Store offers midcentury modern furniture
Jonathan Langman used to spend hours a day reading 50 to 100 patents and scientific journals. Now, he researches furniture and art.
After spending 16 years as a patent examiner, Langman left his secure government job to pursue his passion in finding and reselling vintage furniture. In 2022, he opened Coastal Mod Gallery, a store selling high-end vintage furniture and art near the Oceanfront.
Langman’s interest in furniture began in 2006 after visiting his aunt and uncle in New York City.
“The second I walked into their apartment, I was floored,” he said. “They were midcentury modern collectors, and their Lower East Side walkup was filled with the
New Volunteer Hampton Roads CEO works to expand services and partnerships throughout region
Hampton Roads-based Kaufman & Canoles names new president and CEO
Virginia Beach-based DroneUp debuts dropoff and pickup system for drone deliveries
best of the best.”
They exposed Langman to a few designers and inspired him to start searching for some special pieces for his home outside of Fredericksburg. He scoured Craigslist and started collecting.
In 2012, when he moved to Virginia Beach, his hometown, some of the furniture didn’t work in his new home. So, he decided to resell part of his collection. A dealer from
Raleigh, North Carolina, bought all his pieces.
“I thought maybe I can try reselling,” Langman said. “It took a few years of lucrative side hustles and the seed was planted. I built an Instagram page and started selling my new finds in 2015 as Coastal Mod.”
After side hustling for years, Langman eventually left his job to open Coastal Mod. He saw an opportunity amid supply chain issues from the pandemic. Langman said lead times were six to nine months for news chairs and sofas, so many people were discovering vintage furniture.
“I was content selling online with customers all over the country and abroad,” he said. “But I saw a need in Virginia Beach for vintage furniture. I wanted to influence Virginia Beach with my style and educate