Though Century Furniture isn't quite as old as its name might suggest, it's one of the most storied companies in its industry. A lengthy history is just one of the reasons that Century Furniture has earned a nomination for a Luxist award in the best outdoor furniture category.

Founded in 1947 by Harley Shuford, Sr., Century got its start in Hickory North Carolina. The company produced its first 18th Century-style mahogany dining room suite within two years. The next two decades saw the launch of an upholstery division (1957) and a chair division (1965). By 1969, Century was making wooden seats for the White House.


In recent years, Century has brought in celebrity designers like Oscar de la Renta and Richard Frenier to design their own lines. The Richard Frenier Collection aims to bring an international flair to outdoor furniture, with products inspired by the teahouses and cherry blossoms of Japan, the grand architecture of Spain, and other evocative foreign locales.

Oscar de La Renta Home for Century focuses on bringing customers a sense of the Caribbean casual living that de la Renta himself enjoys at his island retreat in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Designs are inspired by 18th Century mahogany pieces, Caribbean woven rattan, and others – all helping to ensure that Century will remain a household name as long as its moniker might suggest.

Vote for the Outdoor Furniture Line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through July 31 and winners will be announced on August 1.