I’ve looked and looked on your site, but I’m not seeing much in the way of what folks have done about replacing ceiling fans in their ranch or modern homes. Here in Texas, they are just essential. I’ve used fans from Modern Fan Company (the Ball fan) in a couple rooms, but I’m looking for something that’s less “minimal” than that design. And NO light fixtures in the fan, please! Who’s got some great leads on ceiling fans that aren’t garish and still fit in with the retro look we’re all after?

Okay, I started poking around and came up with some thoughts:

Roseana, one of the first stories I ever wrote on the blog — back in Nov. 2007 — provided some ideas to Kelly about decorating an attic in retro style. Haha, I had NO readers! Back then, I found Emerson Traditional Fans. I still like the look of these.

Also, the Prima Deluxe.

Roseana, as you have said, the Modern Fan Company fans are very… modern/contemporary … they are not what I’d call “retro – authentic”… not that I know exactly what retro-authentic means. But what I “tend” to believe is that they would be… simple and traditional: Wood blades… Chrome or probably even more so, unlacquered brass base.

Where else to look for a traditional / retro ceiling fans?

Some very nice looking classic – traditional – therefore, retro — designs at the Monte Carlo Fan Company.

Above: Fanimation seems to have some basic ceiling fans.

Above: Hunter has a number of traditional ceiling fans, but I think their styling with those pfoufy attachment-to-the-blade designs are a big much.

This Sterling Manor design from Kichler is pretty basic.

Progress has a basic design.

Readers, do you have ceiling fans original to your house?
What do they look like?

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These Shaw styles reflect patterns that would have been available in past decades and which are also popular in today’s retro-crazed design world, Emily said:

Avedon: a very small scale diamond

Garden Walk: a non-directional vine

Backstage: a four inch square on the diagonal

Calabria: circles within square

 “We have lots of carpet styles in Shaw’s current product portfolio that have become classic looks,” Emily explained. “Although they may feature an updated color palette from what you’d find 40 years ago, these patterns would fit just as well in a 1970s ranch as in a newly constructed home.”

Do Emily and her team pay attention to the styles from the past — even avocado and harvest gold shags?? — as they look to design new styles for the years to come? Yes, she agreed: “The past is always relevant to the future.”

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Back in March I did a ton of research and identified 19 places to buy an affordable midcentury modern style sofa. Following the original story, readers provided more resources. I now have gone through every comment and incorporated them into an updated list of 28 manufacturers and/or retailers offering unique midcentury style sofa designs. For this research exercise:

• “Affordable” was designed as less than $2,000.
• Some of these are more “modern” than “mid century modern”. I gave some latitude.
• The list is re-ordered to roughly correspond to the order I would likely do my own additional research, if I were in the market.
• Note that many of manufacturers listed make more than one design, you must dive into their websites to see them all. With this list, at least, you have a starting place. Over time, I plan to continue to develop this list to show country of origin and more detail on prices.

Younger Furniture: This Lily sofa (above in gray) from Younger Furniture is the first sofa that I would look at if I were in the market today. As Gavin pointed when I originally posted about Younger, this is very similar to original Dunbar designs. There are additional modern designs from Younger Furniture, which also are well executed — like the sofas and chairs that Dave and Kristin used in their house.  Mid century modern sofas from Younger Furniture

Macy’s: Macy’s gets up high because of all the Macy’s Corona sofa (above) love we have shared over the years. The sofa is stylish and inexpensive — although, there have been varied opinions as to quality. The Morgan, Blake (shown) and Corona are what popped out at me in the current lineup – as I type this, they all seem to be on sale for $699. A reader also suggests that if you get a Macy’s card same day, you get another 15% discount — also watch for tax-free sales events. Mid century modern style sofas and loveseats from Macys.

Castellano Custom Furniture: When I was at Rejuvenation Lighting two years ago, I saw this line of furniture for sale in their large showroom. It’s Castellano Custom Furniture — made right in Portland, and it sure appeared to be the real deal. I’m not sure it really hits under $2,000, but I’m putting it in anyway, it’s probably in the range. Modern sofa from Castellano Custom Furniture.

Perch Furniture: Above, Gracie sofa by Perch Furniture. Based in Portland (there is a bird in their logo tee hee), workshop in LA. These guys get double extra bonus points for rockin’ the orange. (God help me, all the greiged-out neutrals on these furniture websites had me on a rip-roaring rant revival.)  Gracie sofa by Perch Furniture.

Design Within Reach: Reader Amy reminded me:

Design Within Reach also has a mid-century sofa in both 73″ and 86″. It’s called the Bantam and is very similar to Macy’s Corona. They are currently having a sale on their site as well!

Yup – as I write this update, both the 73″ and 86″ Bantams are on sale for less than $2,000 each. These are nice looking sofas, for sure — and come in a nice selection of upholstery designs. Thank you, Amy. Bantam Sofa by Design Within Reach.

Mitchell Gold: I love the look of this Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Cara sofa. Not sure if it’s really less than $2,000, but I’m guessing it’s close. There are some other possibilities in this line, as this is a company that tracks trends. Cara sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Rowe Furniture: Readers reminded me of Rowe Furniture, and indeed, the Abbott (above) is just one of least five sofas that could look beautiful in our midcentury interiors. Even more, really — a lot of their line has what I’d call “modern-to-traditional” styling, meaning they are very versatile. Be sure to look at Rowe – easy to use website. Mid century style couches by Rowe. 

