John Van Koert Designed 'Counterpoint' for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid-century design by John Van Koert with luxurious mahogany, blended with wild-grained
Wood, Cherry
$6,400
H 30 in W 45 in D 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Extension Desk By John van Koert For Drexel Counterpoint
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning, wonderfully detailed, mid-century American desk was designed by John van Koert for
Cherry, Mahogany
Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Dallas, TX
, circa 1950s. Designed by John Van Koert, a visionary in mid-century modern design, crafted an enduring
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,695
H 22 in W 30 in D 21.5 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Two-Tier Side Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
nightstand By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1950s Measures: 30" W x 21.5
Cherry
$795 / set
H 29.25 in W 21 in D 20 in
Vintage John Van Koert Drexel "Counterpoint" Cherry Dining Side Chair - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage Mid Century Modern John Van Koert for Drexel "Counterpoint" Cherry Wood Dining Side Chairs - a
Cherry
John Van Koert “Counterpoint” Bookshelf for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: John Van Koert Manufacturer: Drexel “Counterpoint” Period/Style: Mid Century Modern
Walnut
Sold
H 72 in W 50 in L 72 in
John Van Koert Design for Drexel Counterpoint Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in West Hartford, CT
Mid-Century Modern signed John Van Koert Classic for Drexel. Classically elegant, this Mid-Century
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 60 in D 20 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Mahogany and Grasscloth Credenza Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, mahogany, credenza dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint features a
Grasscloth, Mahogany
Drexel Counterpoint Table and Six Chairs Designed by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel table and six chairs designed by John Van Koert. Dining set by Drexel"s Counterpoint
Wood, Walnut
Sleek 1960s John Van Koert for Drexel Walnut Extension Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Hudson, NY
Sleek walnut desk designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel "Counterpoint" line. This desk shows
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 66.5 in D 20 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Extension Desk by John Van Koert For Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderfully detailed, Mid-Century Modern, walnut desk by John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Ash Side Table by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versatile, Mid-Century Modern, ash side table by John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint features a
Ash
Sold
H 26.5 in W 46 in L 26.5 in
Settee or Bench by John Van Koert, Drexel, Wood and Upholstery, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare settee/ loveseat/ bench by John Van Koert for Drexel "Counterpoint". A true unicorn of an item
Upholstery
Sold
H 30.25 in W 28.13 in D 20 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Walnut Bachelor Chest or Nightstand, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern walnut bachelor chest or nightstand By John Van Koert for
Walnut
Acid Washed Foil Commode by John Van Koert for Drexel
Located in North Miami, FL
brown. The body is high gloss white lacquer. Designed for the Counterpoint Line of Drexel by Jonh Van
John Van Koert “Counterpoint” Three-Tier Bookshelf for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: John Van Koert Manufacturer: Drexel “Counterpoint” Period/Style: Mid-Century Modern
Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Drexel Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-century Modern designer dresser for sale. Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel in 1956
Brass
John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double dresser or credenza By John Van Koert for Drexel
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 28.13 in D 19.75 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Sculpted Walnut Bedside Chests, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
unique cantilevered top By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1950s
Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 77.25 in D 11 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Sculpted Walnut Tambour Door Bookcase Headboard, 1956
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
floating cantilevered bedside tables By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA
Walnut
Sold
H 29.75 in W 90 in D 36 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table, 1956
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern black lacquered extension dining table By John Van Koert
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 30 in W 82 in D 40 in
Rare Five-Piece Drexel Counterpoint Modular Desk Dresser Mid-Century Modern
By John Van Koert
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Extremely rare five-piece set of John Van Koert's Drexel Counterpoint modular desk and chair plus
Cherry, Mahogany
Danish Modern 8-Drawer Dresser in Walnut and Mahogany by Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful simple elegant 8-drawer dresser by Drexel designed by John Van Koert part of the
Brass
John Van Koert for Drexel Pair of Nightstands, circa 1960
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
John Van Koert for Drexel pair of nightstands, circa 1960. Part of the counterpoint line for Drexel
Cherry, Mahogany
John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Dresser
Located in Southfield, MI
Superb and rarely found John Van Koert designed dresser for Drexel's Counterpoint Collection
PAIR OF JOHN VAN KOERT FOR DREXEL COUNTERPOINT NIGHT STANDS
Located in Geneva, IL
PAIR OF HANDSOME NIGHT STANDS DESIGNED IN THE 1960S BY JOHN VAN KOERT FOR DREXEL'S COUNTERPOINT
Wood
Drexel Six-Drawer Chest
By Drexel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Counterpoint chest by John Van Koert for Drexel has beautiful lines, recessed brass pulls, and
Brass
John Van Koert Span Chest, circa 1960
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
John Van Koert Span chest, circa 1960. Model 8007 for the counterpoint line for Drexel, this chest
Cherry, Mahogany
Pair of Nightstands or Cabinets by John Van Koert, circa 1960
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Pair of nightstands or cabinets by John Van Koert, circa 1960. Called the 'span chest' models 8005
Cherry, Mahogany
Machine Age Art Deco Arm Chair in the Style of Gilbert Rohde
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Classic Machine Age period arm chair, having speed band wrap around arms, upholstered back, and seat. This example is in very good, original condition, clean and ready to use, showin...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,198Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 28 in W 36 in D 6 in
Fireplace Screen in Metal with a Blackened Steel Finish Customizable
By Redsoul
Located in Seattle, WA
The Court Screen is a modern metal fireplace screen cover that can be used flush fitted into the fireplace opening or can stand right outside a fireplace opening. It protects from sp...
