Henredon Furniture is a well-known American furniture brand recognized for its high-quality craftsmanship and designer collaborations. Established in the mid-20th century, Henredon produced a wide range of furniture, including bedroom sets, dining room pieces, sofas, and case goods. While production has largely ceased, the brand continues to be significant in the vintage furniture market.
History of Henredon Furniture
Henredon was founded in 1945 in Morganton, North Carolina by a group of partners including T. Henry Wilson, Ralph Edwards, Don VanNoppen, and Sterling Collett. The company name “Henredon” is derived from a combination of the founders’ first names.
Initially, Henredon focused on solid wood dressers and cabinets. Over time, it expanded into complete furniture collections, emphasizing quality materials, precision craftsmanship, and aesthetic design.
During the 1950s through the 1980s, Henredon collaborated with several notable designers, such as:
Dorothy Draper, creator of the España Collection
Frank Lloyd Wright, with the Taliesin line
Ralph Lauren, contributing to high-end luxury furniture lines
These collaborations enhanced the brand’s reputation and helped position Henredon as a leader in high-end American furniture.
Production and Decline
Henredon furniture was traditionally handcrafted using solid hardwoods, high-quality veneers, and durable upholstery materials. Its construction often included:
Dovetail joints for drawer strength
Kiln-dried hardwood frames
Hand-applied finishes and veneers
In later years, Henredon became part of the Heritage Home Group, which also owned several other furniture brands. Due to economic pressures and competition from imports, Heritage Home Group filed for bankruptcy in 2018, effectively ending original Henredon furniture production.
Today, no verified large-scale manufacturing of Henredon furniture exists under the original standards. Some pieces produced under the brand name after this period may not reflect the same craftsmanship.
Materials and Construction
Henredon furniture is noted for the use of high-quality woods, including:
Walnut
Mahogany
Oak
Cherry
Maple
Case goods often featured book-matched veneers and intricate carved details. Upholstered items, including sofas and chairs, were constructed with coil-spring support, premium fabrics, or genuine leather. These elements contributed to durability and long-lasting appeal.
Henredon Furniture Catalogs
Official Henredon catalogs and PDFs are limited, as the company ceased operations. While historical catalogs existed for product references, most are now accessible only through:
Vintage furniture dealers
Collector blogs and websites
Auction listings and estate sales
Searching by specific collection names, such as Taliesin, España, or Ralph Lauren collaborations, often provides better results than attempting to locate general Henredon catalogs.
Collectibility and Value
Henredon furniture remains highly regarded in the vintage furniture market. Factors contributing to value include:
Construction quality: Solid wood frames and veneers maintain structural integrity over decades.
Designer collections: Collaborations with Draper, Wright, and Lauren increase collector interest.
Rarity: Limited production and discontinued manufacturing enhance scarcity.
Condition: Well-preserved pieces retain higher value.
Vintage Henredon items can include sofas, dining tables, bedroom sets, cabinets, and sideboards. Prices vary depending on condition, collection, and design.
Identifying Authentic Henredon Pieces
Collectors and buyers should verify authenticity. Common identifiers include:
Stamps or branding: “Henredon” or “Henredon Fine Furniture” on drawers, chair undersides, or back panels.
Paper tags: Often affixed inside drawers or under tables.
Construction techniques: Dovetail joints, thick veneers, and kiln-dried hardwood frames.
Collection-specific markings: Certain designer lines may include unique identifiers.
Absence of marks does not necessarily indicate inauthenticity, as some vintage pieces were unmarked.
Henredon Sofas and Upholstered Furniture
Henredon sofas were constructed with:
Kiln-dried hardwood frames
Coil-spring support
Premium leather or high-quality upholstery
Plush, durable cushions
Common styles include traditional rolled-arm sofas, tufted mid-century designs, and deep-seated living room sets. Vintage Henredon sofas are sought after in resale markets due to durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.
Where to Find Henredon Furniture Today
While new Henredon furniture’s is no longer produced, vintage pieces are available through:
Online resale marketplaces: 1stdibs, Chairish, Kaiyo, EBTH
Local platforms: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace
Estate sales and auctions
Vintage furniture stores
Availability and prices vary depending on condition, rarity, and collection.
Conclusion
Henredon Furniture represents an important chapter in American furniture history. Although production under the original craftsmanship standards has ceased, the brand’s legacy persists through vintage pieces, which remain valued for their quality, design, and durability. Collectors, interior designers, and furniture enthusiasts continue to seek Henredon items, particularly designer lines and well-preserved examples.
For those interested in learning more about furniture brands, vintage collections, and buying guides, this article is brought to you by Dwellmend.com.