MCM Drexel Profile Walnut Desk by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Trenton, NJ
Drexel Profile Walnut Desk by John Van Koert with Integrated Organizer This walnut writing desk is
Wood
John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" Mid-Century Headboard
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crafted in the mid-1950s as part of the celebrated Profile collection designed by John Van Koert
Wood
K12 Man's Chest by John Van Koert for Drexel 'Profile' Collection
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern K12 Man’s Chest designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s iconic “Profile
Chrome
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 48.5 in D 21 in
Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench
By John Van Koert
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel Profile Series John Van Koert Vintage midcentury John Van Koert Profile Series bench
Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Sideboard Buffet
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, this exquisite mid-century modern sideboard buffet is a
Wood
John Van Koert Drexel Profile K12 Gentlemen’s Chest Dresser
By John Van Koert, Henredon, Karl Johan, Drexel
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K12 Man’s Chest designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. Collectors revel
Chrome
1950's Drexel Profile Leather Top Desk by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Chattanooga, TN
"Profile" line was designed by John van Koert and released in mid-1955. van Koert was already well-known at
Fruitwood, Walnut
$3,500
H 42.25 in W 54.38 in D 18.63 in
1950's MCM John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Pyramidal Bookshelf in Walnut
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Van Koert for Drexel and manufactured in 1956. The walnut frame and shelves, retain the original
Walnut
$3,000 / set
H 33.5 in W 18.75 in D 20.5 in
Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Nice clean set of Mid Century Dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel as part of their
Upholstery, Wood
$3,596Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 40 in D 98 in
1950's Drexel Profile K44 Extending Dining Table by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert, Edward Wormley
Located in Chattanooga, TN
John Van Koert, conceived for Drexel’s “Profile” line in the mid‑1950s. Here, minimalism is elevated
Fruitwood, Walnut
Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Dallas, TX
, circa 1950s. Designed by John Van Koert, a visionary in mid-century modern design, crafted an enduring
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,488
H 32 in W 60 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" K37 Credenza/Buffet Mid-Century Modern 1950s
By John Van Koert
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
: Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's renowned "Profile" collection, this K37 buffet is a quintessential
Metal
$1,775
H 22 in W 28 in D 20 in
American Mid-Century Modern End Table Travertine by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful And rare end table by Drexel designed by John Van Koert, freshly refinished in chocolate
Travertine
$2,795
H 32 in W 60.25 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser, credenza, or sideboard By John Van Koert for
Brass
$2,000 / set
H 16 in W 72 in D 20 in
2 pc. Mid Century Surfboard Coffee Table by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960’s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Rare two part coffee table designed by John Van Koert for Drexel Furniture, as part of their class
Wood
$3,195
H 32 in W 66 in D 20 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautiful example of John Van Koert’s clean, architectural approach—simple lines, subtle curves, and that
Walnut
John Van Koert Drexel K4 Low Dresser, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Henredon, Drexel, Karl Johan, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K4 low dresser designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. This dresser is a
Chrome
$5,995
H 29.25 in W 86 in D 40 in
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Profile” 3-Drawer Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
seamlessly be incorporated with many interior decors. Enjoy! 😁 Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, this
Walnut
$3,595
H 41 in W 36 in D 18 in
Vintage Mid Century 5 Drawer Dresser Attributed to John Van Koert for Drexel.
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage Mid Century Modern five-drawer dresser is attributed to John Van Koert for Drexel and
Wood
$2,495 / set
H 23.25 in W 24 in D 18 in
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Night Stands
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautifully even throughout. Fun Historical Fact Drexel’s “Projection” collection was designed by John Van
Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Elegant Mid-Century Lounge Chair
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in 3 Oaks, MI
Exceptional profile and flowing sexy lines to this Mid-Century Moderne lounge chair by John Van
Lacquered Low Dresser and Nightstand by Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New London, CT
Part of the Profile line designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, this nightstand and matching 8
Walnut
1950s Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern desk for sale. Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, and part of the
Walnut
John Van Koert “Profile” Bookshelf for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern Bookshelf designed by American designer John Van Koert and manufactured by
Walnut
Mid-Century Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Raleigh, NC
Drexel’s ‘Profile’ furniture line and designed by John Van Koert. Made from warm walnut wood with tall
Brass
John Van Koert “Profile” Coffee Table for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed by American designer John Van Koert and manufactured by
Walnut
John Van Koert “Profile” Pyramid Bookshelf for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern bookshelf designed by American designer John Van Koert and manufactured by
Walnut
Profile Table Designed by John Van Koert by Drexel
By John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Profile table designed by John Van Koert for Drexel.
