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.
Mid Century Executive Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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
$12,750 / set
Black Leather Parsons Style Drexel Lounge Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Dallas, TX
It’s all about being stylish and bold! Pair of mid-century modern parsons style barrel back armchairs by Drexel, circa 1970's. This comfortable set has a lot of style featuring solid...
Wood, Leather
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Burled Mahogany Lighted Bookcase
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style lighted bookcase, display cabinet, bar cabinet, or dining cabinet By Drexel Heritage, "Ming Treasures" Collection ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak Nightstand by Drexel, 1960s
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Behold the splendor of amber waves of wood grain with this gorgeous teak nightstand from Carolina's Drexel Furniture. Coming from their popular "Modulus" series, its laminated cubbyh...
Metal
Vintage Boho Drexel Heritage Bookmatched Burl Wood Pedestals - A Pair
By Drexel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Showcase your finest art or plants with this exceptional pair of vintage pedestals by the celebrated American maker, Drexel Heritage. Each pedestal is a masterclass in minimalist des...
Burl
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
Serving Cart # 242-9 By Edward Wormley for Drexel, 1947
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
1947 Serving Cart by Edward Wormley for Precedent for Drexel. Factory no. 252-5 Stenciled label Additional information: Materials: Elm Documentation: Signed Origin: United States Pe...
Elm
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 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
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
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
Barney Flagg "Parallel" Midcentury Side Cocktail EndTable in Walnut by Drexel
By Drexel, Barney Flagg
Located in San Diego, CA
Barney Flagg "Parallel" Midcentury Side Cocktail EndTable in Walnut by Drexel , circa 1950's original finish great clean condition rare piece to find versatile elegant , simple and b...
Walnut
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
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 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
One Drawer End or Side Table Oxford Square by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in New York, NY
From one of the most stylish line of furniture produced by Drexel, this Oxford square end, or side table is in original, clean and ready to use condition. The table has an open storage space (9.75 in H) over one large drawer. The pecan wood case features the signature faux inlay design, and brass colored metal corners and recessed bail style drawer pull, on bun style feet. 1970's mod meets classic campaign style, equals Drexel Oxford Square...
Metal
$900Sale Price / set|40% Off
French Provincial Style Pine Wood Wall Tall Mirror by Drexel, a Pair
By Drexel
Located in Plainview, NY
A pair of French provincial wall tall mirrors by Drexel Heritage. The quality mirrors 'frame is finely carved of pine wood showing beautiful natural grain. The mirrors are embellished with a large acanthus in the top and feature nice carving details. They are sturdy , well made and signed and numbered by Drexel in the back. This pair of French provincial style Drexel mirrors...
Mirror, Pine
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut framed wall mirror In the manner of George Nakashima By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1961 Measures: 38.5"W x ...
Mirror, Walnut
Drexel Solid Wood and Slate Top Side Tables, a pair
By Drexel
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Pair of mid century modern era end tables by Drexel. With carved legs and fronts and an etched slate top. Taking cues from the mid century modern era and mixing it well with traditio...
Slate
$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 Regency Carved Mahogany Twin Headboards, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Regency or Sheraton style carved mahogany twin size headboards By Drexel USA, 1950s Each measures: 41.25"W x 3"D x 38"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Mahogany
Drexel Heritage Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Cane High Back Dining Chairs, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern high back dining chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Walnut frames, with cane backs and upholstered seats. Measures: 21.25"W x 22.5"D...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Drexel Georgian Mahogany Double Pedestal Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Regency style double pedestal extension dining table By Drexel USA, Circa 1950s Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with carved solid mahogany pedestals, an...
Brass
Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Declaration" Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
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
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Trompe-L'oeil Occasional Tables John Dickinson 'Et Cetera' for Drexel
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 in the faux / Trompe-l'oeil style. For example, these tab...
Slate, Metal
$3,300Sale Price / set|40% Off
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
Drexel Faux Bamboo Dresser Cabinet With Brass Hardware Boho Chic Coastal Styles
By Drexel
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Drexel Faux Bamboo Dresser Cabinet This vintage dresser cabinet is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of coastal chic to their h...
