The Midcentury Modern (or MCM) aesthetic has established itself as a solid and reliable design choice among both experienced collectors and novices. Not a victim of short-lived trends, these thoughtfully designed pieces have retained their monetary value.
Created in response to the call for serenity in the post-war world, MCM furniture, with its organic materials, earth-tone color palette and unfussy character, fit perfectly into the collective “back to nature” mentality of the time.
The era of MCM design is generally considered to be between 1945 and 1969. Common materials of the era include metal, glass, vinyl and wood – particularly teak, rosewood and oak. Clean lines, soft curves and flowing shapes were popular, with pieces featuring metal or wood frames covered in bold vinyl and fabric coverings in earth tones.
The most popular American MCM designers for collectors include: Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Warren Platner, Isamu Noguchi and Florence Knoll. Companies such as Herman Miller And Design within reach Many pieces by these designers are still produced today, but the original works remain the most valuable.
Luckily, Houstonians seeking authentic pieces from this era don’t have to look far. While there’s no shortage of vintage pop-ups, fairs, and markets in Houston to hunt for MCM classics, there are outstanding local vendors to shop from year-round—just scroll through Instagram!
CultureMap caught up with four of Houston’s best local, independent vintage dealers for a quick Q&A and tips for anyone interested in midcentury modern design.
Lich-goods
Photographer turned vintage dealer Tamara Lichtenstein runs a thriving Instagram business for her 16.9k followers.
CultureMap: How did you get into the vintage genre?
Tamara Lichtenstein: It was kind of a coincidence. In my late twenties, I was juggling my photography career and a full-time job in the preschool sector while also studying. When the pandemic hit, no one was hiring photographers anymore. I was laid off indefinitely from my teaching job and found myself at a crossroads.
To make ends meet, I decided to part with some of my furniture, a collection of secondhand pieces I had accumulated over the years. While I knew they were aesthetically pleasing, I had no idea of their value. What started as a means of survival quickly turned into an obsession and, in 2021, a full-fledged business.
CM: How long have you been in business?
TLS: A little over three years. Lich Goods was launched on March 13, 2021.
CM: What do customers look for most from you?
TLS: I believe they are looking for someone with an eye for design and a deep appreciation for the artistry of these vintage pieces. These are rare, one-of-a-kind finds. They are far more than just possessions, they are valuable investments, each with their own story.
CM: What is a good starter piece for anyone interested in getting into MCM decor? Do you have any other tips for new collectors?
TLS: I would say a sideboard because it is a stylish storage solution. I see clients using them as buffets, media centers, and even as bedroom dressers. A sideboard combines form and function and instantly elevates the style of a room.
Moon Pool Modern
Husband and wife team Gabrielle and Eric Pryor have definitely carved out a space for themselves in the luxury vintage market. They are known for their penchant for reupholstering sturdy vintage frames in ultra-luxurious velvet, and connoisseurs will recognize a Moonpool piece from afar.
CultureMap: How did you get into the vintage genre?
Gabrielle Pryor: We’d be lying if we said this started as a shared passion. I’ve always been fascinated by old things – from daydreaming about them at flea markets and in my grandparents’ basement as a child to the feeling of weightiness of owning something that is now passed down through generations. Aside from the obvious fact that vintage goes hand in hand with quality and sustainability, there’s also an emotional aspect – like the smell of an old book – as well as a sense of pride and preservation.
CM: How long have you been in business?
Family doctor: I would say in 2019, I realized there was a business model behind this hobby. I was looking for a vintage office chair at the time and found a 1970s Charles Pollock for Knoll chair at a local used furniture store. When I went to buy it, the owner asked me if I wanted his entire inventory (he had about six just gathering dust). I thought that was a crazy question – I needed a single chair for my single desk, what was I going to do with six? So I went home, did some research, and found that these chairs were worth so much more than this person was asking for them – he just didn’t have the time or energy to market them. I went back the next day and bought the entire inventory, cleaned them, and eventually sold them all through Chairish and Facebook Marketplace.
