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Drexel Projection

Mid Century Modern Drexel Projection Coffee Table by Kip Stewart
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Drexel Projection Coffee Table by Kip Stewart Above average vintage condition
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Single Mid-Century Drexel 'Projection' Walnut Night Stand
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking Mid-Century Modern nightstand from the iconic 'Projection' line by Drexel, crafted in
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

1950's Drexel Profile K92 Cocktail Coffee Table by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
well as Drexel "Projection." He was also the director of "Design in Scandinavia," a traveling museum
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

1950's Drexel Profile Leather Top Desk by John Van Koert
By Drexel, Edward Wormley, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
the time for designing Towle's "Contour" line of cutlery, as well as Drexel "Projection." He was also
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

1950's Drexel Profile Leather Top Desk by John Van Koert
1950's Drexel Profile Leather Top Desk by John Van Koert
$4,855
H 35.38 in W 53.75 in D 33.25 in
1950's Drexel Profile K44 Extending Dining Table by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Chattanooga, TN
designing Towle's "Contour" line of cutlery, as well as Drexel "Projection." He was also the director of
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Drexel Profile K37 Buffet by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert, Henredon, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
"Contour" line of cutlery, as well as Drexel "Projection." He was also the director of "Design in
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

John Van Koert Drexel Profile K12 Gentlemen’s Chest Dresser
By Karl Johan, Henredon, Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
-known at the time for designing Towle's "Contour" line of cutlery, as well as Drexel "Projection." He
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Chrome

John Van Koert Drexel Profile K4 Low Dresser with Matching Mirror
By Henredon, Drexel, John Van Koert, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K4 low dresser designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. This dresser is a
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

Recent Sales

John Van Koert for Drexel Projection Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase, 1960s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase By John Van Koert for Drexel "Projection" Line USA
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Walnut

John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl
By Karl Johan, Henredon, Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Drexel "Projection." He was also the director of "Design in Scandinavia," a traveling museum exhibition
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Faux Leather, Fruitwood

Midcentury Drexel Projection John Van Koert Credenza
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Wilmington, DE
It was designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's "Projection" line. It looks to be walnut and painted
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

1950's Mid-Century Modern Drexel Projection Sideboard Credenza
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Mid-century Modern sideboard for sale. Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, and
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

1950's Drexel Profile K75 End Chest Bedside Lamp Tables by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Drexel "Projection." He was also the director of "Design in Scandinavia," a traveling museum exhibition
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

King Size Drexel Profile K19 Bookcase Bed Headboard
By Karl Johan, Henredon, Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
cutlery, as well as Drexel "Projection." He was also the director of "Design in Scandinavia," a traveling
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Chrome

People Also Browsed

Danish Modern Bookcase Shelving System "Cubex" by Poul Cadovius, Pinewood, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Odense, DK
Scandinavian Modern Pinewood Bookcase Shelving System by Poul Cadovius. Made in the 1960s by "CADO", Denmark. Made in Pitch Pine and assembled with black plastic brackets. The shelv...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table
Located in Fulton, CA
A classic, good ole fashion mid-century modern rectangular coffee table. Nice walnut wood grain with a an unusual rosewood inlay band. Peg legs. Refinished. 59.5 inches wide. 19.7...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table
$950
H 17.25 in W 59.5 in D 19.75 in
Japanese antique wooden small low table/1868-1920/coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique wooden low table that was used in rural areas and shops in Japan. In Japanese, this is called "fu-zukue." Farmers used it to study, and shops used it to keep track...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Tables

Materials

Wood

1950s Paul McCobb Orange & Black Credenza for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Paul McCobb McCobb Orange & Black Credenza for Planner Group. This exceptional early credenza was designed by the legendary Paul McCobb and produced by Planner Group. A highl...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Walnut by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the Constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the idea is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Category

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

Materials

Walnut

Japanese antique long wooden low table/1868-1920/simple design sofa table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden workbench from the first half of the 20th century in Japan, a piece with its stately construction and long history. Katsura and horse chestnut wood are used for the ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Showa Sofa Tables

Materials

Wood

La Permanente Mobili Cantù Highboard in Maple
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Waalwijk, NL
La Permanente Mobili Cantù, wardrobe, maple, mirrored glass, brass, Italy, 1950s This charming armoire of Italian origin is beautifully crafted and manufactured by La Permanente Mob...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

La Permanente Mobili Cantù Highboard in Maple
La Permanente Mobili Cantù Highboard in Maple
$6,950
H 71.86 in W 83.08 in D 23.82 in
Newly Refinished - Danish Modern Teak Coffee Table with Magazine Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Designer: Greta Jalk Manufacturer: Glostrup Mobler Style: Danish Modern With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful proces...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Italian Bamboo and Brass Gabriella Crespi Inspired Pair of Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Architectural Library in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Library wall-unit, walnut, Italy, 1960s Rooted in Italy’s mid-century design tradition, this substantial bookcase highlights the makers architectural sensibility and refined taste f...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Rustic Swedish Pine Chair, Carl Malmsten Style, Early 20th Century
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A rare rustic dining / office chair in stained pine. Made in the style of Carl Malmsten "Skedblad" in the early 1900s. It has an incredibly strong character, with its rounded shape...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Pine

Bond Burled Wood and Lucite Cocktail Table
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly chic. From our chic burled wood collection, pieced warm mappa wood floats atop a simple but glamorous X-shaped acrylic base. At 40 in. x 40 in., the bond cocktail table is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Coc...

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Bond Burled Wood and Lucite Cocktail Table
Bond Burled Wood and Lucite Cocktail Table
$1,950
H 14 in W 40 in D 40 in
8 Kai Kristiansen Mid-Century Modern Model 31 Danish Teak Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Stunning set of eight Kai Kristiansen Danish Teak Chairs. The Model #31 chairs were designed by Kristiansen and produced by Schou Andersen. Each chair stands as a work of art, captiv...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Teak, Fabric, Upholstery

Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 cane Mid-Century Modern style dining chairs with newly upholstered leather seat in Holly Hunt leather. Sculptural legs, sturdy. Frames in good original condition with a slig...
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Cane

Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs
Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs
$5,600 / set
H 40 in W 22.25 in D 19.25 in
Barcelona Daybed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic Barcelona daybed from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe originally designed in the 1930s and remade for Knoll International in the 2000s, this daybed is timeless. The daybed or cou...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bertu Counter Stool, Cicely Modern Sheepskin Counter Stool, White Oak
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stool, Cicely Modern Sheepskin Counter Stool, White Oak This Modern Cicely Counter Stool with Sheepskin Seat is beautifully constructed from solid white oak in Ohio, ...
Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood, Oak

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Drexel for sale on 1stDibs

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 oak wood, 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, 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.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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.

Questions About Drexel