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.
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Meridian Mid Century Modern Walnut Drop Leaf Extendable Dining Table 95"
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Meridian Collection Dining Table by Drexel No 964-310-4, Circa 1965. A versatile design allows the table to be used as a small drop leaf, large extendable drop leaf or traditional d...
Walnut
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Heritage Federal Style American Cherry Breakfront China Display Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1987 Drexel Furniture Breakfront. Features a blend of Chippendale and Federal styling with open pediment trophy finial over an illumined showcase, supported by a lower cabine...
Brass
Vintage Drexel Accolade Campaign Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Vintage Campaign style cabinet from the accolade line by Drexel. Item features beautiful wood grain, brass accents, 1 drawer and 1 double door storage cabinet, solid brass hardware, ...
Brass
Drexel Heritage Georgian Carved Mahogany Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style lighted breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Carved mahogany, with glass front doors and original bra...
Brass
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Buffet & Hutch
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Buffet & Hutch Buffet measures: 48.5 wide x 20 deep x 67.25 All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...
Glass, Walnut
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Lacquered Bar Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Cream lacquered mahogany, with hand-painted Chinese scenes, painted faux marble top, and o...
Mahogany, Lacquer
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Burl Wood Armoire Dresser
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie armoire dresser, linen press, or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Carved walnut and burl wood, with orig...
Brass
$3,746Sale Price|25% Off
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
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
John Van Koert Casa del Sol Tawny Walnut and Stenciled Tall Cabinet
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
From John Van Koert's Casa del Sol collection for Drexel. Two-piece tall cabinet in bleached walnut, with original hand stenciled green and yellow floral detail on the upper cabinet doors. Pair of upper doors with silver-polished nickel pulls...
Walnut
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Passage Campaign Pecan Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Campaign style Drexel dresser circa 1970s Drexel Passage Series dresser in flaxen flared grain. Brass recessed pulls. This dresser provides compact ...
Brass
Drexel Heritage Italian Neoclassical Demilune Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Neoclassical or Louis XVI style demilune console or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage, Late 20th Century Hand painted wood case, with faux marble top, and original ...
Brass
Drexel Declaration Walnut and Cane Cabinet
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Denton, TX
Drexel declaration walnut & cane cabinet designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart. Iconic design with walnut and cane- which is very r...
Cane, Walnut
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Heritage Cabochon TV Console Entertainment Center Cabinet 868-960 72"
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Heritage Cabochon TV console / entertainment center / bar or liquor cabinet featuring post modern styling. Made from whitewashed oak with paneled doors over an iron ba...
Iron
Drexel Triune Hutch Cabinet, Mahogany, Mid-Century Design, USA, 1960s
By Drexel
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A stately hutch cabinet from Drexel’s sought-after Triune collection, crafted in rich mahogany and exuding timeless mid-century elegance with a traditional twist. This tall display p...
Wood, Mahogany
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid Century Modern breakfront cabinet by Drexel of the Profiles line offers glass upper over mahogany and ebonized cabinet base, maker label as photographed, 20thC Measures- 80''H...
Mahogany, Glass
Mid Century Drexel Chippendale Walnut Locking Drawer Filing Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid Century Drexel Chippendale Walnut Locking Drawer Filing Cabinet. Measure 31" in width, 19" in depth and 29" in height.
Walnut
VINTAGE TRIPLE SPOT LiGHT MILITARY CAMPAIGN DREXEL HERITAGE CABINET BOOKCASE
By Drexel
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Drexel Heritage Military Campaign style China Cabinet or display case with top lights an...
Glass, Walnut, Pine
DREXEL HERITAGE 3 PIECE MILITARY CAMPAIGN BOOKCASE DISPLAY TV CABINET INC LIGHTs
By Drexel
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage suite of Drexel Heritage Furniture mid century modern Military Campaign style display cases with a large central section and spotlights Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price A good looking and well made suite, they are super elegant and very stylish, crafted in the Military Campaign style which never goes out of fashion, I have a pair of small matching sideboards listed under my other items with match the central bottom section of this suite This is a modular suite so you can remove the central section top which is simply screwed in, the base unit slides out, you then have two matching display cabinets...
Brass
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 Heritage Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet, Faux Painted Stone Top
By Drexel
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet, Faux Painted Stone Top Offered for sale is a vintage 1980s Chinoiserie style hand painted 2 door cabinet from Drexel Heritage. ...
