Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
American
While vintage Drexel Furniture dining tables, dressers and other pieces remain highly desirable for enthusiasts of mid-century modern design, the manufacturer's story actually begins decades before its celebrated postwar-era Declaration line took shape.
In 1903, in the small town of Drexel in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, six partners came together to found a company that would become one of the country’s leading furniture producers. The first offerings from Drexel Furniture were simple: a bed, washstand and bureau all crafted from native oakwood, sold as a bedroom suite for $14.50.
One of Drexel’s early innovations was to employ staff designers, something the company initiated in the 1930s. This focus on design, which few other furniture companies were committing to at the time, allowed Drexel to respond to a variety of new and traditional tastes. This included making pieces inspired by historic European furniture, like the popular French Provincial–style Touraine bedroom and dining group that borrowed its curves from Louis XV-era furniture. Others replicated the ornate details of 18th-century chinoiserie or the embellishments of Queen Anne furniture. Always ready to adapt to new customer demands, during World War II, Drexel built a sturdy desk designed especially for General Douglas MacArthur.
In the postwar era, Drexel embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by John Van Koert. In the 1970s, Drexel introduced high-end furniture in a Mediterranean style.
Drexel changed hands and visions throughout the years. It was managed by one of the original partners — Samuel Huffman — until 1935, at which time his son Robert O. Huffman took over as president. It was then that the company began to expand, with several acquisitions of competitors in the 1950s, including Table Rock Furniture, the Heritage Furniture Co. and more.
With the manufacturer’s success — spurred by its embrace of advertising in home and garden magazines — it opened more factories in both North and South Carolina. By 1957, the company that had started with a factory of 50 workers had 2,300 employees and was selling its furniture nationwide.
Drexel underwent a series of name changes in its long history. Its acquisition of Southern Desk Company in 1960 bolstered its production of institutional furniture for dormitories, classrooms, churches and laboratories.
In the following decades, contracts with government agencies, hotels, schools and hospitals brought its high-quality furniture to a global audience. U.S. Plywood-Champion Papers bought Drexel Enterprises in 1968, and it became Drexel Heritage Furnishings.
In 2014, the last Drexel Heritage plant, in Morganton, North Carolina, reportedly closed its doors. The company rebranded as Drexel in 2017.
The vintage Drexel furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes end tables designed by Edward Wormley, walnut side tables designed by Kipp Stewart and lots more.
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Creator: Drexel
Midcentury Walnut Low and Long Chest of Drawers by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Belmont, MA
Midcentury walnut low and long chest of drawers by Kipp Stewart for Drexel. Excellent professionally restored vintage condition.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Matched pair of Milo Baughman Dressers for Drexel USA - 1950s
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in Berlin, DE
Matched pair of Milo Baughman Dressers for Drexel, USA 1950s. Both pieces have the same veneer and are in very good condition. Signed! The measurements given apply to the credenza. H...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Fabulous Pair Drexel Campaign Chest Oxford Square Mid-Century Modern
By Drexel
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of extremely rare Campaign chests by Drexel for the Oxford Square Collection. We just love the unusual patterns on all sides done with different colored stains and pai...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut 36" Chest of Drawers
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Countryside, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut 36" Chest of Drawers
This chest measures: 36 wide x 20 deep x 31 high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call rest...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Drexel Heritage Modern Cherry Wood Gentleman's Chest With Flip Up Mirror
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern gentleman's chest or chifferobe
By Drexel Heritage
Circa Late 20th Century
Cherry wood, with flip up mirror.
Measures: 57.25"W x 20"D x 51"H.
Good original vin...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mirror, Cherry
Edward Wormley Precedent Dresser for Drexel, stunning custom hardware / finish
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning chest of drawers from Drexel’s notable Precedent line, one of the few collections Edward Wormley produced outside of his work with Dunbar. The stately collection comprised o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Ebonized 32", 38" or 48" Chests
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Singles of Edward Wormley for Drexel chests from the Precedent Collection with brass tone hardware, circa 1947.
