Lane Vintage Furniture

Furniture styles may come and go, but Lane has endured as a top vintage furniture brand for over a century. Known for fine craftsmanship and innovative designs, Lane’s mid-century creations remain highly coveted today. As both a vintage furniture lover and Lane enthusiast, I’m delighted to share my tips for identifying and buying phenomenal Lane pieces.

What Makes Lane Furniture So Special?

The Lane Company’s roots stretch back to 1912 in Altavista, Virginia. Founded by entrepreneur John Lane, the company aimed to build quality American furniture affordable for middle-class families.

Lane’s big break came in the post-war 1940s and 50s. This era saw a boom in suburban living and modern home design. Lane captured this market with stylish, forward-thinking furniture perfect for suburban settings.

For example, Lane introduced their Acclaim line in 1949. Acclaim featured sleek, low silhouettes and elegant tapered legs. These clean-lined designs foreshadowed the oncoming Mid-Century Modern aesthetic.

Beyond appealing looks, Lane incorporated innovative materials like molded plywood and naugahyde upholstery. This fusion of form and function cemented Lane’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and practicality.

By the 1960s, Lane stood as one of America’s largest and most successful furniture makers. Their ascendance continued through the 1970s until declining sales led the company to file bankruptcy in 2004.

Today, vintage Lane remains coveted for its iconic Atomic Age style. Keep reading for tips on scoring sensational Lane finds!

How to Identify Genuine Lane Furniture

With Lane knockoffs abounding, learning how to spot authentic Lane is a must! Here are telltale signs of genuine Lane vintage furniture:

• Lane logos: Look underneath or behind pieces for Lane’s stylized “L” logo. Early Lane logos featured a capital L within a circle. In 1962, Lane introduced their long-running asterisk logo.
• “Lane” mark: Check for the word “Lane” stamped into the underside or back of furniture. Marks may also include numbers denoting style, color, or manufacture date.
• Mid-century design: Clean lines, tapered legs, low profiles, and mix-and-match pieces indicated Lane’s popular mid-century lines like Acclaim, Starlight, and Pandora.
• Quality materials: Real Lane furniture sports high-grade woods like walnut or quality man-made materials like naugahyde upholstery. Look for smooth, seamless finishes.
• Made in USA: The words “Made in USA” on a sticker or stamp are a good sign of vintage Lane authenticity.
• No plastic hardware: Lane used metal hinges, casters, and trim, not plastic. Plastic hardware is a red flag for fakes.

Armed with these tips, you can peruse flea markets and online listings with confidence!

Where to Buy Lane Vintage Furniture

Now for the fun part – the hunt! Finding authentic Lane requires persistence, but many avenues exist for scoring sensational Lane:

• Flea markets: Search flea markets in the Virginia/North Carolina area where many Lane pieces originated. Focus on larger markets promising plenty of vintage wares. Arrive early before the best finds get snatched up!
• Estate sales: Estate sales attract vintage lovers clearing out stylish estates. Talk to the organizers – they can clue you in on any Lane pieces up for grabs.
• Thrift and consignment shops: Check both chain and local shops regularly. Better shops will highlight vintage brands like Lane. Don’t just glance – dig thoroughly through disorganized shop floors for hidden gems.
• Online auctions: eBay and specialty vintage auction houses like 1stDibs offer Lane nationwide. Compare seller ratings and product details closely to verify authenticity.
• Online vintage retailers: Well-curated online shops like Chairish and Ruby Lane offer restored Lane pieces, often at higher prices. The convenience can be worth it for exquisite delivery-ready finds.
• Classified ads: Scour classifieds sites and Facebook Marketplace for locals selling Lane. Act fast, as quality Lane goes quickly. Inspect prior to purchase.

The thrill of the hunt is part of Lane’s appeal. With persistence and an eye for design, you can source sensational Lane furniture across these vintage avenues.

Why Lane Mid-Century Styles Remain Coveted

Why does vintage Lane furniture still garner such high demand? As a passionate collector myself, I believe Lane’s popularity stems from three key factors:

1. Superb Mid-Century Style

Lane’s designs from the 40s-60s embody mid-century chic. Subtle tapered legs, low profiles, and clean lines give Lane furniture a light, elegant look packing huge decorative impact. Lane’s daring use of asymmetric shapes, fluid organic forms, and boomerang motifs epitomized the Atomic Age aesthetic.

2. High-Quality Craftsmanship

From expert woodworking to luxe upholstery, Lane furniture demonstrates exceptional construction. Lane’s investment in skilled American labor and advanced production methods shines through in their solid, lasting furniture. When properly cared for, Lane pieces become family heirlooms passed down for generations.

3. Innovation & Ingenuity

Lane refused to stick with status quo materials and methods. Their innovative use of molded plywood, naugahyde, laminates, and modular “mix and match” designs gave Lane an edge. Such ingenuity yielded furniture perfect for post-war American living.

These factors make Lane’s mid-century designs eternal classics. Read on for tips on scoring the most in-demand Lane pieces for your own home.

Most Coveted & Iconic Lane Styles

As an ardent Lane collector, I’m often asked: “What are the most coveted Lane furniture pieces?” Here are the top styles sparking bidding wars among Lane devotees today:

• Acclaim line (1949): This game-changing collection introduced Lane’s low-profile tapering leg and effortless modern vibe. The Acclaim coffee table, long-low hutch, and oval cocktail table are especially popular.
• Pandora line (1958): Pandora’s space-age “tulip” and tapered legs, molded plywood, and futuristic details define Lane’s Atomic aesthetic. The dramatically angled Pandora lounge chair and swivel rocker are highly sought-after today.
• Rhythm line (1949): Rhythm melded mid-century and Danish influence with subtle tapered legs and clean geometric details. The Rhythm end and coffee tables are excellent examples.
• Starlight line (1956): Starlight embodied the 1950s American dream with affordable, modular sectional sofas, ottomans, and tables for suburban living rooms. Starlight’s clever convertible pieces like the sofa bed/bench remain coveted for their versatility and style.
• Stardust line (1965): Stardust adopted a more romantic look with bulbous “cloud” cushions, mustard yellow color schemes, and occasional ornate accents like the Stardust cocktail table with its beveled glass top and lacquered conical base.

I hope fellow Lane devotees will use this list as inspiration in their own exciting Lane hunts! Half the fun is imagining each piece you’ll discover in your own home.

Bringing Lane Pieces Back to Life

Part of Lane’s appeal lies in the thrill of the restore. Breathing new life into a well-loved Lane piece rewards vintage enthusiasts with stunning functional furniture and decor.

Here are my top tips for revitalizing Lane treasures:

• Assess condition: Note any structural damage, wear, discoloration, or missing parts. Set realistic expectations for restoration.
• Research proper methods: Consult online guides and lane-specific resources to inform restoration plans. Improper methods can devalue pieces.
• Upholstery repair: From a simple reupholster to full foam replacement, specialized services can restore worn Lane upholstery and cushions to their original glory.
• Touch up finishes: Use appropriate wood fillers, stains, and paints to fix surface scratches and damage. Seek professional help for extensive refinishing.
• Replace hardware: Reinstall any missing hinges, casters, or brackets with period-appropriate hardware from specialtyLane suppliers.
• Deep clean: Employ cleaning methods safe for Lane’s finishes. Test cleaners in inconspicuous areas first.

Take it slow, ask for help, and properly care for these Lane time capsules throughout restoration. The process is deeply rewarding, especially when that revived piece fits perfectly in your home.

Unique Touches Make Lane Stand Out

Beyond their iconic styles, Lane pieces reveal many thoughtful details that make them extra special:

• Tapered legs: Lane tapered legs to visually lighten bulky furniture silhouettes. This tapered leg became a Lane signature.
• Mixed materials: Lane cleverly combined wood, laminate, naugahyde, and molded plywood for contrasting colors and textures.
• Modularity: Lane’s sectional sofa and storage units letting customers mix-and-match pieces to suit their space and style.
• Hidden storage: Lane incorporated discreet storage space in coffee tables, nightstands, and vanities to maximize functionality.
• Effortless mobility: Many seating and table designs incorporated casters for easy movement around evolving multi-purpose interior spaces.
• Interchangeable cushions: Lines like Starlight and Stardust allowed cushions to be flipped, switched out, and moved around to create new configurations.
• Convertibility: Lane innovated clever convertible designs perfect for post-war apartments and homes. Examples include sleeper sofas and combo bench/beds.

Such ingenious touches prove why Lane remains leagues above mass-produced furniture of the era. Study Lane’s nuances, and you’ll continually discover new details to appreciate in your pieces.

When It All Began: Lane’s Story

To fully appreciate Lane furniture, it helps to understand the brand’s origins. Here are key milestones in Lane’s century-long furniture journey:

• 1912: Entrepreneur John Lane founds the Standard Furniture Co. making bedroom furniture in Altavista, Virginia. The company would be renamed “The Lane Company” in 1917.
• Early 1930s: Lane introduces finishes like 18th-century style cherry and mahogany to diversify styles beyond Colonial Revival looks popular in the 1920s.
• Post-WWII 1940s: Lane experiences major growth and modernization to match booming postwar demand for affordable furnishings.
• 1949: Lane debuts their Acclaim line epitomizing the simplified modern forms growing popular in the late 1940s. This earns Lane acclaim of their own.
• 1950s: Lane expands production with new manufacturing facilities in North Carolina to meet demand. By 1959, Lane operated five plants in the area.
• Late 1950s: Lane embraces America’s fascination with space age style, introducing lines with futuristic flourishes like Pandora (1958), Astro (1959), and Vanguard (1959).
• 1962: Lane replaces their circle “L” logo with the asterisk logo that would appear on Lane furniture into the 1980s.
• 1965: Lane acquires Virginia Metal Products, allowing Lane to directly manufacture the steel furniture frames underlying their quality construction.
• 1960s/70s: Lane diversifies styles from Danish-inspired to Colonial to capture broad American tastes. By the 70s, Lane is America’s largest furniture manufacturer.
• 2000s: After declining sales and unsuccessful mergers, Lane closes its last US manufacturing plant in Virginia in 2007, 112 years after the company began.

