Skip to main content

Lane Furniture Mid-century End Table, Cosmopolitan Line

I
7 months ago
AI Appraisal
Description

Inherited from my parents. Been sitting in storage. Could benefit from a re-finish. Have a companion piece of Lane furniture that I will post separately.

Category American Furniture
Medium I found the same item on snowdriftantiques.com and except for the condition
this description is virtually the same.

https://www.snowdriftantiques.com/product-page/pair-of-lane-furniture-mid-century-end-tables-cosmopolitan-line
Condition Fair
Size and dimensions of this item 24” x 24” x 22-½” high
Date Period Mid-century (50s or 60s)
History Inherited from my parents who were the original owners. Been in storage since mid-2000s.
Price Paid (If known) N/A
Want more from your appraisals?

Upgrade for PDF reports, more daily appraisals, and ad-free experience.

View Plans →

Submitted by NaidaTheCollector

🧾 Overview:

  • Manufacturer: Lane Furniture
  • Line: Cosmopolitan
  • Era: Mid-Century Modern (1950s–1960s)
  • Dimensions: 24” W x 24” D x 22.5” H
  • Materials: Walnut veneer with ceramic tile inset
  • Style: Danish-inspired Mid-Century Modern, clean lines, geometric tile detail, tapered legs with brass-tone bands
  • Condition: Fair (surface wear, scuffs, scratches, some edge damage)

📚 Historical Context:

Lane Furniture, based in Altavista, Virginia, was a major contributor to American Mid-Century design. Their Cosmopolitan Line was notable for mixing warm wood tones with modernist tile or glass insets. These pieces were often marketed to a post-war, design-forward clientele.

The geometric tile motif in your piece (similar to Brutalist or Op-Art styles) is a signature of this line and adds decorative appeal and collectibility.

🧮 Estimated Market Value (2025):

Condition

Value Estimate (USD)

Excellent

$400–$600

Good (minor wear)

$250–$400

Fair (your piece)

$150–$250

Fully restored

$350–$550

 

Your table in its current fair condition is still collectible due to its iconic design and maker. Restoration could significantly improve resale value—especially if professionally refinished and cleaned.

🛠️ Restoration Consideration:

  • Light sanding and refinishing of the walnut veneer
  • Cleaning and polishing of the tile inlay
  • Brass detailing can be restored using fine-grade metal polish
  • Minor edge repairs could be achieved using wood filler and walnut stain

Restoring the piece while preserving its original materials is important for maintaining value to collectors.

🧠 Collector Insights:

  • Pairing this with the companion table could increase total set value by 30–50%
  • More desirable to buyers in urban markets or online vintage platforms like Chairish, Etsy, or 1stDibs
  • Lane tags or factory serial numbers (often found under or inside drawers) can increase traceability and help confirm exact production year

✅ Recommendation:

You do not need a professional appraisal unless:

  • You are selling a complete Lane set
  • You plan to insure a larger furniture collection
  • You’re working with a high-end resale platform

Otherwise, listing locally or on niche vintage marketplaces should attract knowledgeable buyers even in its current condition.

📸 Quick Scan
Garage-Sale Mode Fast appraisals on the go