Vintage Furniture Gems to Look for at the Thrift Store

the-vintage-wood-furniture-brand-to-check-for-at-the-thrift-store-(there’s-so-many-options)

  • Furniture shopping can be a real pain, you know? It’s easy to just grab something and call it a day. But if you’ve got the time, digging through thrift stores can turn up some awesome hidden gems. Maybe it’s the thrill of the hunt, or that vintage wood smell, but there’s just something exciting about stumbling across furniture made by legendary brands. One brand to keep an eye out for is American of Martinsville.

    American of Martinsville was known for top-notch quality and cool, mid-century styles. The company started back in 1906 when former tobacco guys Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee got into the furniture game. They started with bedroom sets, but soon expanded into a whole range of iconic mid-century designs that were super popular in the 1950s.

    Nowadays, you can find all sorts of American of Martinsville pieces, from sleek, low coffee tables to beautiful walnut dressers with those cool slatted doors. No matter your home’s style, you can probably find an amazing mid-century modern treasure from this brand at your local thrift shop. If you spot one, snatch it up!

    How to spot American of Martinsville furniture

    When you’re digging through the furniture at your local thrift store, the first giveaway that something might be American of Martinsville is if it’s a solid wood piece in that classic mid-century style. They used a lot of cherry, walnut, and oak, so you’ll see that rich, deep tone. If you spot something like that, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look.

    Beyond the solid, sturdy construction, there are a few other telltale signs to watch for. Many American of Martinsville pieces have those cool slatted or louvered doors, inspired by the Scandinavian modern look that was so popular in the 50s. You’ll also often see that cool brass cross motif on the tables and dressers.

    And the final giveaway is the brand’s logo – their name with an eagle on the “A” of “America”. You’ll usually find that stamped somewhere inside the drawers or on the interior panels.