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.
Pair of 1950's Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent Collection" Slipper Chairs
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Drexel , part of his Precedent Collection. The silver elm frames have been ebonized at some point, and reupholstere...
Upholstery, Elm
Drexel Heritage Georgian Carved Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Chippendale or Georgian style side chairs or dining chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measur...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Chinoiserie Style Desk & Chair by Drexel Heritage, USA 1960's
By Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Chinoiserie Style Desk & Chair by Drexel Heritage and part of The Et-Cetera collection, a timeless masterpiece from th...
Brass
Drexel Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Regency style double pedestal extension dining table By Drexel USA, Circa 1950s Beautiful mahogany, with carved solid mahogany pedestals and brass-capped f...
Brass
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Walnut 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 for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1958 Measures: 54"W x 36"D x 29.5"H. Extends ...
Walnut
Fine Flame Mahogany Chippendale Style Wall Mirror by Drexel MINT
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Flame Mahogany Chippendale Style Wall Mirror by Drexel MINT
Mirror, Mahogany
$1,995Sale Price|30% Off
Unique Mid-Century Modern Maple 9 Drawer Desk by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Mid-Century Modern maple 9 drawer desk by Drexel in a blonde maple finish. All solid maple drawers with organizer trays and lowered drawers have deep paper file slots. Very un...
Maple
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
Edward Wormley Side Table by Drexel
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome round side table features Wormley's distinctive detailing and creativity. 18.25"h X 20.5"d
Wood
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern “Parallel” Side Tables
By Barney Flagg, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Birch, Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Two-Tier Side Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted cherry wood two-tier occasional side table or nightstand By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1950s M...
Cherry
Edward Wormley, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech and green mohair slipper lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, USA, 1950s. Seat height: 20.5” .
Mohair, Beech
Vintage Modern Black & Burl Drexel Heritage 3 Pc Lighted Wall Display or Vitrine
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Modern Drexel Heritage 3 piece lighted wall display, vitrine, or storage unit comprised of black & burl wood, glass front & side doors, glass shelves with double pl...
Brass
Vintage Drexel Mahogany Sideboard
By Drexel
Located in Annville, PA
A vintage Drexel Mahogany Sideboard in excellent condition, the top having been recently French polished. Simple yet sophisticated this be...
Mahogany
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Sculpted Walnut Armchair
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern armchair or dining captain chair By Kipp Stewart for Drexel, "Declaration" Collection USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut frame, with inlaid rosewood, and uph...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Vintage Drexel Heritage French Provincial Cheetah Print Ottomans, a Pair
By Drexel
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A charming pair of vintage upholstered ottomans by Drexel Heritage, from the Home Inspirations collection. Crafted in a classic French Prov...
Brass
Drexel Heritage Italian Neoclassical Demilune Cabinets, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Italian Neoclassical or Louis XVI style demilune consoles or bar cabinets By Drexel Heritage, Late 20th Century Hand painted wood case, with faux marble top, and...
Brass
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Tambour Door Secretary
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Tambour Door Secretary Desk This secretary desk measures: 38 wide x 17 deep x 71 high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches ...
Walnut
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Five
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of five Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut dining chairs By Kipp Stewart for Drexel, "Declaration" Collection USA, 1960s Measures: Side chairs: 18.75"W x 20.5"D x 3...
Walnut
Set Six Drexel Consulate Series Walnut Cane Back & Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Six Drexel Consulate Series Walnut, Cane Back & Upholstered Dining Chairs All solid American Walnut. Yellow color upholstery. Measures 20" in width, 21" in depth x 38" in he...
Walnut
Mid-century "Declaration" Oak Arm Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Drexel, Pair
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century "Declaration" oak arm chair pair by Kipp Stewart for Drexel. Crafted with bent beech wood frames, these chairs echo the Kipp Stewart’s signature balance of structure and ...
Teak
$2,260Sale Price|20% Off
Ming Style Carved Walnut Draw Leaf Altar Console Tables by Drexel Heritage Pair
By Drexel
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1970S Ming style walnut draw leaf altar style console tables by Drexel Heritage. They open and slide into great serving surfaces! Form, function and fun! They are m...
Walnut
Drexel Heritage French Regency Louis XVI Carved Mahogany Console Table or Server
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style console table, sofa table, or buffet server By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa Late 20th Century Beautiful mahogany, with caned lower shelf, a...
Brass
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
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
Drexel Heritage Queen Anne Carved Oak and Burl Wood Armchairs, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Queen Anne or Georgian style armchairs or dining captain chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, Late 20th Century Carved oak, with burled olive wood backs, and upholste...
Upholstery, Oak, Burl
1960s Drexel Faux Bamboo Leather Wrapped Parsons Table
By Drexel
Located in Vero Beach, FL
1960s Drexel ET Cetera Faux Bamboo Leather Wrapped Chinoiserie Coffee or Side Parsons Table The vintage brown leather wrapped brass nail head studded side or coffee table was made i...
