Skip to main content

Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

American

Admirers of vintage mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize the Widdicomb Furniture Company name for the fruitful partnerships it forged with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. But there is more to the Widdicomb story than the albeit quite covetable sofas and bedroom furniture it produced during the middle of the 20th century.

A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The American city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. Furniture maker George Widdicomb emigrated from England to the United States in 1845, eventually setting up a cabinet shop in Syracuse, New York, before moving west to Grand Rapids. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.

The Widdicomb shop in Grand Rapids prospered, as the patriarch’s formal English training allowed him to produce pieces with superior craftsmanship compared to those of his competitors. Although the Civil War halted business and took the life of one of the Widdicomb brothers, the family’s survivors would start anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, soon renamed the Widdicomb Furniture Company.

John Widdicomb, however, split from the family business in 1897 to create the John Widdicomb Company, where he would go on to focus on Louis XV- and French Provincial-style furnishings. Chairs made in these styles have distinct characteristics, such as floral motifs carved in the frames and gently angled backrests. John's company also remained a family affair: The founder’s son, Harry, assumed control of the company when his father died in 1910, while John's nephew Ralph Widdicombe — who retained the English spelling of his last name and joined the John Widdicomb Company at its start — designed every single piece of the offerings at his uncle's manufacturing outfit until he retired in 1951. Ralph was an internationally distinguished furniture designer whose modern mahogany bedroom suite won first prize at the Paris Exposition in 1900.

The original iteration of Widdicomb, which was helmed by John's older brother William while John ran his own brand, had shifted from making period revival styles of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, to manufacturing modern pieces in the late 1920s. Today vintage Widdicomb seating, tables and other pieces produced during the postwar years are particularly sought after by collectors of mid-20th-century furniture.

In 1959, master woodworker George Nakashima created his Origins collection for Widdicomb when the firm merged with Mueller Furniture Corporation and was known, for around 10 years, as Widdicomb-Mueller. Origins, a revered Shaker-influenced group of nightstands, upholstered lounge chairs, dining-room tables and more, saw Nakashima working with woods like Carpathian elm and laurel in his Pennsylvania studio.

Eventually, the two Widdicomb companies would combine in 1970, operating under the name John Widdicomb Co.

In 2002, the business closed after more than a century of operations, and its assets were acquired by Stickley Furniture. Interestingly, it was not the first time Widdicomb and Stickley overlapped: In the final years of the 19th century, the companies opened a shared storehouse in London, while John Widdicomb and Albert Stickley would travel Europe together for the purposes of research.

Find vintage Widdicomb coffee tables, case pieces, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.

to
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
188
29
26
22
22
Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
French Style Double Door Armoire by Widdicomb with Eggplant Accents 20thC
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
French Provincial Style Armoire by Widdicomb with Double Door Opening to Drawers and having Eggplant Accents 20thC Measures- 55.5''H x 38''W x 19.5''D
Category

20th Century American French Provincial Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Cabinet
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Tall cabinet or small armoire with two doors above two drawers by Widdicomb in an ebonized mahogany finish. Fantastic Asian insprired brass handles and inset pulls on the drawers, wi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Gentlemens Armoire Wardrobe Danish Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your space with a mid century modern teak gentlemens armoire wardrobe, a striking piece that embodies the essence of Danish style and sophistication. Hand-picked by Mid Centu...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Teak

1970s Modern Burlwood Gentleman’s Armoire / Cabinet By John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a modern burlwood gentleman’s armoire by John Widdicomb. It dates to the 1970s and was manufactured in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is marked , and the interior opens to open s...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

19thC French Faux Bamboo Walnut Mirrored Armoire
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1870 19thC French Faux Bamboo Walnut Mirrored Armoire We can also customise existing pieces to suit your scheme/requirements. We have our own workshop, restorers and finisher...
Category

19th Century Antique Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

19thC French Faux Bamboo Walnut Mirrored Armoire
19thC French Faux Bamboo Walnut Mirrored Armoire
H 90.95 in W 41.34 in D 19.69 in
Henredon Mid-Century Modern Campaign Oak Armoire Dresser, Circa 1970s
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Campaign style armoire dresser or gentleman's chest By Henredon, "Artefacts" Collection USA, Circa 1970s Oak, with original brass hardware. Measures...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Mid century danish modern teak 2 door wardrobe storage cabinet
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century danish modern teak 2 door wardrobe cabinet. Behind the doors are open shelves. (8) adjustable shelves total with pins. (4) on the left and (4) on the right side. Great fo...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Tiki Brutalist Armoire or Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid-Century Modern Tiki Brutalist armoire or cabinet. Unusual cabinet featuring sculpted panel doors, four large cubbies and four drawers, handsome bras...
Category

1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Pine Two Door Double Bonnet-Top Armoire
Located in Baltimore, MD
A bold serpentine molding with deeply carved flutes wraps around the crown of this unusual armoire, following the line of the two arched doors, and a carved hardwood floral cartouch...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Queen Anne Antique Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century modern valet clothes by Ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century modern valet clothes stand designed by Ico Parisi during the 1950s. Manufacturerd in Italy by Fratelli Reguitti, the stand is made of beech wood.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century modern valet clothes by Ico Parisi
Mid-Century modern valet clothes by Ico Parisi
H 55.12 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Mid century Danish modern tall wide Teak Dresser Wardrobe Clean
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century Danish Modern tall teak dresser credenza 7-drawer on left. Clean inside and out - labeled - Made in Denmark. Good vintage condition. Has right cabinet door with 2 drawers...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Teak

Pine Two Door Armoire with Removable Cartouche
Located in Baltimore, MD
The angular cartouche on this small armoire is 10” high and simply lifts off if the customer so chooses. It consists of a pyramid-shaped base trimmed with ogee crown molding mounted...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Baroque Revival Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Pine

Mid Century Modern Danish Modern Teakwood Double Door Armoire 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Mid Modern Danish Modern Teakwood Double Door Armoire with Shelves & Drawers 20thC Measures -...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Teak

Mid century Danish modern teak wardrobe dresser armoire
By G Plan Furniture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-century modern teak high wardrobe cabinet closet. Has 2 sliding front doors has interior mirror. Entire inside is open with hang bar for clothing. Has teak craved handles on fron...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Teak

Previously Available Items
John Stuart for Widdicomb Armoire Wardrobe Chifferobe circa 1960/1970s
By John Stuart, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Super slick and sophisticated wardrobe by John Stuart, for Widdicomb circa 1960/1970s. The armoire features four leather fronted doors which open to reveal interior drawers, and a me...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Chrome

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Wardrobe Cabinet
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Model 1671 massive wardrobe cabinet in bleached mahogany by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Four doors open to reveal ample storage shelves and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mahogany

Exquisite Mid-Century Armoire by John Stuart for Widdicomb
By John Stuart, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful leather front armoire by John Stuart features a Classic vintage design, replete with organizational options for any bedroom. Stylish and practical, this large storage piece...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Dressing Cabinets by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique sliding door cabinets by Widdicomb. Each cabinet has multiple drawers in various sizes. Two pull-out brass bars for ties or belts. Widdicomb label on inner drawer. Both cabine...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Dressing Cabinets by Widdicomb
Dressing Cabinets by Widdicomb
H 43.13 in W 51.5 in D 18.5 in
Classic T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Armoire for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
A large walnut four-door Classic armoire with nine drawers below capped with a variety of shelving designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. A great storage piece. T...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires

Widdicomb Furniture Co. wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.

Widdicomb Furniture Co. wardrobes and armoires are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Widdicomb Furniture Co. wardrobes and armoires, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wardrobes and armoires by Widdicomb Furniture Co. were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wardrobes and armoires by Drexel, Milo Baughman, and Broyhill Brasilia. Prices for Widdicomb Furniture Co. wardrobes and armoires can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $8,250, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,750.
Questions About Widdicomb Furniture Co. Wardrobes and Armoires
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    To identify Widdicomb furniture, look for a paper label. On tables, you will usually find it on the underside of the tabletop, while it is typically affixed to the bottoms of seats on chairs. With casegoods, search for the label on the backs or bottoms as well as inside drawers and cabinets. The paper label will identify the maker and may also provide information about the name of the collection and/or the year of production. A certified appraiser or expert antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Widdicomb furniture.

Recently Viewed

View All