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.
Walnut Server with Hidden Electric Dish Warmer
By Drexel, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern walnut rolling server with built in food warmer. Carved fluted doors two drawers built by Drexel.
Walnut
Drexel Eastrend Pecan and Burl Biedermeier Style Pedestal Cocktail Side Table
By John Van Koert, Henredon, Drexel, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
In mid‑century formality with modern flair, this Drexel Eastrend occasional table unfolds as a luxurious fusion of Art Deco grandeur, the restrained elegance of Biedermeier, and the ...
Walnut, Burl
DREXEL Console Sofa Table with Ottomans
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Mahogany, Cotton
$3,250Sale Price / item|27% Off
Campaign Tray Tables by Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, 1960s, Refinished, Signed
By Drexel, Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Renowned designers Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart created the folding campaign tray table for Drexel Furniture Company in the 1960s as part of the 'Declaration' line of furnitur...
Walnut
Mid-Century 'Counterpoint' Bedside Chest by Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century bedside chest designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. This piece is a part of Drexel’s ‘Counterpoint’ line. Made from walnut wood and featuring a bank of three drawers. E...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful walnut Drexel desk with matte black metal handles. Great piece for any office or bedroom. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - wit...
Walnut
Pair of Drexel Heritage Oversized Fully Upholstered Bergeres w/ Ottoman
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This nicely upholstered pair of bergere are made by the Drexel Heritage Furniture Company. They are made in the French Provincial style. They have upholstered arms for added comfort...
Fabric, Walnut
Walnut Campaign Tray Table By Kipp Stewart And Stewart McDougal For Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern folding walnut and glass campaign tray table was created by two designers Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart for the Drexel Furniture Company during the late...
Glass, Walnut
Drexel Dry Bar Kitchen Island Rolling
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More About This Item" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all...
Granite, Brass
Vintage Mid Century Postmodern 6 Piece Modular Section Sofa by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Postmodern 6 Piece Modular Section Sofa by Drexel Vintage MCM Postmodern 6pc modular sectional Sofa Manufactured by Drexel. Comes with two scalloped end armchairs, 3 armless...
Fabric
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
Drexel Esperanto Dining Chairs 1960s Set of 8
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Walnut
$3,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Outstanding Pair Drexel-Heritage "Insignia" Ash Burl Travertine Bachelors Chests
By Drexel
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding pair of Drexel-Heritage "Insignia" ash, burl wood and travertine bachelors chests. We just love the wonderful oval shape and thick travertine marble tops. These are in fa...
Travertine
8 Vintage Drexel Heritage Louis XVI Style Walnut Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
8 Vintage Drexel Heritage #372-960 Dining Chairs, Circa 1991. Features a carved walnut finish in Louis XVI styling with Aubusson style fabric and double cording. The chairs showcas...
Fabric, Walnut
Drexel Heritage French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Gentleman's Chest
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style gentleman's chest or highboy dresser By Drexel Heritage, "Brittany Collection" USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 41"W x 19.25"D x 60.25"H. Ca...
Brass
Pristine Pair Drexel Heritage Block Front French Fruitwood Chest of Drawers
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pristine Pair of Drexel Heritage Block Front French Country Fruitwood Chest of Drawers. All drawers open and close flawlessly. Dimensions: 34" in width, 19" in depth and 31" in hei...
Fruitwood
$614Sale Price|76% Off
Mid Century Lowboy Dresser with Limed Oak FInish
By Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern lowboy dresser features hardwood construction, oak veneer with original limed oak finish, nine dovetailed drawers with copper accented hardware, and stretcher...
Oak
Drexel Heritage Modern Art Deco Walnut and Black Lacquered Pedestal Dining Table
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Modern Art Deco or Hollywood Regency double pedestal extension dining table By Drexel Heritage USA, 1980s Gorgeous walnut, with black lacquered banding, and black lacq...
Brass
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Lacquered Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie tall wall mirror By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Black lacquered mahogany, with hand-painted Chinese scenes. Measures: 17.75"W x 1.25...
Mirror, Mahogany, Lacquer
$5,800 / set
Drexel, Nightstands, Maple, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of maple and metal nightstands produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.25"H x 16.0"W x 21.0"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Metal
Drexel Heritage French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Armoire Dresser
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style armoire dresser or linen press By Drexel Heritage, "Brittany Collection" USA, Circa 1970s Carve...
