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Drexel Chairs

American

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.

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Creator: Drexel
Vintage Drexel Esperanto Mid Century Spanish Style Curule Game Chairs - Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Drexel Esperanto Mid Century Spanish Style Curule Game Chairs with Original Black Vinyl Upholstery- Set of 6. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurem...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pr. Barcelona Style Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of Barcelona style lounge chairs, designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel. Like the iconic Mies chair, but the American designed and made version. These chairs are actually mu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair Late 20th Century Modern Drexel Heritage Swivel Barrel Chairs Orig Fabric
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage modern Drexel Heritage swivel barrel chairs with original contemporary style mauve, green & beige bird fabric, a pair. Beautiful conditio...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Precedent by Wormley
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley as part of the classic Precedent Line, for Drexel. The set includes two arm chairs, and four side chairs, they are in very go...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Drexel Klismos Caned High Back Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of A Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern vintage Drexel Klismos leg caned high back d...
Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cane

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Profile by John Van Koert circa 1950
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite set of mid century dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for the classic Profile series, made by Drexel. Circa 1950's ( 1957 ) the chairs feature a sculpted frame of so...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Eight Modernist Dining Chairs Designed by Edmund Karpinski for Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Dallas, TX
Revamp the look of your dining room with this hard to find a set of eight modernist chairs designed by Edmund Karpinski for Drexel Heritage Furniture's "Collage" Collection, circa 19...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Drexel New Todays Living Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Countryside, 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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Midcentury Rare Folding Angle Chair by Milo Baughman
By Drexel, Milo Baughman
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this Mid-Century Modern lounge or easy chair from the Perspective collection by Milo Baughman for Drexel in 1951. Crafted from exotic Mindoro wood that shim...
Category

Mid-20th Century Drexel Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

James Peade Drexel Abacus Side Chair
By Drexel, James Peade
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual and newly upholstered and chrome side chair has wonderful period wheels. This is designed by James Peade for Drexel's Viewpoint 70 Collection...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

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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...
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1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Set of Six Dining Chairs Designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel
By Edward Wormley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Six "Precedent" Dining Chairs, designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel, circa 1950's. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered. The price noted below INCLUD...
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Mid-Century Kipp Stewart for Drexel Lounge Chair
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Raleigh, NC
Beautiful and seldomly seen Drexel Declaration Eames style lounge chair designed by Kipp Stewart. Beautiful molded walnut ply shell with tilt and swivel 5 star base. Amazing details ...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Mid-Century Modern Tufted Swivel Lounge Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century swivel lounge chair features ornately stitched vinyl seat with a comfortable sculpted seat back. Unique black metal base with aluminum trim adds to the unique vintag...
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Midcentury Set of 5 Thonet High Back Bentwood Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Set of 5 !!!!! Thonet high back bentwood beech chairs. Solid and stabile. Signed. Fabric can be changed easily.
Category

1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

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 Bench version of the Profile Series ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Arm Chairs - Precedent Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel dining arm chairs for his Precedent Collection circa 1950s, can be used as occasional chairs. Silver Elm refinished in a dark espresso with new tan...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Elm

Pair Italian Midcentury Swivel Chairs With Chrome Base and Missoni Style Fabric
Located in Troy, MI
Pair circa 1960s Italian arm chairs feature a cantilever chrome base with swivel seats and new upholstery with colorful, Missoni-style fabric. Sold and priced as a pair. Arm Height...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

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Chrome

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...
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1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Cane

Swivel Chairs Pair of Vintage Tufted Tub Barrel Arm Pouf Hollywood Regency
By Milo Baughman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of vintage Hollywood palm beach regency black silk tufted pouf swivel tub, barrel armchairs. Original fabric.
Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Drexel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Grey Parsons Chairs, Set of 4
By Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman style mid century grey Parsons chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 22.25 wide x 23.5 deep x 40 high, with a seat height of 20 inches All pieces of furniture can ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Pair of Sculptural Mid Century Post Modern Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural pair of swiveling lounge chairs circa 1980's. These very well made chairs feature a swiveling bases that return to their original position. The original fabric has a cou...
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Fabric, Wood

Previously Available Items
Drexel Heritage Velvet Suede Slipper Chairs Pair
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Drexel Heritage...
Category

1980s Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Vintage Boho Drexel Parsons Chair - a Pair
By Drexel
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage Boho Parsons lounge chairs. Made by the iconic Drexel group and tagged on the bottom. Chic paprika colored ultra suede type upholstery. Acquired from a Pal...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Drexel Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Centennial" Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Denton, TX
Set of Six Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Centennial" dining chairs designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart McDougall and produced by Drexel in the 1950s and 1960s. 2 arm chairs and 4 side ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Contemporary Drexel Chrome Bamboo Tub Chairs - a Pair
By Drexel
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic pair of vintage Contemporary Tub chairs. Made by the legendary Drexel group. Chic chrome bamboo in a barrel back design. The chairs move easily with casters. Acquired fro...
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Late 20th Century North American Drexel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Lounge Club Chair Oversized by DREXEL
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Lounge club chair oversized by DREXEL With very soft faux suede velv...
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1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Velvet

English Style Lounge Chair by Drexel Heritage
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Wonderful English style boudior lounge chair by Drexel Heritage Approximate measurements in inches ...
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1980s Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Cotton, Wood

