Designer Furniture
Selling Designer & Mid-Century Furniture in Southern California
I Buy It buys named-designer furniture from the 1950s through the 1970s, including George Nakashima studio pieces, Herman Miller and Knoll production, John Vesey, and other recognized makers. The single biggest factor in value is the original manufacturer label or stamp. Labeled examples confirm authenticity and period, and they sell for substantially more than unmarked lookalikes.
What we buy
- George Nakashima studio pieces
- Herman Miller production, including Eames and Girard designs
- Knoll production, including Saarinen and Barcelona
- John Vesey furniture
- Other named designers from the 1950s through the 1970s, in original labeled examples
Past results include a John Vesey stainless and bronze neoclassical desk, sold for $23,000 in 2023; an Alexander Girard for Herman Miller credenza, sold for $11,000 in 2022; a George Nakashima “Frenchman’s Cove” dining table, sold for $9,000 in 2018; and a pair of Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs by Knoll, sold for $7,000 in 2023. See recent results.
How to tell if it’s valuable
- It carries an original manufacturer label or stamp. Look for Herman Miller, Knoll, or Nakashima Studio marks, usually on the underside or the frame.
- It is a studio or early production piece by a named designer, still in its original materials. Nakashima pieces with identifiable studio characteristics, original materials, and supporting labels or paperwork are easier to attribute.
- It is an iconic design in good original condition, such as Barcelona chairs or an Eames Lounge. Labeled Knoll examples are preferred.
- You have the original invoice, order card, or other provenance paperwork.
How to identify it
- Labels and stamps. Turn the piece over. Check the underside of the seat, the back panel, and the frame for “Herman Miller,” “Knoll,” or Nakashima marks.
- Construction. Look at joinery, materials, and hardware. Nakashima pieces show butterfly keys and live edges. Vesey and Barcelona pieces show period chrome or stainless.
- Materials. Original upholstery, original finish, and original wood all count in your favor.
- Paperwork. Original invoices and order cards strengthen attribution. Keep anything you have.
What usually isn’t valuable
- Unlabeled “inspired by” pieces and later reproductions usually lack the attribution and collector demand associated with original labeled examples.
- Pieces that have been heavily refinished, or that are damaged without supporting documentation. Both reduce auction and collector interest.
- Ordinary household furniture is outside what we buy.
How to photograph it for an evaluation
- Full piece from several angles, including front, side, and back
- Close-ups of every label and stamp: underside, frame, back panel
- Close-ups of joinery, hardware, and materials
- Clear shots of upholstery condition and wood condition, including any damage
- Any provenance papers, original invoices, or order cards
Common questions
How do I know if my chair is a real Knoll or a copy?
Check the frame and underside for a Knoll stamp or distributor label. Labeled examples are preferred, and unlabeled reproductions bring very little premium over generic furniture.
Where is the label on mid-century furniture?
Most often on the underside of the seat, on the back, or on the frame. It may be a paper label, a foil label, or a stamp, so look carefully before concluding there isn’t one.
Should I refinish it before selling?
No. Heavy refinishing reduces collector and auction interest. Send it to us as it is and let us assess the original surface.
Is mid-century modern still selling?
Named, labeled designer pieces in original condition are generally easier to evaluate than unmarked or reproduction furniture.
I have the original receipt. Does that help?
Yes. Original invoices and order cards strengthen attribution, which helps both authentication and price.
Related: Antiques
Send photos through the form on our site, by email, or by text. We respond within 24 hours. We serve Southern California: Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Have designer furniture?
Send photos of the piece and any labels or stamps.