Brass
Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Dallas, TX
These incredibly rare stunners by Drexel Furniture Company, part of the "Counterpoint" series, circa 1950s. Designed by John Van Koert, a visionary in mid-century modern design, craf...
Upholstery, Walnut
Drexel French Provincial Chest, 2-Drawer Dresser, Solid Wood, c. 1960s USA
By Drexel
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A charming French Provincial chest by Drexel, crafted in the mid-20th century from solid wood and showcasing ornate carved drawer fronts, cabriole legs, and original brass hardware. ...
Brass
Drexel Heritage Georgian Flame Mahogany Flip Top Server or Bar Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Chippendale style flip top rolling buffet server or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Carved flame mahogany, with original brass hardware. Sh...
Brass
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
By Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Brass
Classical Occasional Tables John Dickinson 'Et Cetera' for Drexel 1960's
By Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1920 - 1982 California design. Rare set. Probably custom or limited. Dickinson's Et Cetera line for Drexel were pieces made to have a faux / Trompe-l'oeil effect. For example these ...
Slate, Metal
Vintage Modern Marble-Top End Table by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish midcentury end table features quality Drexel construction with spacious shelved cabinet storage. Vintage marble-top creates a beautiful contrast with the vintage walnut ...
Marble
Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall Sculptural Walnut Nightstands
By Drexel, Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall sculptural walnut nightstands. Nightstands have a single pull-out drawer, white porcelain pulls and a cantilevered lower tier. Nightstands a...
Walnut
Ming Treasures Yoke Back Gold/Silver Leaf Dining Chairs by Drexel Heritage Set o
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage “Ming Treasures” line yoke back dining chairs by Drexel Heritage composed of gold & silver leaf or “gliver” finished hardwood frames & square foam filled lo...
Silk, Cane, Foam, Wood
Pair of Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Paint Decorated Benches
By Drexel
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 18 in W: 22 in D: 16 in A beautifully executed pair of Chinoiserie-style benches by Drexel Heritage, showcasing the brand’s celebrated ability to reinterpret classic...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
High Style George Washington Double End Desk by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Custom-made high-style bird's-eye maple George Washington double-end desk by Drexel. The desktop features a leather-topped writing surface embossed with gold leaf. There are three pu...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Mid Century Executive Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Mid Century executive desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. It has the maker’s mark in the drawer, (shown in the picture above). This wonderful desk has four drawer...
Leather, Walnut
$1,995 / set
Pair of Drexel Heritage Slipper Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Cotton
Pair New Alcantera Upholstery Walnut Cube Shape Barrel Back Lounge Chairs MINT!
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair New Alcantera Upholstery Oiled Walnut Cube Shape Barrel Wrap Around Back Lounge Chairs MINT!
Walnut
Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Declaration" Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Celebrate the elegance of American mid-century design with this stunning set of Six "Declaration" dining chairs by Kipp Stewart for Drexel, crafted circa 1960. A hallmark of Drexel’s...
Wood
Drexel Heritage French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Triple Dresser, 1970s
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style nine-drawer dresser, credenza, or chest of drawers By Drexel Heritage USA, 1970s Cream lacquered walnut, with original hand painted flo...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Blond Birch 6 Drawers One Door Compartment Dresser Credenza
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Blond Birch 6 drawers One Door Compartment dresser credenza MINT!.
Birch
Drexel Heritage Mid-Century Walnut Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign extension dining table By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Beautiful book-matched walnut, with brass accents. Measures: 6...
Brass
Drexel Brittany Heritage French Provincial Carved Wood Armoire, 1960s
By Drexel
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant vintage Drexel Brittany Heritage armoire, crafted in carved wood, featuring intricate floral and shell carvings and ample storage. Design: ...
Wood
$1,639Sale Price / set|31% Off
Set of 6 Vintage Chin Hua Drexel Heritage Dining Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
6 Drexel heritage Chin Hua side chairs Includes 5 side chairs and 1 armchair Measures: Armchairs 23" W x 18" x 32" H Seat H 17.25", arm H 25.25" Side chairs 20" W x 18" D...
Cane
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 Drexel's "Counterpoint" line in 1956. According to Drexel the collection was inspire...
