When flipping furniture, it’s important to become well-versed in top furniture brand names and manufacturers. Spotting high-quality pieces can make or break your flipping career. Many people list furniture online for cheap—or even for free—not realizing its true value. If you can identify the maker, you’ll have a better chance of snagging high-profit items. Also, it will give you a huge advantage at thrift stores and garage sales too!
Let’s take a look at all the furniture brands that are worth money when you are trying to flip for profit.
1. Broyhill Furniture
Why Look For It? Durable, high-quality pieces with classic and mid-century modern designs.
Common Pieces: Dressers, coffee tables, and dining sets.
Tip: Look for the iconic Brasilia line, featuring sculptural designs inspired by Brazilian architecture.
Broyhill Furniture started in Lenoir, North Carolina. It was founded in 1926 by James Edgar Broyhill and quickly gained a reputation for producing sturdy and stylish pieces. One of their most famous collections is the Brasilia line, which launched in 1962. This line was inspired by the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer in Brasília, Brazil. This collection is highly sought after for its flowing, sculptural designs and its ability to blend seamlessly into both vintage and modern homes. Even their non-MCM pieces, like traditional bedroom sets, are valuable for their durability and craftsmanship, making them a great find for us furniture flippers, refinishers, and restorers.
2. Drexel Heritage
Why Look For It? Known for timeless, high-quality craftsmanship and intricate woodwork.
Common Pieces: Dressers, buffets, and dining tables.
Tip: Look for mid-century modern (MCM) and traditional lines stamped with the Drexel name.
Founded in 1903 in Drexel, North Carolina, Drexel Heritage became one of the premier furniture manufacturers in the United States. It was founded by a man named Samuel Huffman along with a handful of investors. Drexel designs range from elegant, traditional styles to sleek MCM collections like the Declaration line, created by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall in the 1950s. Drexel’s commitment to quality is evident in its use of solid woods and beautiful veneers, often accented with intricate carvings or minimalist lines. Pieces like dining room sets and sideboards remain highly collectible, particularly when paired with their original finishes or hardware. Drexel furniture is often found undervalued at estate sales or thrift stores, making it a perfect brand to search for as a flipper.
3. Thomasville
Why Look For It? Sturdy construction and versatile designs that stand the test of time.
Common Pieces: Dining tables, bedroom furniture, and sideboards.
Tip: Focus on vintage pieces, which often feature intricate detailing and superior materials.
Thomasville Furniture was founded in 1904 in Thomasville, North Carolina, and quickly became a household name for high-end furniture. While they initially specialized in chairs, as they were originally named “Thomasville Chair Company” their product line eventually expanded to include full dining sets, bedroom suites, and accent pieces. Thomasville is known for its ability to adapt to changing design trends, producing everything from ornate traditional furniture to clean-lined mid-century styles. Many of their vintage pieces are sought after because they were built to last, with solid wood construction and exquisite attention to detail. Flippers love Thomasville for its resale value because the designs can easily fit into modern homes today.
4. American of Martinsville
Why Look For It? Renowned for innovative designs and quality craftsmanship, especially in mid-century modern (MCM) styles.
Common Pieces: Dressers, credenzas, and bedroom suites.
Tip: Look for signature brass inlays and unique hardware that distinguish their pieces.
Founded in 1906 in Martinsville, Virginia, by Virginia tobacco producers, American of Martinsville began as a modest producer of bedroom furniture. The company gained notability in the 1950s-60s with its MCM designs, notably the Dania collection, which featured sleek lines and a blend of traditional and contemporary materials. Their commitment to innovation and quality has made their vintage pieces highly desirable among collectors and flippers. Finding a ‘Dania’ Highboy Dresser you are looking at thousands of dollars potentially!
5. Ethan Allen
Why Look For It? Known for solid wood construction and classic, timeless designs.
Common Pieces: Dining sets, bedroom furniture, and accent tables.
Tip: Look for vintage Ethan Allen pieces with minimal wear—these are often undervalued and flip well.
Ethan Allen, founded in 1932 in Vermont, they were known to make American-made furniture crafted from solid woods like maple and cherry. The brand focuses on classic styles, from colonial-inspired designs to modern traditional. Many of their vintage collections remain highly desirable due to their durability and versatility in homes today. Ethan Allen pieces often retain their value, making them a reliable choice for furniture flippers and refinishers.
