Design 101: Why We’re Still Loving Lane Furniture

Written by

Lauren Hannel
Lauren Hannel
A Buffalo native in Brooklyn. Reader, crafter, scavenger, and Netflix addict. Amateur foodie, but professional eater. She has yet to find a bakery she didn't like.
published Mar 2, 2017
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(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

What makes a brand stand the test of time? Some designers can be divisive, or even just forgotten, and certain styles might not work outside of the era of their inception (looking at you, inflatable armchair of my youth). Just like the iconic designers and brands we’ve been working our way through, this company has maintained popularity for a reason: Lane Furniture and their clean, high-quality designs.

While some of the other brands we’ve discussed have been the brainchild of essentially one designer, Lane Furniture has been a family company from the start. Founded in 1912, John Lane combined his minimal manufacturing experience with some healthy curiosity, and started making cedar chests out of the box plant he owned. With successful experimentation comes even more experimentation, and the company started producing tables and accent pieces into the 1960’s.

I was first introduced to the brand’s sleek Acclaim line, after seeing countless stylish, mid-century inspired living rooms using that coffee table as a centerpiece. But there’s some great variation within the different product lines: whereas Acclaim is all about smooth surfaces, Perception features textural cane detailing, and the Brutalist works are bold, dimensional and highly dramatic.

So once you’ve spotted a “Lane” piece and want to make it your own, be sure to do a little digging for marks of authenticity. Physically, Lane Furniture is characterized by: dovetail joints, rounded corners and tapered legs, but you should also look for an official company seal somewhere on the item.

Apartment Therapy Marketplace has an awesome selection of authentic Lane Furniture, most of which are from the 1950’s and 60’s. Check out some of my favorite (surprisingly affordable) pieces, and see if this classic brand can continue it’s legacy in your home!

Can’t get enough? Shop the rest of the Lane Furniture selection on Apartment Therapy Marketplace!