Cherry, Mahogany
Drexel French Provincial Louis XV Walnut and Cream Lacquered Dining Table, 1962
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style dining table or breakfast table By Drexel USA, 1962 Carved walnut, with cream lacquered apron and cabriole legs. Measures: 44"W x 44"D...
Walnut, Lacquer
Drexel French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, 1960s
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style sideboard, bar cabinet, or credenza By Drexel USA, Circa 1960s Cream lacquered case, with walnut top, and original brass hardware. Mea...
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Refined simplicity designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel. The end tables are part of the Precedent collection that he produced in the 1950s. Professionally restored, stunning off whi...
Brass
2 Drexel Heritage Grand Tour Mid Century Oak Slate Side Tables Sculpture Stand
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of 1960s Drexel Grand Tour pedestal side tables. Made from oak with inset slate top over a central column with round carved medallion and stepped plinth base. Marked along underside Heritage Grand Tour, 23-507-43. Great for use as end tables, pushed together for use as a coffee table or sculpture / plant stands...
Slate
Drexel Sun Coast Brass Coffee Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall, USA
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Deland, FL
Produced by Drexel Sun Coast this coffee table, designed by Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall, is an exquisite example of early American mid-century de...
Walnut
Drexel Mid-Century Modern Large Walnut Framed Wall Mirror, 1960s
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern walnut framed large wall mirror By Drexel USA, 1964 Measures: 53.25"W x 1.75"D x 33.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Mirror, Walnut
1960s Drexel Wood Brass Sculptural Bombay Dresser Commode Dresser On Castors
By Drexel
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1960s with this Bombay chest dresser. Beautifully sculpted with brass details and on castors for easy movement. The ultra rare ...
Brass
STUNNING PATINA DREXEL HERITAGE RECTANGLE WALL MIRROR PART OF A LARGE SUiTE
By Drexel
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Drexel Heritage rectangle wall mirror with lovely timber patina Please note the delive...
Mirror, Hardwood
Drexel Spanish Colonial Carved Walnut Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean style nightstands By Drexel, "Esperanto Collection" USA, 1960s Carved walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 26"W x ...
Brass
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Burlwood and Chrome Console or Entry Way Table by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Drexel console table with burlwood veneer top on a polished chrome base with brass accents.
Chrome
Drexel Heritage Georgian Carved Mahogany Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style carved mahogany framed wall mirror By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Measures: 27"W x 1.5"D x 47.75"H Very good original vintage condit...
Mirror, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pistachio green rolling bar cart from the Precedent series by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1960. 3 tiered rolling cart featuring a textured glass top and casters. Precedent by Drexel...
Wood
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Plaudit by Drexel Two-Toned Wood Nightstands Side Tables
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel Pair of two-tone Plaudit by Drexel walnut nightstands with plinth base and panelled doors. Brass pulls. Measures: 27".
Cane
Drexel French Regency Louis XVI Carved Walnut and Cane Back Dining Chairs, Six
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six French Regency Louis XVI style dining chairs By Drexel, "Esperanto Collection" USA, 1970s Carved solid walnut frames, with caned backs and upholstered seats....
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century coffee table made by the Drexel furniture company in North Carolina. An ample tabletop with sculpted raised edges highlight the wood's warm, natural grains. A v...
Wood
John Van Koert Drexel Profile K12 Gentlemen’s Chest Dresser
By John Van Koert, Henredon, Drexel, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K12 Man’s Chest designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. Collectors revel – this dresser comes with it’s original tag! Van Koert began his career as a jewelry de...
Chrome
Drexel Chippendale pair Mahogany Sofa Tables 1970s USA
By Drexel
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice pair of Georgian style sofa tables .Solid Mahogany . Beautiful warm color on the wood . Manufactured by Drexel Chippendale series .1970s...
Mahogany
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Full Size Headboard
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful full size walnut headboard by Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration. We have 2 in stock.
Walnut
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Birch
Vintage Drexel Heritage Cherry American Chippendale Style Pierced Dining Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage set of six Drexel dining chairs. Made of cherry featuring American Chippendale styling with a pierced reticulated back splat and quatrefoil style fabric. Dimensions: 24" x ...
Fabric, Cherry