Size shown in photos is 32" W , also have 38"w and 48" W available
...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chest of Drawers: 1960s Elegance Redefined
By Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of the 1960s with our Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chest of Drawers, a masterpiece that has been masterfully restored to reflect the unique blend of style and craftsmanship of the era. Crafted from premium walnut, this dresser has been given a new lease on life through professional restoration, with a deep, dark walnut stain protected by a durable lacquer finish that accentuates the wood's natural warmth and grain. This chest of drawers offers extensive storage solutions, featuring three dovetailed drawers and two doors that open to reveal spacious compartments and shelves, perfect for organizing your belongings in style. The top drawer is enhanced with wood dividers, adding to its functionality. Original steel knob handles, meticulously cleaned and polished, provide a touch of vintage flair and complement the piece's aesthetic. Resting on four carved tapered legs, this dresser not only offers stability but also elevates its overall design, making it a statement piece in any bedroom setting. More than just a storage unit, this dresser is a work of art that embodies sophistication and mid-century charm. Ideal for those who appreciate the seamless integration of mid-century aesthetics with modern-day functionality, this Drexel lacquered...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Drexel Heritage Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Highboy Dresser
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style eight-drawer chest on chest highboy dresser
By Drexel Heritage
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with...
Category
Late 20th Century American Georgian Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Lingerie Chest by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern tall chest of drawers by Drexel for their 'Barbados' collection. Featuring brass hardware and accents, giving a campaign style.
Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Chest of drawers with 4 drawers and brass fittings from the 1920s
By Drexel
Located in Lejre, DK
American chest of drawers with 4 drawers and brass handles from about 1920s made by Drexel furniture company, North Carolina
Measurements in cm: H:76 W:80 D:48.5
Category
1920s American Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Chinoiserie Painted Medium Sized Louis XV Style Commodes Circa 1970
By Drexel
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Restored Pair of Chests by Edward Wormley, circa 1947
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful pair of Modern chests by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1947. Expertly constructed in silver elm and finished in cream lacquer. The functional size and scale allow for ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Quality Vintage Drexel Mahogany Chest On Chest
By Drexel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Finely crafted as Drexel is known for. The two part chest on chest with a broken bonnet top with urn finial. The top chest with three small drawers, the middle with a carved shell, over four graduated long drawers. The lower chest with one long over three small drawers, the middle one with carved shell. Fine brass bat...
Category
20th Century American American Classical Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Drexel "Sun Coast Collection" Six Drawer Dresser by Kipp Stewart
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern 6 Drawer dresser in the "Sun Coast Collection" for Drexel Furniture designed by Kipp Stewart. Circa 1959. Cherry, sits on a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cherry
Vintage Mid Century Modern Campaign Style Lift Top 3 Drawer Executive File Chest
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Campaign Style Lift Top 3 Drawer Executive File Chest by Drexel
Vintage mid century modern campaign style lift top 3 drawer ex...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Midcentury "Perspective" Dresser by Milo Baughman for Drexel
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning midcentury dresser designed by Milo Baughman for Drexel´s “Perspective” collection in the United States, circa 1950s. This dresser has been constructed from an exotic and beautiful Mindoro wood imported from the Philippines and belongs to one of the designer's most Exclusive Design lines. The dresser features eight wide dovetailed drawers that feature structurally detailed pulls in the form of lips that adorn the edge of the drawers. The case sits on solid conical legs that perfectly complement the structure. Due to their design and versatility, this dresser will cover your storage needs in your home. It still has the original manufacturer’s label. Matching chests of drawers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Asian Motive Scene Drawer Decorated Faux Bamboo 4 Drawers Dresser Bachelor Chest
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Asian motive scene drawer decorated faux bamboo 4 drawers dresser bachelor chest by Drexel.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Black Lacquered Bachelor Chest, Refinished
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern five-drawer dresser chest
By Edward Wormley for Drexel, "Precedent" Collection
USA, 1948
Black lacquered elm wood, with original brass hard...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
French Provincial Bombe Style Hand Painted Chest or Commode by Lilian August
By Drexel
Located in Plainview, NY
A charming Drexel for Lilian August French Provincial bombe style chest or commode. The commode is beautifully hand-painted over beige antiqued color and...
Category
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Light Pickled Walnut Brass Pulls 5 Drawers Chest Dresser Mint
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light pickled walnut brass pulls 5 drawers chest dresser mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Drexel Bicentennial Chippendale Mahogany Four Drawers Bedside Chest of Drawers
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful bed side chest of drawers / nightstand from the prestigious Drexel's Bi Centennial Collection.
Very good vintage condition with few signs of use. Measures 23.5" in widt...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Banded Top Mahogany Inlayed Bracket Feet 11 Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bow front banded top mahogany inlayed bracket feet 11 drawers dresser credenza MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Federal Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
DREXEL Chippendale Cherry Block Front Goddard Bachelor Chest
By Drexel
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chippendale Goddard style block front bachelor chest by Drexel. Solid cherry with brass hardware, block front, shell carvings to top drawer and ogee brac...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Dresser Chest by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel modernist three drawer dresser chest. Walnut cabinet with pull rings sitting on a brass plates. Fully re-finished. All drawers come with removable lining covered in faux suede.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Milo Baughman Storage Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman storage coffee table, Today,s Living line by Drexel in Birch wood with solid turned legs.
