Finest 20th Century: Vintage Furniture in Pittsburgh

Finest 20th Century: Vintage Furniture in Pittsburgh

20th Century Style in 21st Century Homes

One of the great things about art is that is often sets out to completely change the established notions of what beauty or attractiveness can be. 20^th century art especially balked at tradition, with artists taking risks by experimenting with shapes and delving into the abstract. This shift in style and experimentation wasn’t limited to paintings or sculptures, and its influence continues to inspire even through the 21^st century.

If you don’t consider furniture art in its own right, then you would do well to peruse the amazing collection of furniture at Finest 20^th Century in Southside. Owner Jason McClellend sells and restores post-war, 20^th century furniture with a vintage style that proves to be cutting-edge (and comfortable) despite being half a century in the making.

This vintage design gallery is located in the historic Terminal Building (right next door to Maniac Magazine’s very own headquarters!) and was started in January 2014. Finest 20th Century sells almost exclusively post war furniture and art from the 50s-70s (many items come from either Italy or Denmark) and offers consultation and restorations of these objects. “Though I’m not an interior designer, I can make suggestions on what would work for their needs, and within their space and budget.” Jason also explained why he finds himself attracted to this particular period, “What I love about the post-war (mid-century) style is the form and function of each piece. You had a point in time where modernism was having a significant impact on the world, with the help of the true design visionaries of the period.”

Not unlike the modernist movement in art, post-war furniture did away with traditionalism in favor of more simple and elegant forms. Just browsing through McClellend’s collection you get a sense for the level of artistry and design that went into this style. His collection is a pastiche of posts and beams, incorporating elaborate yet simple lamps, tables, and chairs. Thick, bulkier forms from previous eras of furniture are done away with in favor of more sleek, thinner designs. Spartan, metal desk lamps are contrasted by large scintillating chandeliers and glass candlesticks of varying heights, which look like they could have been sculpted from ice. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the post-war style is the degree of variety in its designs, yet still appearing as if they could easily exist together in the same space.

According to Jason, “The reason that furniture from 20^th century style is appealing in our 21^st century is due to the of the uniqueness of design with consideration to comfort. The post-war movement in furniture is still appealing in many of the same ways people still listen to Jazz. It has become classic but still retains that distinctness of form it became known for.”

When it comes to choosing items for his collection, McClellend looks for what is eye-catching and unique. On his Instagram there is a seemingly a story for every piece. He even gives insight on each individual piece’s designer, and though the names may not be familiar to the uninitiated, Jason does his best to educate.

While most people might be content with buying their furniture from somewhere like IKEA, Jason McClellend’s Finest 20^th Century has pieces waiting to be re-discovered today in the 21st century, where new owners will relish in its uniqueness and style.