This timeline provides helpful context on Lane’s evolution and eras that shaped their most collectible furniture designs today.

Determining Fair Costs for Lane Finds

For passionate Lane collectors, unique vintage pieces become priceless home treasures. However, casual buyers still need to determine fair prices when sourcing Lane furniture.

I recommend doing ample research online for average selling costs of similar pieces. Condition, rarity, desirability, and included original parts will all significantly impact pricing.

As a general ballpark range:

• Smaller accessory tables like end tables start around $150-500. Sought-after ottomans, desks, or dining sets fall between $600-1,500.
• Iconic seating like the Pandora lounge chair or Acclaim sofa comes at a premium of $1,000-3,000+. Rare original upholstery in excellent shape can double chairs’ value.
• Case goods like dressers, credenzas, and dining hutches range from $400 for smaller pieces up to $2,000+ for expansive hutches and storage units.
• Restored Lane pieces at vintage furniture stores will sell for significantly more. Common markups range from 30-50% above average piece value.

Of course, pricing remains subjective. Having a budget and sticking to it helps avoid overpaying in the heat of the hunt. Focus on buying the very best Lane pieces you can afford as anchors to build a collection around in time.

Stylish Lane Designs for Every Room

The versatility and variety of Lane’s catalog means you can find Lane perfection for any space. Here are top styles suited for each room in your vintage Lane home:

Living Room

• Modular sectionals like Starlight, slim end tables like Rhythm, and Acclaim’s low coffee table define mid-century lounge spaces.
• Look for convertible sleepers and clever tables with integrated storage.

Dining Room

• Iconic expandable Acclaim, Spectrum, and Celebrity dining sets seat a crowd with vintage flair.
• Complete the space with Myra or Celebrity hutches and sideboards to store dining ware.

Bedroom

• A Pandora nightstand and Acclaim dresser complement any bedframe beautifully.
• Store blankets inside a cedar-lined Pandora or Celebrity blanket chest at the foot of the bed.

Home Office

• The Stardust desk makes working from home a delight with its stylish starburst pattern and handy built-in accessories ledge.
• Station a Metro rolling cart nearby as a portable organizer.

Entryway

• Make a welcoming first impression with a slim Spectrum console table behind a classic Acclaim bench.
• Toss keys in a Mid Century entryway chest with convenient storage shelves built right in.

Lane’s timeless styles work wonderfully together. Mixing complementary Lane pieces throughout your home achieves a pulled-together vintage atmosphere.

Spotting Fake Lane Furniture

As Lane’s popularity grows, buyers need to watch for Lane knockoffs and fakes. Here are warning signs a “Lane” find is too good to be true:

• Misspelled or inconsistent labeling, like “Laine” or a modern company name
• Plastic hardware, pedestal feet, or caster wheels
• Poor quality laminate with uneven finishes and details
• Upholstery that is visibly inferior in quality and workmanship
• Visible glue or incorrect seam patterns in upholstery
• Colors or wood types inconsistent with Lane’s catalogs
• Missing tags and stamps definitively identifying Lane manufacturing

Trust your instincts – if a piece seems “off,” it likely didn’t originate in a Lane factory. Compare it closely to verified Lane examples online. Proceed carefully before any purchase if authenticity seems questionable.

Caring for Your Lane Investment

My last bit of Lane wisdom concerns caring for your Lane investment once it enters your home. A few smart maintenance habits will keep Lane furniture looking fabulous for decades:

• Keep wood polished and free of moisture and heat damage. Treat spills immediately to avoid stains.
• Upholster only with high-quality reproduction fabrics and padding to protect structural integrity.
• Secure furniture to walls and avoid overloading to prevent structural stress.
• Lift furniture properly to move it – never drag pieces across floors.
• Invest in professional upholstery cleaning every 3-5 years to keep naugahyde and fabrics revived.

With some basic care and maintenance, your Lane will live on as a family treasure. Pass your passion for Lane’s legacy of craftsmanship on to the next generation of mid-century modern aficionados.

I hope these insider tips equip fellow Lane enthusiasts in the hunt for sensational Lane furniture out in the wild! The thrill of discovering a Lane gem persists as one of life’s great joys for us vintage devotees.