H. Lebus was one of Britain’s most influential furniture manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for combining good design, affordability, and craftsmanship, the company became especially successful during the Art Deco era, producing stylish bedroom furniture, dressing tables, wardrobes and cabinets for the growing modern home.
Unlike bespoke cabinet makers such as Waring & Gillows or Maple & Co, Lebus specialised in factory-made furniture – but still upheld a surprisingly high standard of workmanship. Today, authentic Lebus pieces are admired for their elegant curves, veneered finishes, scalloped mirrors, and decorative hardware – all signatures of 1930s Art Deco design.
From East London Workshop to Major Manufacturer
The company was founded in the 1840s by Harris Lebus, a skilled cabinet maker who emigrated from Germany and began making furniture in Whitechapel, East London. As demand for quality but affordable furniture grew among the middle classes, Lebus expanded rapidly.
By 1900, H. Lebus had become one of the largest furniture producers in the country. In 1901, the factory moved to Tottenham, North London – a site that would soon become Europe’s biggest furniture manufacturing plant, employing over a thousand workers.
A Style for Every Era
Lebus adapted its designs to suit changing fashions and lifestyles. From early Edwardian oak suites to 1920s revival styles and elegant Art Deco shapes of the 1930s, their furniture always reflected the tastes of the time. The most collectible pieces today are their 1930s walnut veneer dressing tables, with curved drawer fronts, scalloped mirrors, and original chrome or Bakelite handles.
These designs offered both beauty and practicality – helping to make stylish design more accessible to everyday households.
Recognising Original Lebus Furniture
Lebus pieces were often marked with maker’s details but not always. When present, identification marks may include:
• Embossed metal medallions stamped “H.L.” or “Lebus London” inside drawers
• Ink stamps or paper labels
• Distinctive curved front drawers and veneered surfaces
• Original scalloped or cloud-shaped dressing table mirrors
Even without labels, enthusiasts often identify Lebus pieces by their distinctive styling – especially their elegant Art Deco bedroom suites from the 1930s.
Lebus and the War Effort
During the Second World War, the Lebus factory was partly converted to aid the war effort, producing wooden parts for aircraft, glider components, and ammunition crates. After the war, the company became a key supplier of Utility Furniture – a government initiative to help families rebuild their homes affordably.
The Decline – and Lasting Legacy
By the late 1950s, competition from cheaper imported furniture and rising production costs affected the company. H. Lebus finally closed in 1969, bringing an end to over 120 years of British furniture manufacturing.
Today, however, Lebus furniture is more appreciated than ever – not only for its history but for its graceful design. Art Deco dressing tables, chests, and wardrobes by Lebus are highly sought after by interior designers, vintage collectors, and stylists for modern and period homes alike.
Why We Still Love H. Lebus Furniture
Classic design, warm veneers, elegant curves, and practical storage – Lebus furniture combines style with everyday usefulness. It represents a fascinating moment in British design history when furniture became both fashionable and accessible.
Whether used in a boutique interior, period-inspired bedroom, or modern home with character, a genuine H. Lebus piece brings warmth, history, and timeless appeal.
Looking for original Art Deco dressing tables or vintage bedroom furniture? Explore our latest arrivals at Avego Antiques.