Mid Century Bassett Furniture

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Post on Feb 17, 2025

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Unearthing the Mid-Century Magic: A Bassett Furniture Guide

Mid-century modern design is experiencing a phenomenal resurgence, and Bassett furniture is a significant player in this exciting revival. Known for its quality craftsmanship and distinctive style, Bassett pieces from this era are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of mid-century Bassett furniture, exploring its history, identifying key characteristics, and offering advice on finding and restoring these iconic pieces.

Bassett Furniture: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Bassett Furniture, founded in 1897 in Bassett, Virginia, boasts a rich history of American furniture making. While they produced a vast array of styles over the years, their mid-century output (roughly 1950s-1970s) is particularly celebrated for its clean lines, functional designs, and use of high-quality materials. This period saw Bassett embrace the burgeoning mid-century modern aesthetic, resulting in pieces that perfectly capture the era's spirit of optimism and innovation.

Identifying Authentic Mid-Century Bassett Furniture

Authenticating mid-century Bassett furniture requires a keen eye for detail. Several key features can help you distinguish genuine pieces from imitations:

• Simple, Elegant Lines: Look for clean silhouettes, avoiding overly ornate details. Mid-century modern design prioritizes functionality and understated elegance.
• Tapered Legs: Tapered legs are a hallmark of mid-century furniture, often found on sofas, chairs, and coffee tables.
• Quality Materials: Bassett used high-quality hardwoods like walnut, oak, and cherry. Examine the wood grain and construction for signs of quality craftsmanship.
• Hardware: Pay attention to the hardware. Mid-century Bassett pieces often featured simple, understated knobs and pulls, often in brass or brushed nickel.
• Labels and Markings: While not always present, check for Bassett labels or markings on the underside or inside of drawers. These can provide valuable authentication information.

Popular Mid-Century Bassett Furniture Pieces

Bassett produced a diverse range of furniture during the mid-century era. Some of the most sought-after pieces include:

• Danish Modern-inspired pieces: Bassett embraced the clean lines and organic forms of Danish Modern design, resulting in stunning sofas, chairs, and sideboards.
• Cocktail Tables: Sleek and stylish cocktail tables with tapered legs and simple designs are highly collectible.
• Dressers and Chests of Drawers: Bassett's mid-century dressers and chests are known for their robust construction and elegant simplicity.
• Dining Sets: Mid-century Bassett dining sets often featured simple, yet sophisticated designs, ideal for both formal and informal settings.

Finding and Restoring Your Mid-Century Bassett Treasure

The hunt for mid-century Bassett furniture can be an exciting adventure! Here are some places to start your search:

• Online Marketplaces: Sites like eBay, Etsy, and Chairish are treasure troves of vintage furniture.
• Antique Shops and Flea Markets: These venues often hold hidden gems, offering the chance to discover unique pieces.
• Estate Sales and Auctions: Keep an eye out for estate sales and auctions in your area. These can be excellent sources for finding well-preserved Bassett furniture.

Restoring Your Bassett Furniture

Once you've found your perfect piece, you might need to undertake some restoration work. This could include:

• Cleaning and Polishing: Gentle cleaning and polishing can restore the original luster of the wood.
• Reupholstering: If the upholstery is damaged, reupholstering can breathe new life into your Bassett piece.
• Repairing Minor Damages: Minor repairs, such as fixing loose joints or replacing damaged hardware, can often be accomplished with basic woodworking skills.

Remember to research appropriate restoration techniques to avoid damaging your valuable furniture. Consider consulting with a professional furniture restorer for major repairs.

The Enduring Appeal of Mid-Century Bassett Furniture

The enduring appeal of mid-century Bassett furniture lies in its timeless design, quality construction, and inherent versatility. These pieces seamlessly blend with modern interiors, adding a touch of vintage charm and sophistication. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply appreciate beautiful, well-made furniture, exploring the world of mid-century Bassett is a rewarding experience. Happy hunting!

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