American furniture design has a rich and fascinating history, with many iconic brands that have come to define the style and craftsmanship of American furniture. One such brand is American of Martinsville, a company that was founded in 1906 and became synonymous with quality, innovation, and style.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of American of Martinsville and its impact on American furniture design. We’ll take a closer look at the company’s iconic designs, its influence on the industry, and its legacy in today’s furniture market.
The History of American of Martinsville:
American of Martinsville Furniture was founded in 1906 in Martinsville, Virginia, by two Danish immigrants, Fritz and Rhudolph Baer. The company started as a small furniture maker, creating simple, functional pieces for the local market.
Over time, the company’s reputation grew, and it began to expand its product line, introducing new styles and designs that caught the attention of the furniture industry. In the 1950s and 60s, American of Martinsville became a dominant force in the furniture market, with its mid-century modern designs capturing the attention of consumers across the country.
The company’s success was due in large part to its focus on innovation, quality, and style. American of Martinsville was always looking for new ways to improve its products, using the latest technology and materials to create furniture that was both beautiful and functional.
American of Martinsville’s Iconic Designs:
One of American of Martinsville’s most iconic designs was the Dania line, which was introduced in the 1960s. The Dania line was a collection of sleek, modern furniture featuring clean lines, unique shapes, and a mix of traditional and contemporary materials.
Another iconic American of Martinsville design was the “Starlight” collection, which was introduced in the 1950s. The Starlight collection featured a unique star-shaped knob that became synonymous with the American of Martinsville brand.
American of Martinsville also created a range of other successful designs, including the “Brasilia” collection, which was inspired by the architecture of Brazil, and the “Finn Juhl” collection, which was created in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Juhl.
The Influence of American of Martinsville on the Furniture Industry:
American of Martinsville’s influence on the furniture industry can be seen in the many companies that have been inspired by its designs and innovations. Many of today’s furniture makers continue to draw on American of Martinsville’s iconic mid-century modern designs, incorporating elements like sleek lines, unique shapes, and a blend of traditional and contemporary materials into their products.
The company also helped to pioneer new manufacturing techniques, using the latest technology and materials to create furniture that was both beautiful and functional. This focus on innovation helped to shape the industry, encouraging other furniture makers to push the boundaries of design and manufacturing.
The Legacy of American of Martinsville:
Are they open today? American of Martinsville is no longer in operation, having closed its doors in 2001. However, its legacy continues to live on, with many of its iconic designs and innovations still influencing the furniture industry today.
Collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out American of Martinsville furniture, with many of its pieces now considered valuable antiques. The company’s mid-century modern designs remain popular with collectors and homeowners alike, with their sleek lines and unique shapes adding a touch of timeless elegance to any home.
American of Martinsville Prices
The brand, American of Martinsville, has become extremely sought after in recent times(2023). For a historical reference a dining room set with hutch and table and chairs in the mid century style, made of solid walnut sold at Bohemians used mid century furniture store in May of 2017 for about $699 complete! Yes it had table pads and even a fitted glass top for the dining table. Today in 2023 expect to pay about $2000 for the table , $2500 for the chairs and between $1800 to $4000 for the hutch.
Conclusion:
American of Martinsville was a furniture company that played a significant role in shaping the American furniture design landscape. Through its focus on innovation, quality, and style, the company created a range of iconic designs that continue to influence the industry today.
While American of Martinsville may no longer be in operation, its legacy lives on, with many of its pieces now considered valuable antiques and its mid-century modern designs remaining popular with collectors and homeowners alike. As we continue to explore the rich history of American furniture design, we can’t help but be inspired by the legacy of American of Martinsville and the many other iconic brands that have helped to shape the industry.