Lane Furniture: The American Mid-Century Modern Icon You Need to Know
Founded in 1912 by John Lane and his son Ed Lane, Lane Furniture quickly became a household name in the world of American furniture design. The Virginia-based company initially focused on making cedar chests, with their first factory in Alta Vista being a modest 40 by 60-foot workshop. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include a wide range of furniture pieces, including tables, chairs, and storage solutions.
John and Ed's keen business sense and passion for quality craftsmanship set the stage for the company's growth and success. Their innovative approach to design earned them a reputation for creating timeless pieces that appealed to both traditional and modern sensibilities. This winning combination catapulted Lane Furniture into the spotlight, making it a classic design coveted among mid-century modern enthusiasts.
Signature Style: Sophistication with a Touch of Custom Craftsmanship
Lane Furniture is known for being one of the best selling and trusted American brands of the era with classic designs made with rich materials and high-quality craftsmanship. Their signature style showcases clean lines, sculptural forms, and a thoughtful mix of high-quality materials such as wood, glass, and brass. The company's use of walnut, solid oak, and rosewood helped elevate the designs giving each piece a rich, warm appeal that is both inviting and sophisticated.
Lane Furniture's ability to balance sophistication with a touch of whimsy has made their pieces enduring classics in the realm of mid-century modern design. The company's iconic Acclaim series, for example, features eye-catching dovetail inlays that lend an air of playfulness to the otherwise sleek and refined forms.
Impact on Culture and Design: Redefining American Furniture
Lane Furniture's innovative approach to design played a pivotal role in shaping the mid-century modern movement in America. The company's focus on quality, comfort, and aesthetics resonated with consumers, who were increasingly drawn to simple, functional designs that embraced the ethos of "form follows function." This philosophy was in stark contrast to the ornate and heavily embellished styles that dominated earlier periods.
The post-World War II era saw a cultural shift that embraced modernism and minimalism, and Lane Furniture was perfectly positioned to meet the demands of a changing market. Their designs not only captured the spirit of the time but also helped to redefine American furniture design, setting new standards for style and quality that continue to influence the industry today.
Legacy: A Continuing Tradition of Excellence
Though both John and Ed Lane have since passed away, their commitment to quality craftsmanship and cutting-edge design lives on. Lane Furniture has remained a popular brand still in production today, however its vintage series like the Lane Acclaim, Perception, and designs by Paul McCobb and Andre Bus have become coveted pieces of the era capturing the essence of mid-century modern design. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of designers, as the timeless appeal of their work endures.
Shop the Collection: Classic Lane Finds at MiMO Decor
At MiMO Decor, we are thrilled to offer a curated selection of Lane Furniture's iconic designs. When in stock, our collection features pieces such as the Acclaim series coffee tables, the Perception series sideboards, and the Rhythm series dining sets. Each piece is carefully restored and authenticated, ensuring you're investing in a genuine work of mid-century modern design.
Browse the collection below to explore our current and previously sold inventory of Lane Furniture pieces. Our inventory is one of a kind and always changing. Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our blog to see our items before they sell out.
