Mid-century modern style brings back memories

For years, the Deadwyler Finest Period Furniture store in Buckhead has specialized in just that — period antiques. Two floors of the Bennett Street store were packed with tables, sideboards, chairs, settees and more, from the 17th century forward.

But owner Jim Deadwyler recently tapped into the craze for mid-century modern pieces by moving the senior pieces to the top of his two-story space and filling the first floor with the furniture many baby boomers grew up with.

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H. M. Cauley / AJC Special

This cocktail cabinet, which doubles as a TV stand for an antique Philco set, is straight out of the 1960s.

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H. M. Cauley / AJC Special

Retro furnishings are smaller in scale because homes were smaller back then. Metal trim, such as the kind on these chairs and lamps, was often used to accent pieces.

• Decatur couple's 1960s home is mid-century modern | Photos
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“I made a decision to focus on this era,” said Deadwyler. “There are several collectors of this mid-century period in Atlanta, and I know they’re not buying it here. They’re going to New York.”

Just what is mid-century modern? “Many people now consider anything into the 1970s as mid-century,” said Deadwyler. “But to me, it’s about the 1950s and ’60s.”

The black, exposed ceiling and cream-colored walls of the new showroom highlight the collection’s brightly colored, occasionally funky furniture, such as stackable tables and molded plastic seating.

What you’ll find

“I’m really going to the fun and rare,” said Deadwyler, pointing to a black, molded plastic chair perched on thin metal legs. “Some of these pieces are funky, even weird. I wanted a variety.”

The unusual includes a terry-covered chair in the shape of a seated person (it’s actually comfortable, with good back support); a twin bed with “centipede” legs by Kartell ($6,000); and a bright yellow, plastic inflatable chair, circa 1968 ($1,100). The piece that often starts customers reminiscing is a working, black-and-white Philco TV from 1958, complete with dial controls and antenna for $2,650. (The original retail price was $269.95.)

Other items include low, wooden coffee tables; glass and metal tables and an assortment of chests of drawers, drink cabinets and buffets that blend into a decor style as standalone pieces or as support for a flat-panel TV. A Saarinen oval side table in white laminate is $1,350; a polished oak chest with a drop-leaf top is $1,900. A 1950s eight-drawer dresser atop skinny legs is $3,700.

Accessories include framed artwork, lamps, silver tea sets in sleek, contemporary styles, vases and mirrors.

Trends

The fascination with mid-century modern pieces is its own trend, said Deadwyler. Buyers are attracted to an interesting era that introduced a variety of man-made materials into home-decor lines.

“People are looking for pieces with strong names and historical value,” he said. “They want high-end products at not-off-the-chart prices.”

Best sellers

The style is selling across the board, said Deadwyler, with buyers particularly interested in accent objects such as ceramics and silver.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Deadwyler Finest Period Furniture

49 Bennett St., Atlanta

Info: 404-351-3941, www.deadwylerantiques.com

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday