Lane Furniture Mid-century End Table, Cosmopolitan Line
By imscotte1, 30 May, 2025
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.
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.
đź§® 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.
đź§ 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
âś… 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.
Lane Furniture Mid-Century Modern End Table – Cosmopolitan Line
đź§ľ Overview:
📚 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.
đź§® 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:
Restoring the piece while preserving its original materials is important for maintaining value to collectors.
đź§ Collector Insights:
âś… Recommendation:
You do not need a professional appraisal unless:
Otherwise, listing locally or on niche vintage marketplaces should attract knowledgeable buyers even in its current condition.