American Mid Century Set of 6 Drexel Walnut 'Declaration' Dining Chairs
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in San Diego, CA
Finely sculpted walnut dining chairs designed by Kipp Stewart and Stuart MacDougall for Drexel, circa 1950. This set is in excellent condition. The wood retains its beautiful origina...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

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Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Silk Club Chairs by Drexel Heritage
By Drexel
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of silk club chairs by Drexel Heritage. Classic tailored cube shape with buttons. Could use a re-upholstery job , some tears in the silk, but excellent bones. No structural issu...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Silk, Upholstery, Wood

Set of Four Mid Century Kipp Stewart Drexel Sun Coast Dining Chairs
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of four dining chairs, designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart Mac Dougall as part of the classic Sun Coast line, for Drexel, circa 1960's. All four are in very...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drexel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Vintage Drexel Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Armchairs, Set of 4
By Drexel
Located in Harlingen, TX
A set of four vintage 1970's Hollywood Regency faux bamboo armchairs by Drexel Heritage. Solid fruitwood frame with turned faux bamboo detailing, a curved barrel back, tapered legs a...
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1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Fruitwood, Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Faux Bamboo

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Countryside, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile mid century dining chairs - set of 6 The side chairs measure: 20 wide x 24 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height of 20 inches The capta...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Drexel Dateline Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Drexel
Located in Countryside, IL
Drexel Dateline Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of four Each chair measures: 21 wide x 19 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches R...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Drexel Chairs

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Upholstery, Wood

Drexel chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Drexel chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Drexel chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Drexel were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Russell Woodard, Henredon, and Conant Ball. Prices for Drexel chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $796 and can go as high as $11,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,545.
Questions About Drexel Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Drexel Heritage and Drexel Furniture are the same thing. The company began as Drexel Heritage, but changed their name in 2017 to reflect their shift toward producing contemporary as well as traditional furniture. You'll find a range of Drexel furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Drexel Touraine is a line of furniture produced by Drexel Furniture. The pieces reflect the stylistic elements of the French Provincial style, and the company manufactured them from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s. In the postwar era, North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture also 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. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Drexel furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify Drexel furniture, search your piece for maker's markings. They may be on the back or base, inside of a drawer or under a tabletop or seat. Most pieces will display the Drexel brand name. Other information is often included in the stamp. For example, you will sometimes see the date of production listed either backward or forward and/or a style or collection name. By looking up this information in trusted online resources, you can learn more about your piece. An alternative approach is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer inspect your furniture. Explore a diverse assortment of Drexel furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Drexel Furniture was known for the use of oak wood, native to the area in North Carolina where the company was based. Their attention to quality and detail highlighted the beauty of the wood they used. Browse a variety of Drexel Furniture pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Whether or not Drexel Heritage furniture is considered quality is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, the company does produce pieces from carefully selected materials. Many made decades ago still remain in good condition today. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Drexel Heritage furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    No, Drexel furniture is not still in business. In 2014, the last Drexel Heritage plant in Morganton, North Carolina, reportedly closed its doors. The company was purchased by United Furniture and rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, United Furniture's parent company, Heritage Home Group, filed for bankruptcy, and Drexel ceased production. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Drexel furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2024
    Yes, Drexel Furniture is good quality, and owing to the commendable level of craftsmanship that characterizes the company's work, Drexel's furnishings typically retain or increase in value over time. Vintage Drexel dining tables, dressers and other pieces remain highly desirable for enthusiasts of mid-century modern design.

    The North Carolina manufacturer initially became known for pieces inspired by historic European furniture. In the postwar era, Drexel adapted to changing tastes and 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. The Profile and Projection collections of the period, designed with sculptural shapes by John Van Koert, also see demand on today’s secondary market. 

    Find vintage Drexel Furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Drexel Heritage no longer makes furniture and the company has gone out of business. The last company to own Drexel was Heritage Home Group who filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. It has since gone out of business and sold its headquarters and showroom. Shop a collection of authentic Drexel furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    To know if your Drexel furniture is vintage, examine its serial number, which you will usually find in a hidden spot, such as beneath a tabletop or on the back or bottom of a casegood. By cross-referencing this number with information available on trusted online resources, you should be able to estimate the year of production. Drexel furniture produced more than 20 years ago would qualify as vintage. If you need assistance with dating your piece, seek the advice of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Drexel furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJuly 9, 2024
    What happened to the Drexel Heritage furniture company was that the brand went out of business. In 2014, the last plant operated by Drexel Heritage — known to mid-century modern furniture collectors as Drexel Furniture — closed its doors. The North Carolina company rebranded as Drexel in 2017. Then, in 2018, the Heritage Home Group, which was formed years earlier by an equity investor called KPS Capital Partners when it acquired Drexel Heritage and other manufacturers such as Lane and Broyhill, filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. Production of Drexel furniture never resumed.

    Find vintage Drexel dressers, sofas, dining tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Drexel Heritage is indeed high-end furniture. High-end furniture is made using the highest quality materials with the best in craftsmanship and Drexel Heritage furniture is no exception. Shop a collection of Drexel Heritage furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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