Spotlight:  Heywood Wakefield Modern Furniture

Spotlight: Heywood Wakefield Modern Furniture

Published by Shawn on Jun 8th 2016

Mod livin’ has had a love affair with Heywood Wakefield Furniture since we opened our doors in 2001. We, routinely, have vintage iconic pieces for sale in the showroom.

No discussion of mid century modern furniture design would be complete without mentioning the Heywood Wakefield Company. The company was founded in the 1800’s and specialized in wicker and rattan furniture. As the appetite for wicker and rattan furniture waned, the Heywood Wakefield Company reinvented itself. Art Deco style, and then Post War euphoria dictated the designs.

The beautiful solid wood construction (maple or birch), blond hues, and streamlined silhouettes brought the Heywood Wakefield Company to the forefront of contemporary and cutting edge design. With input from such renowned designers as Gilbert Rohde, Russell Wright, and Count Alexis Sakhnoffsky, the rise and popularity of Hey-Wake furniture was a surprise to no one.

A Heywood Wakefield streamlined piece of furniture is instantly recognizable. The beautiful blond wood and curvaceous style is the epitome of MCM cool.

The beauty of Hey-wake is its longevity and versatility. The solid wood construction and attention to detail meant this was furniture that was meant to last. The modern, yet classic silhouettes ensure that this furniture is happy in any setting: an MCM Contemporary ranch, an urban loft, an English Tudor, or your first tiny apartment.

If professionally refinished, a vintage piece can get pricey, but if you are dedicated and persistent, you can find these pieces on Craigslist or at thrift stores for minimal investment. Refinishing is easy (the internet is a wonderful thing!), and with a little elbow grease, you will have a beautiful piece of history to last for generations.

From the stunning Encore Series to the retro atomic SkyLiner Series, Heywood Wakefield brought the optimistic feelings of a post war nation to furniture design.

Come on in to Mod Livin' and check out our vintage collection.  The pieces change daily, and you never know what you will find!