Lane Furniture End Tables

I’ve always had a thing for vintage and antique furniture. There’s just something about a well-made, solid wood piece that has stood the test of time. So when I was looking to add some end tables to my mid-century modern living room, I knew I wanted to find some quality vintage ones. That’s when I discovered Lane Furniture end tables.

What Are Lane Furniture End Tables?

Lane Furniture was an American furniture manufacturer that operated from 1912 to 2001. They were known for their high-quality, solid wood furniture made from oak, maple, walnut, and cherry. Lane’s specialty was Mid-Century Modern furniture, featuring clean lines and tapered legs. The company made a range of pieces like dining sets, bedroom sets, and of course, end tables.

Lane end tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they often have similar characteristics. Many have a simple rectangular or square shape, with four tapered legs. The tabletops showcase the beautiful wood grains in walnut, oak, or mahogany. And Lane used expert joinery, connecting pieces with dowels or interlocking joints that have stood the test of time.

How to Identify Lane Furniture End Tables

So how do you know if an end table is actually made by Lane? Here are some tips to look for:

• Maker’s Marks: Look underneath the table or inside a drawer for a stamp or sticker that says “Lane” or “Lane Company.” This is the best way to authenticate it.
• Tapered Legs: Those signature tapered legs with the slightly flared feet are a dead giveaway.
• Dovetail Joinery: Look for dovetails, box joints, or dowels attaching the legs, rather than nails or staples. This quality joinery was typical of Lane.
• Veneers vs. Solid Wood: Lane used high-quality solid wood for their tabletops, not veneers.
• Mid-Century Style: Clean lines, simple shapes, tapered legs, and quality woodgrains all align with Lane’s mid-century aesthetic.

Where to Buy Lane End Tables

So now that you know what to look for, where can you find authentic Lane end tables? Here are some of my favorite places to shop:

• Estate Sales: I’ve had the best luck finding Lane Furniture at estate sales. You can often get quality pieces at great prices.
• Thrift Stores: It takes some digging, but thrift stores sometimes have vintage Lane pieces mixed into their furniture selection.
• Antique Shops: Higher-end antique stores are more likely to have vintage Lane end tables that have been cleaned up and restored. But they come at a higher price.
• Online Auctions: I browse eBay, 1stDibs, and Etsy to find Lane end tables for sale from private sellers. Again, higher prices but more selection.
• Facebook Marketplace: Search locally for people selling vintage Lanes. You can sometimes get lucky with Facebook Marketplace and find solid deals.

The Many Styles of Lane End Tables

One of the things I love about Lane is the wide range of styles their end tables came in. Here are some of the most common looks:

• Mid-Century Modern: This is the quintessential Lane style. Think tapered legs, simple shapes, warm wood tones, and clean lines.
• Traditional: Some Lane end tables have more ornate cabriole legs or decoratively carved aprons for a traditional feel.
• ** Danish Modern:** With influences from Scandinavian design, some Lane tables have gently rounded edges and splayed tapered legs.
• Contemporary: For a more updated look, some Lane end tables have polished metal bases or mixed materials like glass tabletops.
• Mission: Inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement, Mission Lane tables have exposed joinery and straight lines.
• French Provincial: Lane captured this romantic style with cabriole legs, scalloped aprons, and distressing techniques.

The Value of Lane End Tables

If you love the mid-century modern style, investing in a quality vintage Lane end table is worth the price. Here’s how Lane’s value compares:

• More Valuable than Mass Produced Furniture: Because they were handcrafted from solid woods, Lane tables have higher value than mass produced furniture, even when comparing similar style and era.
• Less Valuable than Heywood Wakefield: Lane sits slightly below Heywood Wakefield end tables in terms of collectibility and value. Heywood Wakefield was known for exceptional quality and innovative designs.
• On Par with Drexel: Lane and Drexel are both trusted vintage brands. Their end tables tend to be comparable in quality and price for similar styles.
• More Valuable than Homemade: Even vintage handmade end tables don’t quite measure up to Lane’s expert craftsmanship. So don’t underestimate a good condition Lane!

