“I have never been told to hurry and get something done–but I have been told to just do it right. If it takes longer to get it done right, you do it right.” –Betty Bradshaw, Craftsperson at Thayer Coggin

Since 1953, Thayer Coggin has pushed boundaries within the norms of design and created a legacy that continues to live on today. The company paved the way for timeless, modern design in the furniture industry through Coggin’s vision and designer Milo Baughman’s creations. Known for their high-quality, Thayer Coggin pieces are cherished across generations, bringing nostalgia to those who remember them in their family homes, while attracting new customers seeking heirloom pieces for their own families. Today, the furniture continues to be crafted in the same way it was nearly seven decades ago, bridging the past, present, and future.

The Legacy of Thayer Coggin

Thayer Coggin started his company in 1953 after returning from service as a US Army medic and completing his college degree at High Point University in North Carolina. The company was originally located in a small factory and had only four employees—and Thayer had a vision of creating high-quality furniture pieces. He soon met designer Milo Baughman who had out-of-the-box ideas with furniture design that seemed futuristic at the time. He wanted to create pieces that could solve problems as well as bring families together. The two men went on to work together for 50 years on a handshake agreement until Thayer’s passing in 2003.

The company paved the way for mid-century modern furniture design. Baughman’s sketches included very thin, clean lines and Scandinavian influence. It was unlike anything people had ever seen at the time. The company was the first in the US to produce a contemporary styled recliner. Many people gravitated toward the newfound design in a post World War ll world, where furniture was previously ornate, thick, and bulky. Even people who weren’t interested in purchasing furniture would attend The High Point Market, where the new Thayer Coggin collection was presented each year. The designs caught peoples’ attention and struck curiosity—even if they did not fully understand the vision. Thayer Coggin's legacy of pioneering mid-century modern designs with Milo Buaghman truly revolutionized the furniture industry, and created a legacy that still lives on today.

Quality Craftsmanship You Can Trust

Thayer Coggin furniture is made the same way it was in 1953. The company prioritizes high-quality, sustainable materials and craftsmanship that is made to last. Each and every piece is handcrafted and bench-made by a single craftsperson to ensure the quality standard that Thayer demanded when he founded the company. The same amount of attention on the front of the piece is placed on the back as well. Thayer expressed the importance of creating an equally beautiful back of a piece, so that it can be placed in the middle of a room if the customer chooses.

Each upholstery item is customizable and made specifically for the customer to fit the unique needs of their home. Only the highest quality cushioning available is used–all of the foams used in Thayer Coggin seating are environmentally safe and produced without the use of ozone destroying Chlorofluorocarbons. This type of detail-oriented craftsmanship is what helps continue the trustworthy Thayer Coggin legacy.

Elevate Your Space with Thayer Coggin

Heirloom quality furniture is crafted with skill and durability to last over time. These pieces aren't just practical—they're an investment in the future. Thayer Coggin creates pieces that are high-quality to last for a long period of time, and can be enjoyed by more than one generation.

Thayer Coggin pieces seamlessly blend into any living space, whether it's a traditional home or a contemporary condo. Each piece has clean lines and timeless appeal, making them versatile for any type of room. Thayer Coggin recliners are perfect for a customer that wants a recliner without the look of a typical recliner. Click here to read more about our staff’s favorite Thayer Coggin picks—and don’t worry if you don’t know where to place a new piece in a room. Our expert Interior Designers can help you seamlessly incorporate Thayer Coggin into your home. You can book a FREE appointment with a designer here.

Written by Madeline Leung, Marketing Associate