The Piece
A beautifully preserved c.1930s Art Deco Waterfall Vanity by Johnson Furniture Co., crafted in richly figured walnut and maple veneers with a sculptural triple-mirror crest. This is an exquisite example of early American Deco—where glamour, geometry, and craftsmanship merge into furniture that is both functional and deeply expressive.
The vanity features a dramatic domed central mirror, flanked by two elegant side wings, each etched with delicate vine motifs. The frame sweeps in soft waterfall curves, accented by carved Deco flourishes and warm, golden-toned veneers. Across the cabinet front, a radiant sunburst pattern fans outward from the center skirt, bordered by intricate beaded trim and framed by darker walnut panels. The drawers—set with round bookmatched burl medallions—add visual depth and texture.
Viewed today, it reads as both furniture and sculpture: a romantic, cinematic piece rooted in the 1930s, yet timeless in presence. Styled in a bedroom, dressing room, boutique, or gallery-like interior, it brings history, drama, and unmistakable Art Deco glamour.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style
Signature early Art Deco detailing, defined by:
• Waterfall curves along the mirror frame and cabinet top
• Triple beveled mirrors with etched floral side panels
• Radiating sunburst veneer pattern on the center drawers
• Carved scrollwork along the apron and mirror crest
• Bookmatched burl veneer ovals on each drawer front
• Original period hardware with ornate floral backplates
The overall silhouette blends streamlined Deco geometry with ornamental revival elements, creating a romantic yet modern presence unique to the early 1930s.
→ Materials
• Quartered walnut veneer with dramatic grain
• Quilted birch or maple veneer in the sunburst center panel
• Solid hardwood frame and supports
• Original beveled mirrors with etched decoration
• Period brass hardware
• Traditional carpentry with dovetail joinery
Every surface showcases the decorative veneer work that defined Depression-era luxury manufacturing.
→ Technique
• Bookmatched burl veneer laid in circular medallion forms
• Sunburst veneer array radiating from the center base
• Routed bead trim framing each panel
• Curved mirror supports shaped with steam-bent hardwood
• Etched mirror detailing executed with early acid-resist technique
• Hand-applied stain and lacquer finishes typical of the decade
This level of veneer artistry required skill and time—hallmarks of Johnson Furniture’s better lines.
History & Provenance
Dating confidently to c. 1930–1938, this vanity was produced during the height of the American Art Deco movement. Johnson Furniture Co., based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was known for producing some of the most beautifully veneered Deco pieces of the era—bridging European Art Deco influences with American manufacturing ingenuity.
Waterfall furniture surged in popularity during the Great Depression, offering consumers a glamorous yet affordable alternative to carved-wood traditional styles. The triple mirror, etched detailing, and sophisticated veneer work identify this as a higher-end model, not a mass-market budget variant.
Today, surviving examples in this condition are highly collectible. They represent an era of American design where craftsmanship, ornament, and optimism converged—beautifully preserved relics of early 20th-century style.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with:
• Clean, clear triple mirrors with crisp etching
• Glossy, well-preserved veneer with minimal wear
• Original carved trim intact and stable
• All drawers sliding smoothly
• Original hardware present
• Structurally strong with no major veneer losses
A beautifully maintained, display-ready example of early American Art Deco design.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Item | Johnson Furniture Co. Art Deco Waterfall Vanity with Triple Mirror |
| Maker | Johnson Furniture Co. (attributed) |
| Date | c. 1930s |
| Material | Walnut, maple/birch veneers, beveled glass, brass hardware |
| Style | Art Deco / Waterfall / Streamline |
| Condition | Excellent vintage |
| Color | Warm walnut, golden quilted veneer, dark walnut accents |
| Use | Bedroom vanity, boutique display, statement vintage décor |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This vanity brings cinematic glamour and historic substance into any space. Its sweeping curves, etched mirrors, and radiant veneer work make it a sculptural focal point—rich with character, craftsmanship, and Art Deco charm. Whether styled in a bedroom, dressing room, boutique, or curated interior, it offers:
→ authentic 1930s Deco elegance
→ sculptural, statement-making presence
→ warm wood tones and intricate veneer artistry
→ a collectible heirloom with lasting value
It is a functional work of art—designed in an era when furniture was built not only to serve, but to inspire.