Restoring Lane End Tables

Part of the fun of buying vintage Lane end tables is bringing them back to life! Here are my go-to steps for restoring Lane pieces:

• Clean: Wipe down with a gentle wood cleaner and lightly sand to remove any old stain or finish.
• Repair: Tighten joints, re-glue loose joints, fill gouges, and replace broken pieces to get the structure sound.
• Strip: Use a chemical stripper to remove any existing finish or paint. Wear protective gear!
• Sand: Progressively hand sand with 120, 150, then 220 grit sandpaper until smooth.
• Stain: Match existing color or choose a new hue. Apply stain evenly with a rag. Seal with a sanding sealer.
• Protect: Protect your work with 3-5 coats of a clear polyurethane, letting each coat dry fully. I prefer a satin sheen.
• Seal: Seal the underside and inside of the end table to prevent future moisture damage.

It takes some work, but it’s so satisfying to revive a well-made Lane table!

The Quality Materials in Lane Furniture

When evaluating vintage furniture, materials matter. Here’s what went into making a Lane end table:

• Hardwoods: American black walnut was Lane’s signature, along with quality oak, maple, and mahogany. No veneers!
• Dowels: Lane doweled their joints to create tight, long-lasting connections between tabletops and legs.
• Interlocking Joints: Dovetail, box, and mortise and tenon joints made Lanes extra sturdy.
• Brass Hardware: Vintage Lane tables had sturdy brass hinges, glides, and bails that stand the test of time.
• Plywood: For drawer boxes and cabinet backs, Lane used high-quality birch plywood with attractive face veneers.
• Laminates: In the 1950-60s, Lane experimented with Formica laminate surfaces in bright colors and patterns.

Thanks to quality materials, I can feel confident my Lane end table will become a family heirloom.

Reviews of Lane Furniture Quality

Don’t just take my word for it! Here are what some other vintage Lane owners have to say:

“You can tell this end table was built to last. I love the solid wood and clean mid-century lines. A classic that looks great with my other period furniture.”

“We inherited a Lane end table from my wife’s grandparents. That thing will still be going strong by the time we pass it down to our own grandkids. They definitely don’t make ‘em like this anymore!”

“I scored this Lane for a steal at a garage sale. After a fresh coat of paint, it looks brand new! It fits perfectly next to my sofa and the drawer is smoothly finished inside and out.”

“Lane Furniture is my go-to when I shop vintage. The quality shines through in every piece. I’m a fan for life after living with this gorgeous Lane end table.”

“My thrifted Lane was a little dinged up but I brought it back to life with some DIY restoration. Now it looks like it cost 10X what I paid. And did I mention it matches my Lane credenza perfectly?”

Caring for Your Lane End Table

To keep your Lane end table looking its best for decades to come, here are my care tips:

• Use Placemats: Protect the finish by using leather or felt placemats under any items placed on the surface.
• Avoid Moisture: Immediately wipe up spills and avoid letting any liquids sit on the table to prevent water marks.
• ** Dust Often:** Dust frequently with a soft cloth to prevent buildup and surface dullness.
• Clean Sparingly: Only use a gentle wood cleaner when needed. Over-cleaning can wear down the finish.
• Rotate Out Items: If you display small items on your table, rotate them out to evenly distribute any fading or marks from pressure points.
• Check Joints: Periodically inspect joints for cracks or loosening. Tighten when needed.
• Re-apply Finish: When the finish starts looking dull, renew your table’s protection with fresh coats of polyurethane.

With some basic care, I know I’ll be passing down my Lane end tables for another lifetime of use!

