The vintage Lane Acclaim line of furniture seems to have been very popular in mid century America. We speculate that — much like the popular Drexel Declaration line — the design of Lane Acclaim appealed to Mrs. America because it was a good compromise between traditional and modern. It was a little bit Early American, a little bit mid mod.
Remember: The mass of Mrs. Americas were not nuts about mid century modern. But maybe she could tiptoe in. Interestingly — also like Drexel Declaration, there’s a Shaker feel to the Lane Acclaim design — you can see how the wood is connected. Reader Dave is a big fan of the line. He recently acquired what seems to be a very hard-to-find catalog of available pieces from the Lane Acclaim Line — and graciously shares it with all of us today.
Dave writes:
After much hunting, I finally tracked down a complete Lane Acclaim catalog on Ebay and have scanned it. This is a small booklet, 3″ x 4″, that was hung on showroom pieces with a string. As someone who owns six lane pieces (all tables) I was surprised to learn how extensive the line actually was! Especially since you mostly see only the tables trading, with possibly an occasional hutch or desk. I think it would be of value for MCM fans to have access to this great historical record of a classic furniture line. It’s a valuable reference for buyers and sellers.
This story is particularly fun for me, because I have a Lane Acclaim table — it is the cocktail table 900-01 (shown in the lead photo.) My mother in law gave it to me. It was her parent’s coffee table.
But, I’ve never seen most of the furniture that is in this catalog. Look at those nesting tables above — it looks to me like the top one has the dovetailed edge and the inner one doesn’t. Very interesting.
And what is that I see — a TV snack cart on wheels? Amazing!
The Boomerang table above is one I’ve seen before — but the picture window table with the big drawer — that’s new to me.
From the Lane Acclaim catalog:
Although contemporary in classification, Acclaim furniture has a distinct hand-crafted quality that gives it unusual warmth and mellowness. Edges are softly rounded and suggest patient hand-working, rubbing, more hand-working and rubbing to achieve the soft, sculptured contours. Only the top 35% grade of walnut on the market is considered for this furniture. Then, out of 100 feet purchased, only 40 feet will meet Lane’s exacting requirements for grain and color. This fine wood is then finished with a mellow gunstock patina, enriched in character with dovetail inlays. Let your finger-tips brush across the satin-sooth dovetailing — you won’t be able to tell where the joinings are. Drawers operate easily and smoothly on steel ball bearing drawer guides.
The hutches and buffets are especially interesting. The drawer edges seem to have the same dovetail detail that the popular coffee tables have. I’d love to see one of these in the wild.
Above: Lane Acclaim chairs — who would have guessed?
Where there are chairs there is bound to be a few dining table options — again sporting the signature dovetail edges. Fantastic!
The dressers and chests in this line are also quite amazing.Being Lane — the company most notably known for their cedar chests — of course the Acclaim line had to have one. The Lane Acclaim Cedar Chest above appears to have “matchmaker changeable front panels” giving it maximum decorative versatility.
Again — I was surprised to see that there are headboards in this line — sporting the well known dovetailed motif.
The catalog also has cleaning and care instructions for Lane Acclaim furniture:
Directions: To polish, first clean the surface lightly with a moistened cloth. Then apply a good furniture polish smoothly with the grain. After it dries, gently polish the surface with a soft cloth. With brand-new furniture, do this once a week for the first month. After that time, polish occasionally to keep the beautiful finish. Dust regularly, but do it lightly because dust is abrasive.
Caution: Don’t place rubber-based lamps, telephones, radios or other objects on lacquer finishes unless the surfaces are protected by pads. Rubber can cause a chemical reaction, turning the finish yellow. It is also advisable to avoid placing furniture where it is constantly exposed to direct sunlight.
Mega thanks to reader Dave for sharing his treasured Lane Acclaim catalog with the Retro Renovation clan. To view the catalog, see our slideshow below:
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back via arrows below the photo… you can start or stop at any image:?
What color of stain is used on the legs of Lane Acclaim tables? Thanks!
They are not stained. It’s natural walnut.
Hi Pam! Big fan here! I wanted to share I just picked up a lane acclaim dining room table and hutch (just the base there was no top part) at the Manchester NH restore! I think it will fit in the original wood paneled eat it kitchen which still graces my mid century modest cape very nicely!
Great find!
I have a Lane 42” round table (346-54), three 12” leaves (346-98, in two original boxes), three side chairs (346-70) and one arm chair (346-71). They were my parents original dining room furniture and have been with me since 1981. The serial numbers put them all from September and October 1962.
This looks like Lane Acclaim based on the signature dove tail but I’m puzzled that it is Group #346 and not Group #301. I have searched the internet for anything about Group #346 and have come up empty. Anyone have any insight on this?
unable to find out any information on my two tier table style #1948 and serial # 011858 asked lane they don’t have records from then but it id one of theres. anyone have any ideas how to find info on it id appreciate it
I have two end tables, `serial number, 165230 and style number 961-59. I cannot find this style number anywhere online. What’s unique is that the tops are Italian marble. Any thoughts?
I am not an expert on this. Perhaps Lane can tell you more…
The first number tells you the date the piece was made-03/25/61
Is this your table?
https://www.chairish.com/product/2276807/mid-century-lane-furniture-round-marble-top-side-table
I have 4 tables 1 coffee and 3 end tables. Where can I find more info?
Hi David, I don’t know the answer to this question.
Did lane ever make a tulip base table walnut top about 18” round
Hi Kevin, I don’t know the answer to this.
Does anyone have a source for either original or a good quality reproduction hardware for these pieces? I need handles for my two commodes.
Check this out found and bought today at the local second hand boutique The House of Hope it’s the original lane lamp table list on the net for 995 …I’m ecstatic I paid 5 bucks for mine its gorgeous
I have a Lane coffee table with a style number 291. It was made in 1952. The serial number is 253290.
I can’t find anything about this particular piece. I was about to give it away until I decided to look it up.
Hi Ann, I don’t know the answer to this.