We had a friend in the early 90's who was obsessed with finding beat-up, old Heywood-Wakefield furniture in shops run by clueless employees for cheap.
He and his wife would then painstakingly transform each tore-up bedside table, chest of drawers, and dining set that they would find, into perfect, restored masterpieces. It was so impressive to see the love, time and commitment it took to do the restoration.
In truth, we could never fully appreciate the Heywood-Wakefield furniture on its own due to the signature blond wood, a trait that lived in complete contradiction to our dark, Danish-teak reality. However, it was undeniable that John and Allison’s apartment- Heywood-Wakefield and all- was the most stylish home we’d ever seen. (The pics are not from their home)
Anyone have an opinion on the 5 blonde-wood loving brothers from Massachusetts?
New Heywood-Wakefield furniture can be found here.
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Comments (5)
I admit it - I LOVE Heywood Wakefield. There is just something about it that makes me happy. My dream is a country house full of it!
I love the streamlined, clean look of the pieces - nothing frilly or fancy. Even their classic "pouf" seat is under-stated and calm.
Additionally, the pieces that I have seen in person are sturdy and so well made! This was furniture that was supposed to be used day in and day out. It was affordable and mass produced. But it has lasted over the past 50 years and you can find whole bedroom/dining room sets in perfect condition.
If not in perfect condition they are easy to restore!
There is a book on Amazon that I have - Heywood-Wakefield Modern Furniture by Steven Rouland, that shows the furniture in its "natural setting" and also has a good history of the company. I've also found several design books from the 50's/60's that have various Hey-Wake items in the model home settings.
Sadly, people seem to be on to the value of it, and it has gotten harder and harder to find bargains. I've seen really beat up stuff selling at a premium. Bummer!
Last summer, I bought a Heywood-Wakefield dresser (M522) for $61 on eBay. It's in great condition with just a few scratches. It was a great deal; new repros retail for $1695: http://www.heywood-wakefield.com/detail.cgi?m522?bedroom
But please, Heywood in moderation.
Yes, a big lover of HW. I have a bedroom set [bed and dresser/mirror combo] it over takes a room I have to admit. it works perfectly for my situation but I agree all things in moderation.
too much of a good thing can make a person sick. I think I would opt out of any more of it. one room is enough for me.
if you watch craigs list you can still get a good deal. I got a dresser for 400$ that would normally run 1000-1500$ if completely restored. mine is in excellect condition. I'm leary of ebay sales as the shipping would kill you unless it was a local pickup. but hey that's just me.
To the couple unsure of mixing Blonde Heyward Wakefield and Danish Modern Dark woods - there are some simple guide lines to do this successfully - Color blocking area's.....Ie: In my own home I have danish modern chairs in Dark charcoal upholstery walnut wood anchored on dark brown boucle rug hand painted with accent colors of vintage blue/green & matching throw pillows for some life matched up with a medium tone Brown & Saltmen tiger wood Nuetra like styling connecting it to the Traditional Oak Floors around. The rug & furnishings all anchor and read as Darker Brown & Gray Block in a Neutral Setting of White walls arranged around a fire place. In an open floor plan keeps this focus and hierarchy ready as "primary" to the living area. My Prized Heyward Wakefield - "Wishbone Table" with The Full very modern still M155 Heyward square back chairs complements the modernist look and yet the table reads into the light oak floors so in relationship to the darker Block of open living room its a neutral back drop sharing the space in harmony. However one look at that table and its a life and it stands all its own. I find the 70's furniture can be heavy and brooding though dramatic and mixed with some of the Happier lighter elements of the 50's and neutral modern architecture or an all white traditional setting makes a complete livable stylish and dramatic interior that is full of classic integrity and longevity. If you wish I would be Glad to share photo's of this wonderful room. Dean Turchi - Interior Designer - Beverly Hills CA