Flip-up tops for storage, beveled corners.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Birch
Mid Century 6 Drawers Walnut High Chest Dresser W/ Porcelain Ball Pulls Mint!
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century 6 drawers walnut high chest dresser W/ Porcelain ball pulls mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Porcelain, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Chest of Drawers with Chrome Handles by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chest of drawers with chrome handles by Drexel, from the New Today's Living Collection.
________________________________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chrome
Drexel Campaign Chest of Drawers / Bachelor Chest, Circa 1960s
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
Offered is a beautiful 1966 Campaign Chest of drawers / Bachelor campaign Chest in excellent condition by Drexel.
Smooth gliding dovetail drawers.
Measures 34" Wide x 19" Deep x 45...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Nightstands
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chests or nightstands
By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered walnut, with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Walnut Low and Long Chest of Drawers by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Belmont, MA
Midcentury walnut low and long chest of drawers by Kipp Stewart for Drexel. Excellent professionally restored vintage condition.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Carved Ball and Claw Feet Flame Mahogany Book Matched Dresser Bachelor Chest
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bombay 4 drawers flame mahogany ball and claw feet dresser chest by Drexel. Campaign style "carry" handles.
Category
20th Century American Chippendale Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Large Casa Del Sol Dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Stylish 8-drawer dresser Casa Del Sol designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. This dresser features for smaller drawers over four larger drawers creating a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
1960s Vintage Drexel French Bombay Mustard Yellow Nightstand a Pair
By Drexel
Located in Portage, MI
Vintage 1960’s Drexel French Bombay chest nightstands a pair. In good vintage condition. In original mustard yellow faux bois rococo paint. Does need some restoration. A bleach spot ...
Category
1960s American Rococo Revival Vintage Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Drexel commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Drexel commodes and chests of drawers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Drexel commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers by Drexel were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by John Widdicomb, Herman Miller, and John Stuart. Prices for Drexel commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $796 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,695.
Creators Similar to Drexel
Questions About Drexel Commodes and Chests of Drawers
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Drexel Heritage and Drexel Furniture are the same thing. The company began as Drexel Heritage, but changed their name in 2017 to reflect their shift toward producing contemporary as well as traditional furniture. You'll find a range of Drexel furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is Drexel Touraine?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Drexel Touraine is a line of furniture produced by Drexel Furniture. The pieces reflect the stylistic elements of the French Provincial style, and the company manufactured them from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s. In the postwar era, North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture also embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by John Van Koert. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Drexel furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Drexel Furniture makes high-quality furniture in a variety of styles. The company's vintage pieces are highly sought after by collectors. You can find a wide range of Drexel Furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Drexel Heritage no longer makes furniture and the company has gone out of business. The last company to own Drexel was Heritage Home Group who filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. It has since gone out of business and sold its headquarters and showroom. Shop a collection of authentic Drexel furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024No, Drexel furniture is not still in business. In 2014, the last Drexel Heritage plant in Morganton, North Carolina, reportedly closed its doors. The company was purchased by United Furniture and rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, United Furniture's parent company, Heritage Home Group, filed for bankruptcy, and Drexel ceased production. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Drexel furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not Drexel Heritage furniture is considered quality is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, the company does produce pieces from carefully selected materials. Many made decades ago still remain in good condition today. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Drexel Heritage furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Drexel Furniture was known for the use of oak wood, native to the area in North Carolina where the company was based. Their attention to quality and detail highlighted the beauty of the wood they used. Browse a variety of Drexel Furniture pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024What happened to the Drexel Heritage furniture company was that the company went out of business. In 2014, the last Drexel Heritage plant in Morganton, North Carolina, reportedly closed its doors when the Heritage Home Group purchased it. The company rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, the Heritage Home Group filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. Although a Chinese manufacturer called Samson Holdings bought the Heritage Home Group, production of Drexel furniture never resumed. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Drexel Heritage furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Drexel Heritage is indeed high-end furniture. High-end furniture is made using the highest quality materials with the best in craftsmanship and Drexel Heritage furniture is no exception. Shop a collection of Drexel Heritage furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.