Steel
Leather Meander Flexible Wall Sconce
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Leather wrapped flexible arm wall light you can pose and adjust as you wish. This is our updated Meander Reader light with larger cone shade and new upward angled arm. Lamping: Sing...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
$4,979 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
Sold|$2,400
H 5.91 in W 4.93 in D 11.82 in
Pair of Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, defined by clean lines and balanced proportions typical of the period’s modern design. Each fixture features a conical opaline gla...
Brass
$12,600
H 71.2 in W 54.4 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Vanity Console by Cesare Lacca with Mirror in Burl Walnut
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH27 Majestic vanity dressing table console with mirror, 1950s by Cesare Lacca per La Permanente Mobili Cantù , in burl walnut folder. Large shaped mirror. Console with two si...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
$2,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 17.7 in Dm 47.2 in
Large 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imaginatio...
Metal, Iron
Danish Modern Teak Daybed w/ Leather Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak
Custom Round Mohair Velvet Ottoman with Oak Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Round Ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in a mustar...
Oak, Mohair, Velvet
$801 / item
H 18.9 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Tung JA3, Steel Blue Side Table, by John Astbury for &Tradition
By John Astbury
Located in Dubai, AE
Contemporary British designer John Astbury wanted to create a side table endowed with a sense of monolithic strength. The result was Tung, a compact piece supported by three curved l...
Wood
Dutch Art Deco Oak Writing Desk, Five Drawers, P.E.L Izeren Style
By P.E.L. Izeren 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Art Deco oak writing desk showcases the refined geometric elegance and functional sophistication of P.E.L Izeren style furniture from the early 20th century. Hand-selected from...
Oak
$1,802Sale Price|56% Off
H 33.47 in W 35.44 in D 18.12 in
Minimal Vanity Italian Design MIM Production Rosewood
By Mobili Italiani Moderni (MIM)
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Minimal vanity Italian design MIM production, pouff 40 cm height cm.75 width, 45 cm depth, height of vanity with mirror opened cm.114.
Fabric, Mirror, Laminate, Rosewood
John Van Koert was integral to the rise in popularity of Scandinavian modern furniture during the mid-20th century all over the United States. The Canadian-born designer’s spare walnut coffee tables and elegant armchairs, for example — particularly those that he created for North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture — reflected the influence of the era’s alluring Danish design and were prominently featured in the modern interiors of postwar American homes.
Originally from Manitoba, Van Koert moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attend the University of Wisconsin. There he studied sculpture and trained in metalwork. Van Koert later taught design in the school’s art department. After World War II, Van Koert settled in New York City. He created jewelry for Harry Winston before shifting his focus to flatware and furniture design.
Van Koert found quick success with his flatware designs for Towle Silversmiths. His Contour set was part of the “Knife, Fork and Spoon” exhibition organized by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in the early 1950s. In 1954, he served as design director for the “Design in Scandinavia” exhibition, which toured Canada as well as the United States and featured hundreds of designs created in Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden by the likes of Kaj Franck, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finn Juhl and others.
Van Koert kept busy over the years. Drexel embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism during the postwar era with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile, Casa Del Sol and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by Van Koert.
In the early 1960s, Van Koert created a contemporary line for Richardson-Nemschoff, a furniture manufacturer based in the designer’s former stomping grounds of Wisconsin. During the early 1970s, he partnered with Sarreid Ltd., a brand that got its start sourcing materials from Spain and Italy and bringing the exceptional talents of European wood carvers, sculptors and painters to the forefront of American home decor.
On 1stDibs, find vintage John Van Koert seating, tables and storage pieces.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.