If you've spent any time browsing vintage furniture in Utah, you've probably heard the name Heywood-Wakefield whispered with a little reverence. It's one of those brands that collectors and casual shoppers alike light up over the moment they spot it — and once you know what to look for, you'll understand why. At FloralHaus Vintage, Heywood-Wakefield pieces are some of our favorite finds to bring home, restore, and pass along to Utah customers who want furniture with real history behind it.
Who Was Heywood-Wakefield?
Heywood-Wakefield started as two separate companies — Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Rattan — that merged in 1897 and eventually became one of the most influential American furniture makers of the 20th century. While they made wicker and traditional furniture early on, the brand truly found its identity in the 1930s through the 1960s with clean-lined, blonde wood modern furniture that helped define an entire era of American design.
Their signature look — softly rounded edges, warm champagne or "wheat" finishes, and a build quality that has genuinely stood the test of time — is why so many pieces are still in circulating condition today, 60 or 70 years later. That kind of longevity is rare, and it's part of what makes hunting for Heywood-Wakefield so rewarding.
How to Spot an Authentic Piece
If you're shopping vintage furniture in Utah and want to know whether you've stumbled onto the real thing, here's what to check:
- The finish. Heywood-Wakefield's iconic "Wheat," "Champagne," and "Sandalwood" finishes have a distinctive light, honey-toned glow that's hard to mistake once you've seen it in person.
- Maker's marks. Look for a paper label, ink stamp, or branded mark underneath drawers or on the back panels. Not every piece kept its label over the decades, but many did.
- Hardware and joinery. Original pulls tend to be simple, often wood or brushed metal, and drawers are usually dovetailed rather than stapled or glued.
- Silhouette. Rounded corners, tapered legs, and a low, streamlined profile are hallmarks of the brand's most popular mid-century lines.
Why Utah Shoppers Love This Brand
Mid-century modern has a huge following here in Utah, from Salt Lake City to Utah Valley, and Heywood-Wakefield fits beautifully into the clean, light-filled homes that are so common along the Wasatch Front. The warm, pale wood tones pair naturally with the mountain light we get here, and the furniture's understated shapes work whether your home leans traditional, modern, or somewhere in between.
It's also simply well-made. A Heywood-Wakefield dresser or dining set built in the 1950s was constructed to last generations, not to be replaced in five years — something that's increasingly hard to find with new furniture today.
What to Look For When Buying
When you're evaluating a Heywood-Wakefield piece in person, check the finish for cloudiness or heavy staining (a light refinish is common and not a dealbreaker, but heavy paint or refinishing in a non-original color can affect value). Test that drawers glide smoothly and that any veneer isn't lifting or bubbling. And don't be afraid of small dings and character marks — on a 60-plus year old piece, they're part of the story, not a flaw.
Popular pieces to watch for include the classic wheat dining sets, low dressers and chests, nightstands, and their well-known "Encore" and "Sculptura" lines, both prized by collectors nationwide.
Bringing One Home
We regularly source and restore Heywood-Wakefield pieces at FloralHaus Vintage, checking each one for structural soundness and giving finishes the gentle care they deserve without stripping away their original character. If you've been searching for mid-century modern furniture in Utah and want something with real provenance, this is a brand worth getting to know.
Have a specific piece in mind, or want us to keep an eye out for a Heywood-Wakefield dresser, table, or dining set? Call or text us at 801.369.0337 and we'll help you find the right piece for your home.
Based in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Local delivery available from Provo to Ogden — delivery rates vary by distance. Pickup by appointment welcome.