Mid-Century Modern Lowboy Credenza (Dresser)
Storage: Credenza/Sideboard/Dresser · Mid-Century Modern (MCM) – Approx. 1950s-1960s · Likely manufactured by an American company such as Bassett, Lane, or Stanley; the 'starburst' hardware is a signature of mid-market MCM American manufacturers.
Type
Storage: Credenza/Sideboard/Dresser
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern (MCM) – Approx. 1950s-1960s
Material
Walnut veneer, solid wood secondary framing, brass-toned metal hardware, and wooden legs with metal caps.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955–1965
Dimensions
30-32" Height, 60-66" Width, 18" Depth; standard long-and-low profile typical of 1960s bedroom furniture.
Origin
United States; iconic of the postwar suburban American furniture boom.
Designer/Maker
Likely manufactured by an American company such as Bassett, Lane, or Stanley; the 'starburst' hardware is a signature of mid-market MCM American manufacturers.
Value Estimate
$600 – $1,200 (Retail/Vintage Market) depending on the specific maker's mark and localized demand.
Description
This elongated lowboy dresser serves as a classic example of Mid-Century Modern utility and style. Featuring a symmetrical tripartite design, it utilizes a mix of starburst hardware and integrated vertical wooden pulls. Its sleek, horizontal silhouette and tapered 'atomic' legs reflect the space-age design influences of the era, making it a highly sought-after piece for contemporary media consoles or bedroom storage.
Key Features
Starburst brass hardware; tapered 'stiletto' legs; recessed vertical wood pulls on outer cabinet doors; long, low-profile stance.
Color & Finish
Medium walnut stain with a satin lacquer finish; exhibits natural warm amber and brown tones common to American walnut.
Construction Method
Factory-manufactured mass production; veneer over solid or composite substrate; likely staple or screw assembly for the case with doweled or tenoned drawer fronts.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard commercial joinery; likely machine-cut dovetails on drawers; high-quality matching of veneers across the facade to create a continuous look.
Wood Grain & Species
American Walnut with 'cathedral' grain patterns visible on drawer fronts; secondary woods likely poplar or pine for drawer interiors.
Surface Treatment
Smooth lacquer topcoat; flat-front drawers with applied decorative vertical trim elements acting as pulls for the side sections.
Upholstery Details
None; all-wood construction.
Hardware & Fittings
Distinctive brass 'starburst' or 'diamond' backplates with small round knobs; peg-style tapered legs with black protective caps or metal ferrules.
Origin & Provenance
United States; iconic of the postwar suburban American furniture boom.
Condition Notes
Good condition; structural integrity appears sound. Visible surface wear on the top near the tray; potential minor veneer chipping at the base corners. Overall Grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
Pieces like this were originally sold as bedroom dressers but have become highly popular in modern interior design as 'media consoles' because their height is perfect for mounting a TV above.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of modern design in the mid-20th century, where high-style European aesthetics were adapted for the American mass market.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Danish Modern teak pieces; however, the use of walnut and flamboyant brass hardware is a hallmark of American MCM rather than Scandinavian design.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a damp microfiber cloth; use a high-quality furniture wax (not aerosol spray) once a year; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent veneer fading.
Value Estimate
$600 – $1,200 (Retail/Vintage Market) depending on the specific maker's mark and localized demand.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable due to its longevity; 'vintage' furniture represents the ultimate recycling practice, and the use of solid walnut components avoids the chemical-heavy glues found in modern particle-board equivalents.