Room & Board: I was initially surprised that Room & Board did not have a wider array of mid-century modern style sofas. The only one I really thought fit my *I’ll know it when I see it* criteria, and which was less that $2,000, was the Dean. But, readers clued me to also check out the Andre, Eugene and Reese. Maybe I missed them the first time or maybe their price went down below my threshold for this story. Anyway, check ‘em out, lots of choices:. Mid century and modern sofas by Room and Board.

Lee Industries: The sofas at Lee Industries tend much more toward traditional and even wonderful mid-century modest. Boy oh boy, the Lee page  is fun to look at — so many shapes and sizes — it’s a sofa primer: Sofas by Lee Industries.

Lazar Industries: There are quite a few choices from Lazar Industries — made in the U.S.A. Mid century and modern style sofas from Lazar Industries.

Sofa Craft: Update: Reader Gavin served up Sofa Craft, a third-generation family-owned company with showrooms in California and Texas. Some nice looking sofas at great prices, here, and Gavind says, “Made in USA, good prices, foam or down, choice of springs and best yet: A Warranty!” Above: The Amanda. Mid century style sofas from Sofa Craft.

Vanguard: There are some *possibilities* in this collection by Michael Weiss for Vanguard.

One thing to consider and check for, on all the sofas that I show, is their size and scale. Back in the day, sofas were not 40″ deep — oversized — the way they often are today. Some of these sofas are more less-deep and less-high than others — more “authentically” proportioned for smaller mid century rooms with lower ceilings. Mid century = long, low, horizontal lines.  On the other hand, deep sofas can be very comfortable if you are tall or large and also if you like to hunker down to watch TV. So — thinking about the proportion of the sofa to your space, vetted with how you will realistically use it, is the task. Note, I also could not get a retail price on this Weiss sofa, above, without giving my coordinates to an online quoting place, which I refuse to do. (This exercise also made me an expert on website design and marketing for furniture makers, I swear. If any manufacturers want to hire me for a 25-point checkup, send me an email.) I’m going to guess that this, and others in this Vanguard line come in under $2,000 if you don’t go too crazy with the upholstery.  Michael Weiss mid century style sofas for Vanguard.

Gus Modern: Gus Modern has a lot of styles — they seem to be going after this market pretty aggressively. Mid century modern sofas from Gus Modern.

West Elm: You got your numerous choices from West Elm.

Ethan Allen: Don’t forget to check Ethan Allen.

Crate & Barrel: Crate & Barrel gets in, with their Petrie Sofa. How do they get away with using that name without licensing it from The Dick Van Dyke Show? Petrie sofa from Crate and Barrel. UPDATE: See reader comment on the original story reflecting experience with quality/durability issues.

CB2: The lines of CB2′s Avec are too forced for me, but it seems to have its fans. Avec sofa from CB2.

Plummers: Update: If you live in Southern California, Tikimama spotted this Paramount sofa, Made the U.S.A., at Plummers. I am guessing this sofa may be made by someone already shown on this list… I will check later. No online sales. Paramount sofa for sale at Plummers stores.

Pottery Barn: Arlington sofa from Pottery Barn.

Ikea: Update: A reader asked about Ikea. I don’t live by any Ikeas, so I never get to see their products. To be sure, their products are generally inexpensive. The Kivik sofa, above, is $599 – about the same as the Macy’s Corona on sale. In regard to buying a sofa, I’d generally counsel to buy the best you can possibly afford — aim to own it a lifetime, even. Kivik sofa by Ikea.

Urban Outfitters: Update: If you’re considering the cheap and cheerful route, another reader suggested taking a look at Urban Outfitters. Mid Mod style sofas from Urban Outfitters. 

Eq3: So now I started really poking down rabbit holes. Update: This Byrd sofa, originally spotted on another website, is actually designed by EQ3, based in Winnipeg. They have a number of other sofas with contemporary / modern / Euro lines. Byrd sofa from EQ3.

True Modern: Here’s the True Modern Luna  sofa, with its Danish Modern legs. Check out this company’s Sample Sale area, too. Luna Sofa from True Modern Furniture.

Blue Dot: Blu Dot has a few options, and sounds like an interesting company. Paramount sofa by Blu Dot.

Dania: Bloom sofa from Dania. $699 – made in China. Don’t yell about only this one, though, I think most of the Gus Moderns are from China, too. I did not check country of  origin as I did this research. Dania’s other sofas also are modern designs, at relatively low prices. Bloom sofa from Dania.

Circle Furniture: Okay, I’m sticking this one in — the Blake Sofa at Circle Furniture actually has a 1940s 1950s vintage Heywood Wakefield look, to me, especially with that contrast welting. There is another sofa in their line, the Collingwood, that has a modern feel. It is apartment sized, 75″. Blake Sofa from Circle Furniture.

White on White: Update: After my original story, reader Kurt suggested the “Florence Knoll” knockoff from White on White, shown above. At 57″ wide, I’d not quite call this a sofa, but it makes the list because it’s nice to see new, smaller companies. Mid century modern style sofas from White on White.

Heywood Wakefield: Hey, do not be forgetting, you can STILL get Heywood-Wakefield sofas — NEW. Yes, they are still being manufactured, by a company that bought the rights. That’s the Margaret, above. I’m not counting this in my “mid century modern” count, though.  Heywood-Wakefield sofas still made today.Thanks, readers, for your continuing help in making this the #1 most conclusive list of midcentury modern style sofas in the U.S. interior design blog world. If you find more manufacturers — let me know via the Comments. Also, please also feel free to share you experiences with any of these products.

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