
ANSWER: The photos you sent identify your bedroom set as what was commonly referred to as “waterfall” furniture. Because it was relatively inexpensive, it became the style of choice for middle class newlyweds. In 1930, a set like this would have cost between $19.95 and $39.95. More luxurious sets sold for slightly more.
In the late 19th century, most American furniture makers produced pieces from solid wood. This continued until after World War I when the conservation movement, led by Teddy Roosevelt, gained prominence and the invention of lumber core plywood signaled the end of this practice. Plywood consisted of four layers of wood, two on each side, glued to a core of inexpensive lumber. Makers glued the layers at right angles to each other for added strength.

But then came the Great Depression. With so many people struggling just to get by, furniture makers had to adapt. Families continued to grow and there became a demand for furniture from the newlywed market. Most new couples couldn’t afford to guy their own house, so all they had was a room in usually the bride’s parents house. The "Bedroom Suite" was probably the only thing that they owned, resulting in inordinate sentimental attachment to the furniture and a reluctance to change even when finances improved.
Because of the furniture’s free-form and curvy lines, people called it “waterfall” furniture. There are all types of pieces, including chairs, desks, end tables, clothes chests. Waterfall furniture doesn’t have a frame. It relies on the strength of the molded plywood to give it structure, enabling makers to also give it curved or rounded horizontal edges. Manufacturers employed an unusual veneer design called bookmatching on the fronts of pieces and ran the grain of the veneer from front to back on the top surfaces. Drawers featured Bakelite handles.

The style is most frequently seen in Bedroom Suites, although manufacturers produced dining sets and even billiard tables. A basic bedroom set included a bed, vanity and bench, and chest of drawers. More deluxe, thus more expensive, sets included nightstands, a dresser, a cedar chest, and a armoire/chifferobe. A full dining room set included a table with removable leaves big enough to seat six people, five chairs, china cabinet, and buffet, all of which sold for $103.50.
Today, a complete basic bedroom suite sells for $800-$900 in reasonable condition. The hardest pieces to find are nightstands and vanity benches. Cedar chests go for $400 and up.
11 comments:
"Most new couples couldn’t afford to guy their own house" has a typo. Nice piece, though.
Thank you for the info! My daughter just bought a dresser and I shared your info. She is very excited, it's for her nursery!
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Thanks for the information. This helped me figure out that the buffet I bought for $50 at a yard sale is a waterfall piece - plywood with bookmatched veneer, a curved, molded horizontal edge, and ornate brass and bakelite hardware. Guess its not worth much, but it is useful and attractive in my dining room.
a desk chair, and chest (new furniture for at least 3 different rooms in my home). I am getting ready to order a few additional pieces for my study and my first stop will be Best Prices for Furniture. Demir Leather
Love all your stuff! Thanks for all your hard work
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I live in Southern Calif. Art Deco anything can be very expensive. In 1981 I paid $2200 for a Gorgeous Waterfall bedroom set all trimmed in blue mirror. I have never been able to find another one like it. I am in the process of purchasing another one similar from out of state for under $1000 plus shipping because her the bedroom set (its in excellent condition) would cost anywhere from $2500 to $4500. Each piece averageing $850 to $1000 so I think the value lies in what part of the country you live in. Art Deco Shops in Hollywood near me, have sets like this for up to $6200.
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