6. Heywood-Wakefield
Why Look For It? Iconic for its mid-century modern designs crafted from solid birch wood with sleek, minimalist lines.
Common Pieces: Dining sets, bedroom furniture, and occasional tables.
Tip: Original finishes in “Champagne” or “Wheat” tones are particularly valuable.
The Heywood Brothers were founded way back in 1826 while the Wakefield Company was established later in 1855. Together they merged in 1897 to become Heywood-Wakefield and they soon became a significant player in American furniture manufacturing. Their mid-century pieces, produced primarily between the 1930s and 1960s, are celebrated for their streamlined designs and use of solid Northern yellow birch. The company’s commitment to quality and design innovation has left a lasting legacy, with original pieces highly sought after by collectors today.
7. United Furniture Corporation
Why Look For It? Produced a variety of styles, with some mid-century pieces featuring unique designs and quality materials.
Common Pieces: Dressers, nightstands, and dining room sets.
Tip: Seek out pieces with distinctive hardware and solid wood construction.
Founded in 1905 in Lexington, North Carolina, The United Furniture Corporation was a prominent furniture manufacturer during the mid-20th century. They offered a range of styles, from traditional to modern, often incorporating quality woods and innovative designs. While not as widely recognized as some contemporaries, their MCM pieces are appreciated for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, making them valuable finds for furniture flippers and refinishers.
8. Lane Furniture
Why Look For It? Known for cedar chests and mid-century modern designs with durable construction.
Common Pieces: Cedar chests, coffee tables, and accent furniture.
Tip: The Acclaim series, with its distinctive dovetail design, is particularly sought after.
Founded in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia, by Edward Husdon Lane, the Lane Furniture company initially specialized in cedar chests, earning a reputation for their quality and innovation. In the 1950s and 60s, they expanded into broader furniture lines, embracing mid-century modern aesthetics. The Acclaim series, introduced in the 1960s, became iconic for its unique dovetail design and sleek lines. Lane’s commitment to quality materials and construction has ensured their vintage pieces remain popular among collectors and resellers.
9. Henredon
Why Look For It? Luxurious, high-end furniture with exceptional craftsmanship.
Common Pieces: Buffets, china cabinets, and upholstered chairs.
Tip: Vintage Henredon pieces, especially mid-century and modern styles, can command high resale prices.
Henredon was established in 1945 in Morganton, North Carolina, and they quickly became a leader in the luxury furniture market. Known for its use of premium materials and impeccable craftsmanship, Henredon’s designs range from traditional to modern. Their collaboration with top designers like Dorothy Draper makes their vintage pieces highly collectible and valuable. Flippers can transform even heavily worn Henredon pieces into showstoppers.
10. Bassett Furniture
Why Look For It? Affordable, stylish pieces with solid construction.
Common Pieces: Bedroom sets, dining tables, and mid-century dressers.
Tip: Focus on mid-century Bassett pieces with clean lines and retro hardware for the best returns.
Bassett Furniture was founded in Virginia in 1902, it has a long history of producing quality furniture for the mass market. Known for its practical designs and durability, Bassett’s mid-century modern pieces are especially popular among flippers. Many of their vintage items refinish beautifully and appeal to buyers looking for functional, stylish furniture at a reasonable price. I found a Bassett dresser set and flipped them early on in my flipping career, see above!
11. Mersman Tables
Why Look For It? Specializes in vintage accent tables with elegant designs.
Common Pieces: Coffee tables, end tables, and occasional tables.
Tip: Look for tables with intricate inlays or unique leg designs, which are particularly sought after.
Mersman Tables, a family-run business for over a century, was once one of the largest table manufacturers in the United States. Their tables, often featuring beautiful veneers and/or solid construction, were a staple in American homes. While they’re not as well-known today, Mersman pieces are still valued for their craftsmanship, making them great candidates for flipping for a profit.
12. Kittinger Furniture
Why Look For It? Renowned for museum-quality reproductions and handcrafted details.
Common Pieces: Desks, chairs, and dining sets.
Tip: Look for historically inspired collections, such as the Colonial Williamsburg line.
Kittinger Furniture was founded in 1866 in Buffalo, New York. They are famous for their exceptional reproductions of historical designs. Their partnership with Colonial Williamsburg produced stunning period-inspired pieces that are extremely collectible today. The brand’s focus on quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship made sure that even vintage Kittinger pieces remain in excellent condition, making them highly desirable for restoration and resale.
