Lane Altavista Furniture

The Thrilling Search for Vintage Mid-Century Style

I’ve always had an affinity for mid-century modern style. The clean lines, geometric shapes, and blend of natural and industrial materials just speak to my aesthetic. So when I decided it was finally time to upgrade my lackluster furniture, I knew exactly where to look – Lane Altavista.

This iconic brand is synonymous with mid-century style. Lane Altavista Furniture first hit the scene in the 1950s and quickly became a staple of stylish, American homes. Altavista’s designers took inspiration from contemporary European trends and translated them for the American market. The result was furniture with a distinctly modern, yet livable vibe.

Over the years, Lane continued to evolve with the times, introducing new shapes, colors, and textures. But they never lost that essential mid-century charm. To me, Lane Altavista represents the pinnacle of this quintessentially American design movement. I was determined to make it the centerpiece of my new living room.

The Hunt Begins

I started my search by boning up on all things Lane Altavista. I wanted to be able to easily identify their iconic designs across the decades. Some key features to look for are:

• Slender, tapered legs, often made of walnut or ash wood
• Low profiles with an emphasis on horizontality
• Sculptural shapes like kidney and biomorphic forms
• Upholstery in earth tones, atomic prints, or vinyl
• Details like hand-tied coil springs and data plates underneath each piece

Armed with this design knowledge, I explored every venue imaginable in search of the perfect Lane Altavista finds. I hit up flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales, online auctions – you name it. For months, the hunt seemed fruitless. But finally, buried in the back of a vintage mid-century shop, I struck gold – a 1960s Lane Altavista walnut coffee table and matching end tables. The sculptural kidney shape immediately caught my eye. Upon inspection, all the Lane Altavista hallmarks were there. I’d found my new living room anchors!

Expanding the Collection

The thrill of the chase didn’t end there. Now that I had my Lane Altavista foundation pieces, I was determined to build a cohesive collection around them. Next on my list was a credenza or sideboard to anchor the dining area. After a few weeks with no luck, I expanded my search outside my area. A stunning 1968 Lane Altavista teak sideboard popped up in an online estate sale three states away. I didn’t hesitate – I knew this was the one. Securing special vintage finds often requires going the extra mile.

With the major pieces acquired, I turned my attention to the details. A pair of Lane Altavista Petal end tables now flank my sofa, their fun floral shape contrasting nicely with the linear coffee table. For additional seating, I scored a vintage Lane Altavista lounge chair covered in earthy brown vinyl. The molded fiberglass shell epitomizes 60s chic.

The Thrill of the Find

Completing my Lane Altavista collection took nearly a year, but oh was it worth it. Every time I walk into my living room now, I feel a thrill seeing these gorgeous vintage pieces come together so beautifully. And knowing I unearthed each item myself through tireless hunting makes them feel extra special.

Owning this functional piece of mid-century design history is a dream come true. The Lane Altavista pieces will only grow more gorgeous and valuable as the years pass. When I one day pass them on, I hope they continue to be cherished for their unique combination of style, quality, and old-world craftsmanship. For now, I’ll happily enjoy them as the showstopping focal points they were always meant to be.

The thrill of the find is the thing that makes vintage furniture so addictively appealing. And Lane Altavista is one of the most coveted names for good reason. These iconic designs literally shaped mid-century style and still look just as fresh today. For fellow vintage enthusiasts, I hope my journey has provided some helpful tips and motivation. Time to get out there and start hunting – you never know what treasures you might unearth!