Instagram (and Facebook Marketplace) helped us carve out our space in the local market and really expand. In 2022, tired and ready for change, Eric took the leap into the unknown, quit his job and devoted himself full-time to Moonpool. Later that same year, we launched our website.
CM: What do customers look for most from you?
Family doctor: Our inventory is quite small compared to other retailers. We carry a very carefully curated selection of pieces that reflect our aesthetic – we don’t want to be generalists. We stick to designs that we love and that resonate with modern buyers. We also take condition very seriously. We don’t want to sell battered products.
Our upholstery projects are definitely some of the most sought after because the result is absolutely unique and individual. We take pieces with good structure and redesign them in a luxurious way so that they last another 50 years.
CM: What is a good starter piece for anyone interested in getting into MCM decor? Do you have any other tips for new collectors?
Family doctor: People love MCM because it adds warmth, character and layers to decor. The same goes for lighting – so can it get better than MCM lighting? A striking MCM lamp can be a focal point in your decor and completely transform your space.
We’re obsessed with hand-blown Murano glass lamps at the moment, but they definitely come at a price. If you’re just getting into it, try a cool chrome lamp à la Robert Sonneman, or something with an interesting shade, or just anything with that “extra” factor. Lamps are supposed to be fun!
As far as tips go, anything is helpful to protect yourself from scammers and dubious sellers. Always check the price before entering into a negotiation and when buying online, ask for lots of photos and make sure the seller is reputable. Remember: if an offer is too good to be true, it most likely isn’t.
Postmodern HTX
Eugene Deleon’s by-appointment-only vintage furniture and audio warehouse is a treasure trove of classic examples of American vintage art. Countless stacks of sideboards, nightstands and buffets sit quietly beneath rows of dining chair sets suspended from the ceiling between chandeliers, while sofas and occasional chairs cover the rest of the floor space—this space is a true feast for the eyes.
CultureMap: How did you get into the vintage genre?
Eugene Deleon: About 25 years ago, I was traveling a lot for work and visiting shops and estate sales in different cities. I began to admire unique pieces and immediately started collecting. It was addictive.
CM: How long have you been in business?
ED: I have been working in sales and trading for about 20 years.
CM: What do customers look for most from you?
ED: It varies a lot. Midcentury modern design is always in demand, but vintage audio is also popular.
CM: What is a good starter piece for anyone interested in getting into MCM decor? Do you have any other tips for new collectors?
ED: Usually a dresser or end table is a good place to start. These are probably the most common pieces found in the wild. But a sideboard is usually what puts its stamp on your home. Keep looking – but not in my area!
EGK homepage
Newcomer Samantha Porter-Engelken has burst onto the scene in recent months and has gained recognition for her exceptional eye and skills as a restorer – she is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
CultureMap: How did you get into the vintage genre?
Samantha Porter-Engelken: Necessity drove me to second-hand and thrift stores, but I’ve always loved treasure hunting. From clothing to furniture, I live for the thrill of a find and have always had an eye for quality. Being able to quickly scan a shelf for things that are worth a second look is beneficial.
CM: How long have you been in business?
SPE: I’ve only been on Instagram for a few months, but I’ve been buying and selling to friends and through word of mouth for a decade.
CM: What do customers look for most from you?
SPE: A mix of classic design and materials in an affordable price range, as well as standout investment pieces that are unexpected and add personal style to a room.
CM: What is a good starter piece for anyone interested in getting into MCM decor? Do you have any other tips for new collectors?
SPE: Build your collection by starting with something practical and functional rather than focusing on designer names. Lane, Baker and references to “Made in Denmark” all have lower price points without sacrificing quality. This allows time to build quality pieces into a room that serve a function and hold their value. As your personal style deepens and grows, you can add more interesting, quirky designer pieces.
Whether you shop at one of these trusted dealers or “in the wild,” happy hunting!