13. Stickley
Why Look For It? Known for mission-style furniture with timeless appeal.
Common Pieces: Armoires, dining furniture, and chairs.
Tip: Original Stickley pieces from the Arts and Crafts movement are extremely valuable, but even newer items sell well.
Founded in 1900 by Gustav Stickley, the original Stickley factory was in Fayetteville, New York. The Stickley company became a leader in the American Arts and Crafts movement. Their emphasis on simple, functional designs and high-quality craftsmanship has made their furniture highly collectible. Mission-style Stickley pieces, with their signature clean lines and mortise-and-tenon joinery, remain popular among buyers who value authenticity and durability. Finding old Stickley pieces are great quality finds and can be sold for a good profit.
14. Stow & Davis
Why Look For It? High-end office furniture with sleek, professional designs.
Common Pieces: Desks, chairs, and credenzas.
Tip: Focus on mid-century office pieces, which are highly desirable in today’s market.
Stow & Davis was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the late 19th century. They specialized in office furniture that combined functionality with elegance. Their mid-century pieces, often crafted from premium woods like walnut and teak, appeal to collectors and pros looking for stylish vintage piece of office furniture. Restoring these pieces can yield high returns, especially for executive desks and their beautiful credenzas.
15. Bernhardt
Why Look For It? Offers a wide range of styles with a reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Common Pieces: Sofas, dining tables, and bedroom furniture.
Tip: Focus on pieces with solid wood construction and original upholstery for higher resale value.
Established in 1889 in Lenoir, North Carolina, by John Mathias Bernhardt the Bernhardt Furniture Company has grown into a global leader in residential and commercial furniture. They are known for their dedication to quality and design, Bernhardt collaborates with renowned designers to create pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Their furniture often features premium materials like solid woods, metals, and luxurious fabrics, making them a great name to keep an eye for when looking to flip!
How to Determine the Brand of a Piece of Furniture
Check for Maker’s Marks or Labels
Many furniture brands include identifying marks, labels, or stamps. Look in these areas:
- Drawers: Inside, underneath, or on the back.
- Underside of the Piece: Flip it over to check for stamps or labels.
- Back Panels: Some brands place identifying marks on the rear of the furniture.
- Upholstered Furniture: Check under the cushions, on tags, or beneath the frame.
It’s also possible the furniture has a serial number that can help identify the piece along with the production date.
Leverage Online Tools
I have been taking advantage of technology to identify furniture:
- Google Lens: Take a photo of the piece and head to Google, click the small camera in the search bar to search for similar images as yours. This has been my go-to and works surprising well when without a makers mark.
- eBay, Facebook, or Etsy Listings: Compare your piece to similar items listed for sale. But keep in mind the sellers may not have a clue either…
- Furniture Forums: Join communities like my community “The Furniture Squad” and I will help you, as well as other options are Reddit communities, Facebook groups, etc.
Of course, if you know a local professional furniture appraiser you can ask them for some information, but the internet makes this much easier with a few photos shared online.
Research the Style & Construction
Furniture styles can point to specific brands or periods:
- Mid-Century Modern (MCM): Look for brands like Herman Miller, American of Martinsville, and Drexel Heritage.
- Arts and Crafts Movement: Pieces from Stickley or Roycroft often have distinct mission-style features.
- Traditional or Colonial Styles: Brands like Ethan Allen or Kittinger specialize in these designs.
The type of joinery and materials can provide clues about the brand:
- Joints: The drawer joinery can tell you a lot about the age of a piece of furniture and the quality, possibly leading to the brand.
- Solid Wood: Premium brands often use solid wood rather than MDF or veneers. However, many valuable MCM pieces are teak or walnut veneer over MDF.
- Unique Features: Some brands are known for specific design elements, such as Lane’s dovetail inlays or Broyhill’s sculptural drawer pulls.
These brands offer a rich history and a variety of designs that appeal to both collectors and modern consumers. Identifying and refurbishing pieces from these manufacturers can lead to profitable flipping opportunities.
There are many more furniture brands you should be keeping a lookout for. If you want to see an even longer list of furniture brands, then join The Furniture Squad so you can get full access to “The Ultimate Furniture Brands List” which has over 60+ manufacturers along with their logos/markings.