Kent Coffey

One of the leaders in establishing the huge furniture industry in North Carolina, Kent Coffey was a popular, affordable brand in its day. These days, vintage Kent Coffey dressers, used dining sets and vintage credenzas are attracting the new generation of Mid-Century Modern collectors, and it’s easy to see why. Clean lines and sleek woods make these pieces play nicely in many types of rooms.

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THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO VINTAGE KENT COFFEY FURNITURE

Vintage Kent Coffey furniture is home furnishings designed and crafted by the American Kent Coffey Company. Created to be affordable, durable, and mass produced, Kent Coffey was a popular brand beginning and throughout the 1960s. It was a typical window shop staple, especially along the East Coast, where it was both modern and affordable—the ultimate aesthetic of the age. Priced competitively, these well-known pieces were the hallmark of the mod and modern age; being accessible to everyone was a serious selling point for the brand.

Produced in Lenoir, North Carolina, The Kent Coffey Company was owned by Harold Coffey, who a major influencer in the North Carolina furniture industry that continues to this day. Started in 1907, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Kent Coffey furniture took its rightful place as the bearer of Mid-Century mod style. Solidly built and priced to be affordable to the average consumer, these pieces grew wildly in popularity, ushering their thin legs and mod wood designs into homes across the country.

COLLECTING VINTAGE KENT COFFEY FURNITURE

Becoming increasingly fashionable in the 60s, vintage Kent Coffey furniture can still be found today—often times in restored versions. These pieces are characterized by their heavy reliance on wood (even sofas). Thin, tapered legs give way to structured architectural designs. Embracing the designs of the era, used Kent Coffey furniture, like Broyhill's Brasilia line, usually boasts curves and swells, making it not only structurally sound, but visually interesting. Made of solid wood with an obvious grain and offering up seriously modern vibes with cool, minimalistic handles, Kent Coffey furniture is a lusted after name for casual shoppers and serious collectors alike.

The most well-regarded vintage Kent Coffey pieces are either in mint condition, preserved in someone’s home for decades, or beautifully and professionally restored. Popular among many collectors are pieces that have been stripped and repainted in a much deeper, richer color. As with most pieces, keeping the original hardware is of the utmost importance—these pieces were purposefully designed, right down to the pull knobs. Keep in mind, though, that a restored piece will reflect the added time and cost. If you’re on the hunt for a more affordable piece, look for originals that may need a little TLC before they’re picture perfect. Vintage Kent Coffey furniture is bought to be displayed; the architecture of the pieces is a throwback to a retro age and is coveted for both beauty and price.

Collecting these pieces is one part persistence and one part luck. Because they’re well known, used Kent Coffey furniture is quickly snapped up when it becomes available. Luckily, at Chairish, we have the pieces you’ve been looking for! Below is a breakdown of the different pieces Kent Coffey made, from tables to sofas and bedroom sets.