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Mid Century Modern Designer - affordable mid century modern furniture

Meet Henry Jara

Mid Century Furniture Designer

Henry Jara is a mid century modern furniture designer and builder, providing one of the most comfortable mid century daybed sofas you will ever sit on that actually looks like a couch and not an oversized pillow. The design features a very clean and straightforward aesthetic. I want to say these are the kinds of couches you don’t let your pets on because they are just so rad, but the fabric is removable and easily cleaned, so scratch that.

Henry’s line of Mid Century Modern Furniture is part of the “Thomas Collection” available for purchase online and in our Laguna Beach Showroom.

California mid century modern office furniture, mid century modern sofa set

Q: How did your love for mid century modern furniture start?

Henry Jara: It started with some inspiration through friends that had a gorgeous Mid-Century house, outfitted with mid century modern daybed sofas, chairs and tables that looked sharp. At the time, we didn’t know much about Mid Century – that was about 15 years ago, where it all started. I was immediately drawn to the lines of the furniture and the lines of the house – it all went together seamlessly. It took us back to a period that was more ‘kick-back and relax.’

My daughter Alexandra began collecting retro furniture and mid century modern furniture designer pieces that I helped her buy. I would go surfing in the morning and hit up garage sales on the way there or the way back and help her build her collection. After about a year of doing that, my daughter decided that she wanted to sell at Long Beach Veterans Stadium Flea Market. Within the first 30 minutes of arriving, our products were selling like you wouldn’t believe. That was my first spark where I realized that I could turn this love of furniture into a business.

Q: How did your love for mid century modern furniture start?

Henry Jara: It started with some inspiration through friends that had a gorgeous Mid-Century house, outfitted with mid century modern daybed sofas, chairs and tables that looked sharp. At the time, we didn’t know much about Mid Century – that was about 15 years ago, where it all started. I was immediately drawn to the lines of the furniture and the lines of the house – it all went together seamlessly. It took us back to a period that was more ‘kick-back and relax.’

My daughter Alexandra began collecting retro furniture and mid century modern furniture designer pieces that I helped her buy. I would go surfing in the morning and hit up garage sales on the way there or the way back and help her build her collection. After about a year of doing that, my daughter decided that she wanted to sell at Long Beach Veterans Stadium Flea Market. Within the first 30 minutes of arriving, our products were selling like you wouldn’t believe. That was my first spark where I realized that I could turn this love of furniture into a business.

mad men style sofa, mid century modern sofa

Q: Were you aware at the time of how popular the demand was for mid century modern furniture?

Henry: No, I wasn’t aware.

Lesa Jara: I think it was really just beginning to take off at that time. You could also purchase the furniture at extremely affordable prices. Today, it’s becoming harder to get, and you have to search to find these pieces. The lack of product availability is what drove us to start making mid century modern reproductions of the furniture.

 

Q: Do you think the Mid Century Modern reproductions will last 100 years just like the originals from back in the day?

Henry: We certainly make everything with that in mind. All of our mid century modern furniture is from solid Alder wood and the joint system that we use to put it together makes it stronger. We believe our furniture is built to last a lifetime. Even with true Mid-Century vintage pieces, a lot of them need to be restored. Either the wood is nicked or the couch needs to be reupholstered or the foam needs to be replaced. Those are all cosmetic and underneath all of that you will still have a solid foundation. We offer maintenance services as well. We can help you replace the foam or purchase new covers. This is something you won’t have to think about for at least 15 years down the line.

 

Q: What would you say is the most important component to building a solid piece?

Henry: The most important component is the wood. The thickness and quality are important. From there, the joints keep it strong and stable. The support beams are also another important strength component of my mid century modern furniture line.

Q: Were you aware at the time of how popular the demand was for mid century modern furniture?

Henry: No, I wasn’t aware.

Lesa Jara: I think it was really just beginning to take off at that time. You could also purchase the furniture at extremely affordable prices. Today, it’s becoming harder to get, and you have to search to find these pieces. The lack of product availability is what drove us to start making mid century modern reproductions of the furniture.

 

Q: Do you think the Mid Century Modern reproductions will last 100 years just like the originals from back in the day?

Henry: We certainly make everything with that in mind. All of our mid century modern furniture is from solid Alder wood and the joint system that we use to put it together makes it stronger. We believe our furniture is built to last a lifetime. Even with true Mid-Century vintage pieces, a lot of them need to be restored. Either the wood is nicked or the couch needs to be reupholstered or the foam needs to be replaced. Those are all cosmetic and underneath all of that you will still have a solid foundation. We offer maintenance services as well. We can help you replace the foam or purchase new covers. This is something you won’t have to think about for at least 15 years down the line.

 

Q: What would you say is the most important component to building a solid piece?

Henry: The most important component is the wood. The thickness and quality are important. From there, the joints keep it strong and stable. The support beams are also another important strength component of my mid century modern furniture line.

Mid Century Modern Sofa, affordable mid century modern furniture

Q: Tell me more about your California mid century modern line?

Henry: I hand pick all of the wood for all my pieces. I visit the lumber yard and find the pieces that attract me. It has to be smooth with not too many knots; some are okay as long as it’s something that I can work with and gives the wood character. I use a hardwood called Alder, which is in the Birch family.

For our fabric line we look for textures that are reminiscent of the mid century modern period such as a nice, bright, bold tweed. We also look for fabrics that will hold up against the wear and tear of children and pets. We realize that although our furniture works as art, it also has to be livable. We use high-density foam so it’s going to last a very long time. All of our cushions are zippered so the fabric can be removed and dry cleaned. We have a lot of people who will also order extra sets of slip covers so they can change the look of their living rooms seasonally.

Q: Tell me more about your California mid century modern line?

Henry: I hand pick all of the wood for all my pieces. I visit the lumber yard and find the pieces that attract me. It has to be smooth with not too many knots; some are okay as long as it’s something that I can work with and gives the wood character. I use a hardwood called Alder, which is in the Birch family.

For our fabric line we look for textures that are reminiscent of the mid century modern period such as a nice, bright, bold tweed. We also look for fabrics that will hold up against the wear and tear of children and pets. We realize that although our furniture works as art, it also has to be livable. We use high-density foam so it’s going to last a very long time. All of our cushions are zippered so the fabric can be removed and dry cleaned. We have a lot of people who will also order extra sets of slip covers so they can change the look of their living rooms seasonally.

affordable mid century modern furniture

Q: I know you also make more mid century furniture than whats included in your new line. What types of custom orders have you done in the past?

HJ: I’ve made furniture for a variety of different industries including residential, corporate, commercial, restaurants, hotels, resorts and more. I’ve taken on a few outdoor furniture projects as well. It’s a different process with the the wood finish and fabric selection but it can be done. I’m always open for a vintage furniture design challenge that a client might bring in.

Q: I know you also make more mid century furniture than whats included in your new line. What types of custom orders have you done in the past?

HJ: I’ve made furniture for a variety of different industries including residential, corporate, commercial, restaurants, hotels, resorts and more. I’ve taken on a few outdoor furniture projects as well. It’s a different process with the the wood finish and fabric selection but it can be done. I’m always open for a vintage furniture design challenge that a client might bring in.

MID CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE

DAYBEDS & SOFAS

TABLES & CONSOLES

BENCHES & OTTOMANS