Petite Ash Sideboard Cabinet by John Van Koert for Drexel Profile
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite, ash, sideboard or cabinet by John Van Koert for Drexel with fantastic lines features 2
Brass
Drexel Profile Walnut Step Tables by John Van Koert, Modernist
By John Van Koert
Located in Buffalo, NY
John Van Koert (Canadian/American, 1912-1998) for Drexel Furniture Company, Drexel Profile walnut
Walnut
Rare K80 Profile Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare K80 Profile Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel. Desk surface height: 30 inches.
Walnut, Leather
Vintage Drexel Desk by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel Profile series. The back of the desk is as amazing as the front
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 29.75 in W 44 in D 20.75 in
Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Walnut K95 Desk by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Elegant Mid-Century Modern K95 desk in walnut designed by John Van Koert for high quality furniture
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 34 in L 32.25 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Bookcases, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut bookcases By John Van Koert for
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 48 in W 34 in D 21 in
Drexel Profile John Van Koert Midcentury Tall Dresser Chest Drawers Wardrobe
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in West Hartford, CT
An elegant Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or credenza by John Van Koert for the "Profile
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 34 in D 14 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Bookcase, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut bookcase By John Van Koert for Drexel
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 26.25 in W 18 in D 16 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern bedside tables By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile
Brass
Sold
H 30.32 in W 53.94 in D 20.08 in
Sleek vintage midcentury Profile walnut sideboard, John Van Koert, Drexel 1960s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Hastings, GB
Sleek midcentury walnut sideboard by John Van Koert for Drexel's 'Profile' collection...named for
Metal
Sold
H 16.25 in W 72 in D 19.75 in
John Van Koert “Profile” Coffee Table for Drexel American Mid Century
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern coffee table was designed by American designer John Van Koert and manufactured
Walnut
MCM Drexel “Profile” Sideboard With Display Topper by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert
Located in Trenton, NJ
Van Koert for Drexel's Profile line of furniture. Original wood finish is in great condition with
Metal
Sold
H 32.25 in W 52 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Seven-Drawer Dresser
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern seven-drawer dresser or credenza by John Van Koert for the "Profile
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 60 in D 21 in
Drexel John Van Koert Profile Midcentury Dresser Chest of Drawers Eight Drawers
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in West Hartford, CT
An elegant Mid-Century Modern eight-drawer dresser or credenza by John Van Koert for the "Profile
Walnut
Sold
H 29.75 in W 44 in D 20.75 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern writing desk By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile
Brass
Sold
H 28.25 in W 21 in D 19 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Nightstands
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with brass hardware
Brass
Sold
H 29.25 in W 30 in L 29.25 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern writing desk By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile
Brass
John Van Koert Profile Collection Walnut Dresser
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Walnut seven-drawer dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile group. Cantilevered front top
Aluminum
John Van Koert Profile Collection Walnut Dresser
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Walnut seven drawer dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile group. Cantilvered front top
Walnut
Sold
H 28.25 in W 21.13 in D 19 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of mid-century modern three-drawer nightstands By Jan van Koert for Drexel
Brass
Sold
H 24 in W 20 in D 20 in
Set of 8 Modernist Dining Chairs Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set of eight Modernist dining chairs designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's profile. Set includes
Upholstery, Ash
Sold
H 35.25 in W 53.75 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk with Leather Top by John Van Koert for Drexel Profile
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Peabody, MA
Mid-Century Modern desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile series, circa 1950s. A
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 24.13 in W 30 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Two-Tier Walnut Table by John Van Koert for Drexel Profile, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage Mid-Century Modern end table designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile
Walnut
John Van Koert Etagere / Room Divider by Drexel 1957
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE: John Van Koert designed "Pyramid Unit", for Drexel, 1957, mahogany, three shelves
Mahogany
Sold
H 32 in W 52 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser or credenza By John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile
Brass
Sold
H 42.25 in W 54.5 in D 19 in
“Profile” Pyramidal Bookshelf in Walnut by John Van Koert for Drexel, USA
By John Van Koert
Located in Deland, FL
Mid-Century Modern bookshelf designed by American designer John Van Koert and manufactured by
Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 22.5 in D 19 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Drexel Profile Dining Chairs
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Wilmington, DE
This set was designed by John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile". Includes two armchairs and four side
Walnut
Sold
H 22.25 in W 28 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - John Van Koert “Profile” Two-Tier Side Tables for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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 precis...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 35.25 in W 23 in D 21 in
Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Drexel Profile Dining Chairs
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Wilmington, DE
John Van Koert for Drexel 'Profile'. Includes five side chairs and one arm chair. They are in overall
American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Dresser by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 7 drawer dresser by Drexel designed by John Van Koert, freshly refinished in a teak
Mahogany
Sold
H 35 in W 20 in D 18 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Dining Chairs
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Wilmington, DE
This set was designed by John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile". Includes six side chairs. They look
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 34.38 in W 20.38 in D 23.5 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By John Van Koert for Drexel
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 33.75 in W 21 in D 21.5 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by John Van Koert for his
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 72 in W 48 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Vintage Mid Century Modern 2 Piece Buffet & Hu
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Denville, NJ
This vintage mid-century modern china cabinet by John Van Koert for Drexel’s Profile collection
Walnut
Gorgeous John Van Koert Leather Top Table for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Miami, FL
As a cocktail table, front and center or a side table, this leather top table by John Van Koert
Leather, Wood
Drexel Dining Chairs Designed by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert
Located in Cincinnati, OH
and doweled backrest. Manufactured by the Drexel Furniture company and from their Profile Line.
