Vintage Lane Furniture: The Collector's Complete Guide
Lane Furniture is one of the most beloved and accessible names in American mid-century modern collecting. Founded in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia, Lane grew into one of the largest furniture manufacturers in America, and their MCM-era lines from the 1950s–1970s remain some of the most coveted vintage furniture on the market today. If you've ever seen a beautiful walnut credenza at an estate sale, there's a good chance it was a Lane. This guide covers everything you need to identify, date, value, and collect vintage Lane furniture.
Lane Furniture History
Lane was founded by John Lane as a cedar chest manufacturer — and for decades, cedar hope chests were the company's signature product. By the 1940s and 1950s, Lane had expanded dramatically into full bedroom and dining room furniture suites. Their adoption of walnut as the dominant material, combined with strong MCM design sensibility, launched them into the top tier of American furniture manufacturing.
Lane's MCM peak ran roughly from 1955 to 1975. Their design team was prolific, producing numerous distinct collections (called "lines") simultaneously — which is why you'll see dramatically different styles all bearing the Lane name. The company was acquired by Heritage Home Group in 1987, and subsequent production moved away from the quality solid-walnut construction of the MCM era.
How to Identify Lane Furniture
Lane used consistent marking systems throughout the MCM era:
- Metal tag: A small rectangular metal plate on the back of case pieces or inside a drawer. It typically reads "LANE" in capital letters, sometimes with "ALTAVISTA, VA." and a date code.
- Paper label: Some pieces have a paper label instead of or in addition to the metal tag. May include the specific line name (e.g., "Lane Acclaim").
- Date code: Lane used a date code system stamped inside a drawer or on the back of pieces. The format is typically a number representing the week and year of manufacture (e.g., "55 67" = 55th week of 1967). This is invaluable for precise dating.
- Construction: Lane MCM pieces use solid walnut for visible surfaces, with solid secondary wood (usually poplar or birch) for drawer boxes and internal frames. Dovetail drawer joints are standard. No particle board in authentic period pieces.
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The Most Collectible Lane Lines
Lane Acclaim (1958–1970s)
The Acclaim is the most recognizable Lane line and one of the most iconic American MCM furniture designs. Characterized by its distinctive "Star of David" or asterisk-shaped drawer pulls in brass and the strong angled grain figure on drawer fronts, the Acclaim was designed by Merton Gershun. Full bedroom suites, credenzas, dining room pieces, and accent tables were all produced in the Acclaim line.
The Acclaim is the entry-level collector's Lane — widely available, beautifully made, and immediately recognizable. Strong examples of Acclaim credenzas sell for $600–$1,500; full bedroom suites command $1,500–$3,500+.
Lane Staccato (1960s)
A more graphic line than the Acclaim, Staccato pieces feature strong geometric grain patterns and a slightly more angular, architectural aesthetic. Less commonly found than Acclaim but highly regarded by collectors. Read our dedicated Lane Staccato Collector's Guide for more detail.
Lane Perception (1960s–1970s)
Perception pieces have a more refined, minimal aesthetic — clean drawer fronts with recessed hardware, subtle grain figure, and a slightly later-MCM feel. High-quality construction; somewhat less dramatic than Acclaim or Staccato. Often underpriced relative to quality.
Lane Altavista (1960s–1970s)
A prestige line with more elaborate construction — bookmatched veneer patterns, more complex forms, and higher-grade hardware. Altavista pieces represent Lane's top-tier quality and command premium prices accordingly.
Lane Cedar Chests
Lane's original product remains extremely popular. MCM-era Lane cedar chests (often called "hope chests") in walnut, blonde wood, or with decorative banding are practical, beautiful, and very collectible. The interior of a Lane cedar chest still smells of aromatic cedar even after 60+ years — a distinctive authentication feature.
Most Collectible Individual Lane Pieces
- Acclaim credenza: The 72"–78" credenza in the Acclaim pattern is arguably the single most desirable Lane piece. Wide sliding-door storage, the signature star pulls, and beautiful walnut grain. Prices: $600–$1,800 in good condition.
- Altar end table: A small, sculptural end table with a distinctive geometric or altar-like base, produced in several lines. These compact pieces punch far above their size in visual impact. $150–$400.
- Acclaim bedroom suite: Complete matched dresser, chest, nightstands, and headboard. Extremely rare intact and commands $2,000–$4,000+.
- Lane dining tables: Extension dining tables in the Acclaim and other lines are beautiful and practical. $400–$1,200.
- Lane coffee tables: Surfboard, oval, and rectangular coffee tables with the Acclaim star pulls. $200–$600.
Lane Furniture Pricing Guide
Lane vs. Other American MCM Makers
- Lane vs. Drexel: Both are top-tier American MCM. Drexel's "Declaration" and "Profile" lines are comparable in quality to Lane's best; Drexel tends toward a slightly more refined, architectural aesthetic while Lane leans toward dramatic grain figure and bold hardware.
- Lane vs. Bassett: Bassett was a more production-oriented manufacturer; Lane's top lines are generally higher quality with better secondary wood construction.
- Lane vs. Broyhill: Broyhill's "Brasilia" line is Lane Acclaim's closest competitor in collectibility. Both are widely loved; Broyhill Brasilia has a slightly more sculptural base while Lane Acclaim leads with its signature pulls.
Shop Vintage Lane Furniture at Mod City Mad
We regularly source and sell authentic vintage Lane furniture — Acclaim credenzas, bedroom pieces, dining tables, and accent tables.
- Browse Our Full Inventory
- Vintage Walnut Dressers
- Broyhill Brasilia Collector's Guide
- How to Authenticate Vintage MCM Furniture
- MCM Bedroom Furniture Guide
Further Reading
- How to Buy Vintage Furniture Online: A Complete Guide
- How to Ship Vintage Furniture: What Every Buyer Needs to Know
- MCM Bedroom Sets: What to Buy and What to Avoid — Lane made some of the most sought-after MCM bedroom sets; here's how to evaluate them.
- Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Furniture Guide — the complete guide to outfitting a bedroom with vintage MCM pieces.
Currently in Our Shop
Browse authentic Lane pieces currently available in our collection: