from solid wood, outshine their modern counterparts in durability and craftsmanship. Even in rough shape and at higher prices, a transformation can be astounding when finished right.

Featured above Henry, Trent, Gustavo, Bennet, Holland.

Read more about the history of campaign furniture here.

In furniture design, Chinoiserie (pronounced (sheen · waa · zr · ee), refers to pieces inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics, often incorporating faux bamboo trim and Ming-style detailing. The term encompasses a range of styles, from lacquered cabinets adorned with intricate Asian motifs to sleek, minimalist designs influenced by Ming dynasty craftsmanship.

The Ming style itself is characterized by simplicity and strength, achieved through advanced woodworking techniques like mortise-and-tenon construction, which forgoes nails or screws for an interlocking joinery system. This method ensures longevity, making authentic Ming-style furniture as sturdy as it is elegant.

However, it’s also important to acknowledge the cultural appropriation tied to Chinoiserie’s Western popularity. The style originated from European interpretations of Chinese design, often romanticizing and distorting traditional Chinese artistry to fit Western tastes. While these pieces remain highly coveted, recognizing their origins ensures a more informed appreciation of their beauty.

Further reading on cultural appropriation in Chinoiserie 

All of these furniture styles—whether mid-century modern, Hollywood Regency, or campaign-inspired—have something in common: they were built to last. They were built during a time that mass production wasn't as readily acceptable as it is today. They were made with real wood or fantastic veneer finishing before particle board even existed.

I believe in today's world, our hunger for new, better, whatever-it-is, has created the monster we have today. Cheap overseas production allows many creative types, the ability to make their own new thing, establish a brand and offer their own style. The challenge however, is that it's just more stuff in the world. Do we really need more stuff?

Vintage furniture pieces of all styles, are readily available today. These days there are many YouTube videos that can tell you exactly how to fix and refinish anything. And now, you know a little bit about the pieces that will hold the most value in the long run.

Finding and flipping these iconic pieces is more than just a business—it's smart sustainable design; it’s an art form, a way to preserve history while breathing new life into old designs. If you're a new furniture flip enthusiast, knowing what to look for can help you uncover some of the most coveted treasures in the design world.

So, next time you’re scrolling Facebook Marketplace or wandering through a thrift shop, keep an eye out, enduring icons may be just around the corner.

If you enjoyed this article or found it useful somehow, don't hesitate to leave a comment. I will respond!