Category / Nathan

Nathan Furniture was founded in 1916 by Barnett Nathan in London, initially producing high-quality cabinets and traditional furniture. The company expanded rapidly in the interwar years, but its defining period came after the Second World War, when it successfully adapted to changing tastes and the growing demand for modern home furnishings.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Nathan became one of Britain’s best-known furniture brands, particularly celebrated for its teak living and dining ranges. The company helped popularise mid-century modern design in the UK, offering stylish yet accessible pieces characterised by clean lines, rich wood grain, and practical features such as extending tables and modular storage. Nathan’s furniture struck a balance between contemporary Scandinavian influences and traditional craftsmanship, appealing to a wide middle-class market.

Much of Nathan’s design success is attributed to Barney Nathan, the founder’s son, who played a key role in shaping the company’s modern direction. Working with in-house design teams, he oversaw the development of popular ranges such as “Squares” and “City Suite,” which became staples of British interiors.

Nathan remained a major force into the late 20th century, and its mid-century pieces continue to be valued today for their quality, functionality, and enduring style.