Lane End Table Dimensions

Lane made end tables in a range of sizes to fit any space. Here are some typical dimensions to look for:

• Small Square End Table: 18” W x 18” D x 24” H
• Medium Rectangle End Table: 24” W x 20” D x 24” H
• Large Square End Table: 24” W x 24” D x 26” H
• Small Round End Table: 18” Diameter x 24” H
• Large Round End Table: 24” Diameter x 28” H
• Square Nesting Tables (Set of 3): 18”, 20”, 22” Square x 26” H
• Octagonal End Table: 22” W x 22” D x 26” H

Measure the space where you want to place your end table and look for Lane models that fit the footprint. Having an end table that’s too large or too small for the proportions of your sofa or chair will look off.

Assembling Lane End Tables

Many Lane end tables come fully assembled. But for knockdown models with removable legs, here are some assembly tips:

• Review Instructions: Carefully read any assembly directions included with a new table.
• Identify Parts: Confirm that you have the tabletop, legs, screws, and any hardware before beginning.
• Protect Surfaces: Cover your workspace and the tabletop with a soft blanket or towels to prevent scratches.
• Attach Legs: Set each leg into its indent in the table apron. Insert screws from below and tighten.
• Check Corners: Make sure legs are tightly attached and table doesn’t wobble. Fully tighten any loose screws.
• Attach Hardware: Add any drawer pulls, glides, or bails last, so they don’t get damaged during assembly.
• Level Table: Once assembled, set the table on level ground and adjust the glides as needed.

Go slow and take care when assembling your Lane table to ensure it comes out perfectly put together!

History of Lane Furniture Company

Learning a heritage brand’s origins and evolution adds meaning when furniture hunting. Here are some key points in Lane’s story:

• Founded in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia by John Lane and his son James Lane.
• Specializing in Bedroom and Dining Sets with old world Classical and Renaissance design influences.
• Expanded to Upholstered Furniture in the 1920s to provide matching sofas, chairs and more.
• Shifted to Modern Lines in the late 1930s. Lane was an early adopter of the mid-century trend.
• Opened Large Factories in North Carolina to ramp up production in the 1950s and 60s during Lane’s heydey.
• Family Leadership until the late 1970s when the company expanded outside family management.
• Focused on Mass Retail in the 1990s, losing brand cachet. The Lane family finally sold in 1996.
• Closed in 2001 after a series of ownership changes, the company fell victim to cheap overseas furniture competition.

Learning this history gives me even more appreciation for vintage Lane quality and craftsmanship.

Finding Vintage Lane End Tables

While Lane furniture was mass-produced, vintage mid-century Lane pieces feel special today. Here are my top tips for finding vintage Lane end tables:

• Search classified ads and Facebook Marketplace for folks selling Lanes from their homes.
• Head to estate sales in mid-century neighborhoods to find Lane furniture being cleared out.
• Stop by consignment furniture stores since vintage Lanes are perfect for resale.
• Scan Craigslist for Lane pieces being offered in your area.
• Look for Lane furniture at liquidation sales when vintage stores are closing.
• Check out flea markets for booths with vintage and antique furniture finds.
• Follow online auctions like eBay for Lane pieces that may have lower bidding competition.
• Never underestimate thrift stores and garage sales; you never know what treasures you’ll uncover!

The Durability of Lane End Tables

The longevity of Lane Furniture pieces is what gives them lasting value today. Here’s why Lane end tables stand the test of time:

• Solid Hardwoods like oak, walnut, and mahogany resist warping and cracking over decades.
• Expert Cabinetry with dovetail joinery keeps tables from getting rickety.
• Thick Tabletops are less likely to split or stain compared to thin veneers.
• Smooth Finishes stand up well to normal wear and tear with minimal scratching.
• Reinforced Frames have thick aprons and stretchers to prevent loose joints.
• Sturdy Hardware uses thick brass and durable steel to avoid stripping or breaking.
• Protected Corners with angled edges prevent chipping and fraying over years of use.

When you buy a solid wood vintage Lane, you’re making an investment in furniture that was built to last!