Faux Bamboo
$875Sale Price|30% Off
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
John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Two-Tier Side Table, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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
John Van Koert for Drexel Modern Leather Top Desk
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern American made desk by Drexel featuring a leather top writing surface. Storage drawers and hiding desktop storage with sliding doors. Please confirm location with v...
Leather, Wood
$798Sale Price|20% Off
American Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Rare Chair by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a beautiful and rare chair mid century classic design , in solid walnut great condition simple elegant by Drexel part of the Declaration Linenice sculpted back solid and stur...
Walnut
John Van Koert Drexel Profile K12 Gentlemen’s Chest Dresser
By Karl Johan, Henredon, John Van Koert, Drexel
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
Vintage Drexel Heritage Empire Style Egyptian Credenza
By Drexel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Drexel Heritage Empire style credenza from their "Pavilion" collection. It features a distinctive Egyptian Revival design, popular in the late 20th century. Constructed from various ...
Brass
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
$2,471Sale Price|25% Off
Drexel Italian Tuscan Dining Chairs Set of 6
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, Wood
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Drexel New Generation Nine Drawer Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern 9 drawer dresser designed by Drexel "New Generation", circa 1960s. Featuring a solid, beautifully grained walnut wood case housing nine spacious drawers, ...
Walnut
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 French Regency Louis XVI White Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century French Regency Louis XVI style nightstands or end tables By Drexel USA, Circa 1950s White lacquered walnut, with original brass hardware. M...
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
Drexel Heritage Mid-Century Modern High Back Dining Chair, Circa 1970s
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern high back side chair or dining chair By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Walnut frame, with cane back and upholstered seat. Measures: 21.25"W x 22.5...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
1970s Drexel Double Tier One Drawer Nightstands or End Tables
By Drexel
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite nightstand set. The ultra rare set exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding design is exhi...
Brass
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Signed Drexel Walnut Frame Floating Lounge Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Signed Drexel Walnut Frame Floating Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Drexel, Side Chair, Oak, Mohair, USA, 1950s
By Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and beige mohair side chairs designed and produced by Drexel, USA, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.25"H x 23.0"W x 20.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.0" Arm Height (inc...
Mohair, Oak
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
Drexel GuildHall Pair of Walnut Rectangular Tables, Modern Style
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of GuildHall for Drexel Matched Rectangular Tables. Perfect to use separately or together as a coffee Table! Walnut finish, with perhaps oak for the turned legs. Nice stretch...
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
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Midcentury Walnut Dining Table
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration midcentury Walnut Dining Table This dining table measures: 47.25 wide x 47.25 deep x 26.25 high, with a chair clearance of 25.5 inches All p...
Walnut
$1,871Sale Price / set|25% 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
1960s Drexel Barney Flagg Walnut Wedge Tripod Table
By Barney Flagg, Drexel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern walnut wedge table tripod base designed by Barney Flagg Parallel for Drexel, USA circa the 1960s. Be...
Walnut
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
Modernist Chinoiserie Style End Table
By Drexel
Located in Denton, TX
Modernist Chinoiserie design by Drexel Heritage with an embossed composite Asian scene on top of a parquet pattern parsons table base.
Gold Leaf
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
Mid-Century Modern Light Pickled Walnut Brass Pulls 5 Drawers Chest Dresser Mint
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light pickled walnut brass pulls 5 drawers chest dresser mint.
Brass
$381Sale Price|71% Off
Mid Century Modern Pair of Nightstands with Limed Oak Finish
By Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century modern nightstands by Drexel feature hardwood construction, original limed oak finish, single dovetailed drawer with copper accented hardware, and unique str...
Oak
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
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
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
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
Pair of Drexel Heritage Corinthian Nightstand Cabinets
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Absolutely stunning Drexel Heritage bedside cabinets in burl Corinthian Elm. These are part of the Corinthian Collection and features a pull-ou...
Brass
Vintage Drexel Wellington Arched Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Pedestal Side Table
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Drexel Wellington Collection Arched Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Pedestal Side Table. Item features multiple legs, beautiful wood grain, distr...
Wood