There is surprisingly little information online about Glenn of California, a furniture company that gave us some of the most representative designs of the last century and collaborated with so many iconic American designers. For connoisseurs, it is a well-known name that sparks excitement and sighs of awe. Any interior designer passionate about that era will have a clear idea of how to emphasize a good Glenn of California piece.
The Story of Glenn of California
Based in Arcadia, California, the Glenn of California furniture company started its activity in the 1940s, a time of social and cultural expansion that laid the base of the great modern movement of the mid-century. They have collaborated with many designers who became style icons for modern, architectural, and mid-century design.
Here are some of the Glenn of California pieces that any design lover would love to have.
John Kapel Dressers
Designed in the ‘60s, the John Kapel for Glenn of California dressers are still fabulous finds in vintage markets, attracting any passerby with their linear yet dynamic structure. Made of walnut, they have a rich and warm tone that is accentuated by the black details. The handles are carved and seamlessly flow from the drawers, giving the dressers a modern, futuristic feel.
They are spacious and easy to integrate into different decors, still working perfectly in today’s tendencies. John Kapel has designed many pieces for Glenn of California over 20 years of collaboration.
Paul Laszlo Chairs
The pieces designed by Paul Laszlo for Glenn of California are one-of-a-kind, original mid-century gems. Their beautiful structure makes the chair stand out from every angle, displaying the gorgeous colors and grains of the solid walnut frame and the delicate cane seat and backrest.
Milo Baughman Tables
Milo Baughman is one of the undisputed genius designers of the era who designed some breathtaking pieces for Glenn of California. His tables are notable examples of his vision. Angular and architectural, their simplicity works with today’s industrial, modern, or eclectic interiors, bringing the right amount of vintage feel and timeless, classic crispiness.
Experimenting with materials and color blocks, he created astounding tables with tapered legs, solid, rectangular surfaces, and a mixed material table that could fit plant pots and decorative rocks.
Greta Grossman Pieces
The minimalist lines of Greta Grossman’s pieces for Glenn of California scream Mid-Century Modern. Her credenza, tables, and chairs have all the same practical design combined with the futuristic, organic shapes of the Atomic design era. Ovals and circles are present in her design, giving her pieces dynamism and originality.
Browsing through Glenn of California pieces in a vintage shop is like taking a design history class. With so many incredible designers working with the company, it’s justified to associate the Glenn logo with innovation, quality, and style.