Upholstery, Wood
1950's Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Drexel Sideboard
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern credenza for sale. Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel in the
Brass
John Van Koert "Perspective" Model K80 Executive Desk for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning modern desk designed by John Van Koert in collaboration for Drexel's "Profile" line in
Brass
1950's John Van Koert Drexel Vanity Desk
By John Van Koert
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern vanity desk for sale. Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel in the 1950
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 60 in D 20 in
Newly Refinished -Mid-Century Modern “Profile” Walnut Dresser by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
by John Van Koert for Drexel’s iconic Profile collection, this Mid-Century Modern walnut dresser
Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 56 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk with Leather Top by John Van Koert for Drexel Profile
By Milo Baughman, Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Peabody, MA
Mid-Century Modern desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile series, circa 1950s. A
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.25 in W 98 in D 40 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Measures: 62"W x 40 x 29.25"H. Extends up to 98
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.75 in W 106 in D 42 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1955 Measures: 106"W x 42"D x
Walnut, Lacquer
Vintage Mid Century Modern Tripod Side Table by John Van Koert Drexel 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Troy, MI
1950s Designed by John Van Koert for the Profile collection Tapered tripod base in Walnut with inset
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 41.5 in D 1.88 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid-Century Modern Walnut Twin Headboards, Pair
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut twin headboards By John Van Koert for Drexel
Walnut
John Van Koert Executive Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Charleston, WV
can get for desks and furniture. Produced by Drexel as part of the profile series designed by John Van
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 90 in L 29.5 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Dining Table, 1959
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for
Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 98 in D 40 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel
Walnut
Set of 6 Dining Chairs by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Charleston, WV
Profile series, designed by John Van Koert, Model K62. Note the original walnut has a lighter tone which
Walnut
$7,932 / set
H 48 in W 69 in D 48 in
Trapezi Five Lights Neutral Shades Contemporary Pendant/Chandelier Brass, Glass
By Silvio Mondino Studio
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
The Trapezi Chandelier Offers a Contemporary Interpretation of the Murano Glass Chandelier, Grounded in Italian Design and Shaped by the Clarity and Lightness of the International St...
Brass
Vintage Oak Windsor Spindle Back Prosper's Bench or Settee 1970s
By Henredon
Located in Southampton, NJ
Vintage Windsor spindle back bench with full stretcher constructed of solid Oak. Generous proportions, in solid clean condition. Circa 1970. 37.5x52x23” HWD SH 18”
Oak
Mid-Century Teak Desk By Mobican of Canada
By Mobican
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your workspace with this Mobican Mid-Century Teak Desk, expertly crafted in Canada and showcasing the timeless warmth and grain of solid teak. Clean lines, thoughtful proport...
Teak
$5,250
H 29.38 in W 62 in D 39.88 in
John Van Koert for Drexel - Profile - Walnut Extension Dining Table - 3 Leaves
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in St. Louis, MO
John Van Koert for Drexel designed sculptural & sophisticated architectural form model K-42-4 dining table, designed as part of the classic Profile series. This large walnut extensio...
Walnut
$1,480 / set
H 35 in W 23.25 in D 23.25 in
Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair of modernist armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexe, amazing original condition, solid. Sturdy construction, superior quality, sculpted walnut, extremely comfortable.
Fabric, Walnut
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.