Lane Furniture Nightstands

My Journey to Discover the Charm of Vintage Lane Furniture

As an interior design enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique vintage furniture pieces that add character to a space. On a recent trip to an antique market, I came across a beautifully crafted teak nightstand branded with the Lane Furniture logo. I was immediately drawn to the mid-century modern style and the smooth rounded edges. There was something so charming and enduring about the quality woodwork. This chance encounter sparked my interest in Lane Furniture and the history behind this iconic American brand.

In this blog post, I’ll take you through my journey to learn everything about Lane Furniture nightstands – from identifying vintage models to styling these exceptional pieces in a modern bedroom. Whether you’re looking to invest in an antique Lane nightstand or refinish a thrift store find, I’ll share my tips to guide you in choosing and caring for these timeless furniture classics. Let’s delve into the world of Lane Furniture!

An Overview of the Lane Furniture Brand

Lane Furniture has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality, hardwood furniture designed to last for generations. The company originated in Virginia in 1912 by John Lane and initially focused on bedroom suites and dining room furniture. Many vintage Lane pieces made between the 1930s-60s are now considered collectibles and are distinguishable by the stamped Lane logo. These nightstands and dressers were made from oak, maple, mahogany, teak, and walnut.

By the 1950s, Lane became known for its mid-century modern designs featuring clean lines, turned tapered legs, and drawer pulls made of wood or cast metal. The brand reached peak popularity in the 1960s-70s before declining in the 80s-90s. In 2004, Heritage Home Group acquired and revived the Lane name. Today, they reproduce vintage Lane collections alongside contemporary designs. When shopping Lane Furniture, look for the “Lane Classics” label for authentic retro replicas.

Identifying Vintage Lane Nightstands by Style and Materials

Part of the appeal of Lane nightstands lies in the fine materials and craftsmanship of earlier eras. Here are some tips to help identify vintage Lane models:

• Examine wood grains like oak, walnut, teak, mahogany, and maple which have distinctive patterns and colors. Maple tends to look whitewashed while teak has a deeper golden brown hue.
• Look for acid-etched Lane logos on drawer fronts or interiors. Earlier models had the brand name stamped in all caps while logos changed to italic cursive by the 1950s.
• Inspect drawer joinery methods like dovetail joints which interlock wood pieces for durability. Quality nightstands will also have ball-bearing glide drawers.
• Notice the leg style – older Lane models had more cabriole bowed legs switching to tapered legs by the 1950s.
• Check drawer pulls. Vintage handles were wood knobs or ceramic while 50s-60s styles used more streamlined metal pulls.
• Consider hardware details like keyhole backplates and bail pulls seen on many collectible Lane dressers and nightstands.

Where to Buy Authentic Lane Furniture Nightstands

Finding vintage Lane Furniture takes a bit of searching but the hunt is part of the thrill! Here are some of my favorite places to shop for these nightstand treasures:

• Antique stores – Look for shops specializing in mid-century furnishings where you’re likely to find curated Lane pieces mixed with other brands. Take time to inspect details and ask about authentication.
• Antique malls – These warehouse-style spaces house collections from multiple dealers so you can spend hours browsing a wide range of styles. I always get lucky finding Lane here.
• Estate sales – If you don’t mind digging, keep an eye out for estate sales in historical neighborhoods. You may find Lane nightstands and dressers still staged in bedrooms.
• Thrift and consignment shops – It takes some sifting through stacks of furniture to spot the Lane gems, but be patient! Check drawers for the branded logo.
• Online auctions – Sites like eBay provide access to Lane Furniture sold by vendors across the U.S. Read descriptions closely and ask questions if needed.
• Lane Furniture dealers – Some retail stores specialize in Lane so you can see collections in person. Prices tend to be higher for the vintage value.

Classic Lane Nightstand Styles to Look for

Throughout their century-long production, Lane introduced several nightstand collections ranging from traditional to mid-century modern. Here are some of the most popular vintage styles to look out for in your Lane Furniture search:

Haven Hill

The Haven Hill series designed in the 1930s-40s embodied the early American country style with its solid oak wood, cabriole legs, and brushed brass hardware. Rounded corners and serpentine shaped drawer fronts added appealing curves.

Corsican

Launching in the 1940s, the Corsican group featured French Provincial elements like fluted legs, shaped aprons, and French dovetail joinery. Details like embossed metal drawer pulls and serpentine fronts gave this line an ornate feel.

Monte Carlo

By the 1950s, Lane furniture shifted towards clean lines seen in the Monte Carlo collection. The tapered legs came in Acacia wood with drawers fronts accented by hairpin aluminum pulls. This look defined mid-century modern elegance.

Avanti

The bold Avanti series of the 1960s showed off trims like angle-cut drawer fronts and tapered legs made of Walnut veneers. The unique kidney-shaped pulls stood out in brushed chrome or leather wraps.

Brasilia

Lane launched the Brazilia line in 1962 taking inspiration from South American modernism. The elongated tapered legs and recessed base gave it a floating appearance. The series was later renamed Brasilia.

Restoring and Refinishing Lane Nightstands

Part of the thrill of finding vintage Lane Furniture is reviving these well-loved pieces to their former glory. Refinishing Lane nightstands allows you to refresh the look while preserving the solid construction. Here are my tips for restoring Lane nightstands:

• Assess condition – Look for water marks, gouges, glue leaking from joints or any structural damage. Repairs may limit refinishing options.
• Prepare surface – Remove hardware, fill holes/cracks with putty, sand away old finish or paint. Use a chemical stripper for full removal.
• Choose new finish – For light wood like maple, opt for a natural oil or wax to enhance the grain. For darker woods, use a rich stained finish or paint the exterior.
• Apply finish – Use a brush for stain, rags for oil, or spray guns for paint. Allow proper drying time between coats.
• Replace hardware – Vintage style knobs or pulls can be found online or in antique shops. Reuse original hardware if possible.
• Seal the finish – Protect your efforts with a sealing topcoat like polyurethane or lacquer. Use satin or matte for sheen.

With some carpentry skills and vision, you can give new life to Lane Furniture finds. The result will be a personalized nightstand with timeless appeal.

Integrating Lane Nightstands into Modern Bedroom Styling

The versatile mid-century look of vintage Lane nightstands complements both contemporary and traditional bedroom settings:

• Add classic contrast – Place Lane nightstands with cabriole legs next to a sleek upholstered headboard and modern table lamps for an eclectic style.
• Build cohesion – Use Lane’s clean-lined Brasilia collection alongside other mid-century dressers and chairs for a unified aesthetic.
• Inject warmth – Incorporate organic textures like woven baskets or linen bedding to soften Lane’s hardwood finishes.
• Mix materials – Combine the solid wood build of Lane with metal and marble accents for an industrial edge.
• Play with paint – Refinishing Lane nightstands in an on-trend color like navy or sage green can modernize the look.
• Display personal flair – Curate your Lane nightstand with decor like plants, books, and family photos for personalization.

The craftsmanship and versatility of Lane Furniture ensures it will never go out of style. Lane’s timeless charm shines when blended into today’s eclectic interiors.

Caring for Your Lane Nightstand Investment

Part of the value of owning vintage Lane Furniture comes from keeping these investment pieces looking their best. With regular cleaning and care, your Lane nightstands can become true family heirlooms.

• Dust regularly – Use a soft cloth to wipe away dust buildup on surfaces and inside drawers.
• Clean with caution – Only use gentle cleaners like wood soap and avoid excessive moisture that can damage the finish.
• Polish minimally – Limit polishing to 1-2 times per year for surfaces that need shine restored.
• Protect finishes – Apply wax or linseed oil annually to nourish the wood finish. Use felt pads under any items placed on top.
• Mind the moisture – Immediately wipe away spills and use coasters under drinks to prevent water marks.
• Maintain hardware – Clean metal pulls as needed and tighten any loose hinge screws.
• Monitor for damage – Refinish or touch up scratches right away to prevent deterioration.

With some basic maintenance, your Lane nightstands will stay gorgeous for generations!

The Lasting Allure of Lane Furniture

As I’ve learned, Lane Furniture represents American craftsmanship and ingenuity that I’m proud to display in my home. Beyond the practical storage, Lane nightstands add artistry through quality materials and designs that span decades yet feel at home in any era. With their sculpted fronts, tapered legs, and brushed metal handles, these Lane Furniture classics will always represent vintage appeal at its finest.

I hope this buying guide provides the tips you need to identify, invest in, and style Lane Furniture nightstands with confidence. Whether you seek the traditional warmth of Haven Hill, sleek modernism of Brasilia, or just want to revive a secondhand find, Lane’s carefully constructed furniture is meant to tell a story. Let these nightstands make lasting memories in your home for generations to come.