The Color Palette of Lane Tables

While Lane is known for showing off beautiful wood grains, they produced end tables in a range of finishes. Here are some colors to look for:

• Light, Medium or Dark Walnut
• Honey Oak with warm orange undertones
• Cherrywood with reddish hues
• Maple with creamy blondes and light pinks
• Ebony stained deep, dark black
• Mahogany rich brownish reds
• Gray Painted Finishes
• Black Painted Finishes
• White Painted Finishes
• Distressed Paints with layered colors showing through
• Bright Solid Lacquered Colors from the 1960s

Look for colors that will complement your existing furniture and home décor style. Vintage Lanes offer tons of options!

How Lane Compares to Other Brands

If you’re new to vintage furniture shopping, here’s how Lane stacks up to some other popular mid-century brands:

• Better Quality Than: Plycraft, Broyhill Premiere, Athens – Affordable brands, but Lane has standout craftsmanship
• On Par With: Heywood Wakefield, Danish Modern Brands – Legendary names where certain high-end collections compare to Lane’s quality
• Lower Quality Than: Herman Miller, Knoll – Iconic designer brands known for both innovation and execution
• More Styles Than: Tulip, Brasilia – *These have a narrow aesthetic niche, while Lane has wider range *
• More Collectible Than: Drexel Profile, Kent Coffey – Trusted brands but Lane edges them out in popularity and value
• Less Availability Than: Nemschoff, Selig – Lane had higher production numbers back in the day

So while not the pinnacle of mid-century design, Lane more than holds its own against competitors!

Notable Lane Furniture Collections

In addition to their signature generic end tables, Lane had some named collections that are worth mentioning. Here are a few to look out for:

• **American Country – *Rustic charm designs made from pine, maple, and oak
• **Corsican – *Mediterranean style with fruitwood veneers and ornate detailing
• **Plantation – **Early American colonial designs in fruitwoods and maple *
• **Kingsley – *Formal, finely crafted 18th century style reproductions
• **Stonecroft – *Heavily distressed, paint-splattered cottage designs
• **20th Century – *Lane’s core mid-century modern styled furniture line
• **Accents – *Lane’s most contemporary, clean-lined designs

Seeking out named collections can help you find more unique Lane pieces!

Styling Lane End Tables

The versatile mid-century modern style of Lane end tables adapts well in many living spaces:

• Float a pair on either side of a low slung sofa to hold lamps and provide workspace.
• Tuck one beside an accent chair to hold books and a beverage.
• Use taller end tables for sitting height next to sectionals.
• Flank a bed with matching end tables for cohesive styling.
• Nest tables to conserve space when not in use.
• Divide a long sofa with two end tables to carve out separate seating areas.
• Pull one up as a makeshift desk or dining space.

Lane’s simple, clean designs work with all different furniture arrangements!

Finding Sales on Lane Furniture

Lane end tables hold value well, but you can still find sales if you know where to look:

• Check for lane pieces at liquidation sales when vintage furniture stores are closing.
• Shop Labor Day furniture sales at big box stores for discounted Lanes.
• Look for Lanes priced to sell quickly on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
• Search eBay for Lane auctions ending soon with lower bids.
• Ask for a bundle discount if buying multiple Lane pieces from one seller.
• Check estate sales on the last day when family members discount prices.
• Join a local mid-century Facebook group and watch for member sales.

With some persistence and timing, you can score a quality Lane end table on sale!

Customizing Your Lane Table

While Lane’s trademark is their clean mid-century look, you can make subtle custom updates:

• Restain or repaint to any color you like while keeping the original finish as an option.
• Replace hardware with modern brushed nickel pulls for a contemporary twist.
• Add leather insets on the tops of worn solid wood end tables to preserve them.
• Attach hairpin legs instead of the classic tapered legs for a modern industrial style.
• Upholster drawer fronts in a vibrant or patterned fabric to show some personality.
• Convert to a desk by topping an end table base with a thick wood work surface.

Make it your own with custom updates while still honoring the vintage Appeal of Lane’s expert craftsmanship.

No matter where you find it or what style you choose, I hope this guide helps you discover the perfect Lane Furniture end table to become a treasured piece of your home for decades to come. Vintage Lane furniture is like comfort food for your home – never going out of style and only getting better with age!