Brass
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Signed Drexel Walnut Frame Floating Lounge Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of Signed Drexel Walnut Frame Floating Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 81 wide x 33 deep x 32.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" Mid-Century Headboard
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crafted in the mid-1950s as part of the celebrated Profile collection designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, this walnut headboard embodies the refined simplicity and architectural c...
Wood
Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall for Drexel Declaration Mid-Century Dresser
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut dresser designed by the celebrated duo Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel’s iconic Declaration Collection, one of the most recogn...
Brass
Drexel Brass Mount Fruitwood Fold-Top Mini Bar with French Doors
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous Drexel Brass Mount Fruitwood Fold-Top Mini Bar with double French Doors. Very good vintage condition. Measures 30" in width, 60" in widt...
Fruitwood
Drexel Heritage Georgian Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four Chippendale or Georgian style dining chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 19"W x ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Drexel Heritage French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of French Provincial Louis XV style nightstands By Drexel Heritage, "Brittany Collection" USA, Circa 1970s Carved walnut with shell motif, hand-painted floral acce...
Brass
Drexel Compact 54" Wide Clover Shape Pulls Light Walnut 6 Drawers Dresser MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Drexel Compact 54" Wide Clover Shape Pulls Light Walnut 6 Drawers Dresser MINT!
Walnut
French Provincial Oak Parquet Top Dining Table (chairs available)
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a large dining table. The top Is styled like parquet. The elbows on the table are carved and they end in a bun foot. It has 2 leaves that's 24 x 44 each. The table extends to...
Walnut
Drexel Heritage Chippendale Carved Mahogany Armchairs, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Chippendale or Georgian style armchairs or dining captain chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, 1992 Carved solid mahogany frames, with ivory Damask upholstered se...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$2,396Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Drexel Pecan Cane Back Dining Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
These nice Pecan dining chairs are made by Drexel Heritage. There are 2 armchairs and 4 side chairs. The backs are made of cane and the fabric is c...
Chenille, Wood
1980s Postmodern Drexel Scoop Lounge Chair & Foot Stool-A Pair
By Drexel
Located in Bensalem, PA
Very uniquely shaped pair of Drexel lounge chairs with ottomans dated 1985
Upholstery
Drexel Heritage Modern Art Deco Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Modern Art Deco sculpted maple nightstands By Drexel Heritage USA, 1980s Measures: 24"W x 17.5"D x 24.5"H. Good original vintage condition.
Maple
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
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 walnut finish with silver-plated polished handles. very clean part of the Drexel Pr...
Travertine
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
1960s Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Walnut Chest of Drawers with Vanity
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful vintage mid-century modern walnut chest of drawers designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel’s iconic Declaration collection. Featuring richly figured waln...
Ceramic, Mirror, Walnut
John Van Koert Designed Console/Cart
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single drawer rolling cart by Drexel in genuine mahogany. Wheels can come off to make a stationary console table. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Mahogany
Set of Ten Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Centennial" Chairs
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare set of ten Kipp Stewart chairs. Eight side and two armchairs in solid walnut by Drexel.
Walnut
Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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
$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 New Todays Living Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Drexel New Todays living mid century dining chairs - set of 6 Each chair measures: 21.25 wide x 21 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 18 inches and arm h...
Upholstery, Wood
Drexel Heritage Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Walnut Dining Chairs, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency high back side chairs or dining chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Elegant sculpted black lacquered frames, with wa...
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
Drexel Heritage Italian Provincial Sculpted Pine Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Italian Provincial style nightstands By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Sculpted pine, with original brass hardware. Measures: 24" W x 16" D x 22.25" ...
Brass
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
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
Drexel Heritage Compatibles Blonde Wood Dining Set Table Four Chairs Art Deco
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Heritage Compatibles Dining Room Set. Item features solid wood construction, 4 chairs (2 armchairs and 2 side chairs), beveled edge ...
Glass, Wood
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel declaration mid century walnut corner desk This desk measures: 52.5 wide x 40.25 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a cha...
Walnut
Pair of Drexel Cast Aluminum & Glass Floral Form Side Tables after Arthur Court
By Drexel, Arthur Court
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the United States by Drexel, this pair of side tables features the most expressive and rarest version of this design. These bases feature ten total petals, with ...
Metal, Aluminum
John Van Koert Drexel Profile K12 Gentlemen’s Chest Dresser
By John Van Koert, Karl Johan, Drexel, Henredon
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
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel “Casa Del Sol” Table Bench by John Van Koert Vintage, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by John Van Koert for his Casa del Sol Collection and produced by Drexel Furniture in the 1950s. This "Table/Bench" as it is referred to on the makers mark, could be used eq...
Metal
$1,395 / set
Drexel Heritage French Os de Mouton Armchairs
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 handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Drexel Heritage Upholstery...
Cotton, Wood
Country French Off White Beige Gold Blue One Drawer End Tables Night Stands MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Country French Off White Beige Gold Blue One Drawer End Tables Night Stands MINT
Hardwood