Brass
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
$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
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Travis Court Drexel buffet Georgian style mahogany buffet cabinet featuring 3 drawers and shelving below. Brass pulls. Measures: 36" Width x 18" De...
Mahogany
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
$2,725Sale Price|55% Off
Architectural Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel Heritage, USA, Late 20th Cent
By Drexel
Located in Worcester, GB
Architectural Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel Heritage, USA, Late 20th Century A substantial and finely crafted fitted cabinet by American luxury maker Drexel Heritage. Of arch...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Walnut 2-Door Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Diminutive credenza from the early 1950s. Walnut top is new veneer replacing worn Formica. Leather pulls a signature Florence Knoll design mark. Two sliding doors open to reveal two ...
Steel
$3,295
H 78.25 in W 36 in D 15.5 in
Campaign Style Oak Curio Cabinet by Drexel Heritage Accolade II Collection
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Campaign style oak lighted curio cabinet by Drexel Heritage Accolade II Collection with glass shelves, brass pulls, & cor...
Brass
$1,624Sale Price|35% Off
H 31 in W 66 in D 20 in
Drexel Declaration Ten Drawer Low Dresser by Kipp Stewart
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern walnut triple dresser from the desirable declaration line designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel in the 1950s. On the right are fou...
Walnut
Mid-Century Walnut China Cabinet Buffet Hutch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful, retro Mid-Century Modern detailed proportioned walnut buffet China cabinet in great original condition. The hutch is one solid-piece, featuring two sliding glass doors on ...
Glass, Walnut
$10,400 / item
H 86 in W 67 in D 18.25 in
Mahogany Georgian Style Four Door Bookcase China Cabinet by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This a traditional mahogany breakfront bookcase or china cabinet with four doors by Leighton Hall. It features four bottom doors with swirly crotch mahogany fields and straight grain mahogany borders. The top four doors feature grills with individually paned glass. The drawers are masterfully dovetailed and the drawer boxes are made of oak. The hardware is solid brass. The cabinet has dimmable lighting and mortised door locks. Each section has multiple adjustable 3/8 in. glass shelves. It has a hand rubbed satin finish. This cabinet is an excellent compliment to our custom mahogany dining tables...
Mahogany
$15,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 97 in W 94 in D 22 in
19th Century English George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully crafted in the George III style large mahogany wood English breakfront cabinet / bookcase with four doors in the upper part. The...
Brass
Broyhill Emphasis Walnut Cabinet, Mid-Century Modern, 1960
By Broyhill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Broyhill Emphasis 2 Door Cabinet, perfect to use as a credenza or even a nightstand! Two doors open to reveal one pull out drawer and storage space below. Original very clean condi...
Walnut
$5,400
H 34.5 in W 55.75 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern "Biscayne" Floating Top Walnut Desk by Drexel
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional floating top walnut desk by Drexel represents the pinnacle of 1960s American modernist design. Part of the distinguished Biscayne collection, this piece draws clear ...
Brass
$3,895
H 31.25 in W 57 in D 16 in
Expertly Restored - Kipp Stewart & Stewart M. "Declaration" Bookcase for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
1950s Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration 8 Drawer Dresser
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Walnut dresser from Drexel’s Declaration collection by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall, c. 1959. Features eight drawers with original white ceramic knobs on brass spacers. Includ...
Brass
$4,895
H 35.5 in W 49.25 in D 18.5 in
Hollywood Regency Style Barbara Barry Baker Furniture. Gold Leaf Cabinet / Bar
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a show stopper! This is a Hollywood Regency style gold leaf cabinet designed by Barbara Barry for Baker Fueniture. The surface has a raised pyramid design and opens to a Chin...
Gold Leaf
$1,850
H 30 in W 30 in D 13 in
Vintage Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet, Faux Painted Stone Top
By Drexel
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet, Faux Painted Stone Top Offered for sale is a vintage 1980s Chinoiserie style hand painted 2 door cabinet from Drexel Heritage. ...
Brass
1960s Mid-Century Walnut Cabinet by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in North Hollywood, CA
✨ Mid-Century Walnut Cabinet by Kipp Stewart for Dexel ✨ Transform your living space with this exquisite mid-century walnut cabinet, expertly designed by Kipp Stewart for Dexel. The...
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 74 in W 56 in D 19 in
Drexel Meridian Mid Century Modern Walnut China Display Cabinet Buffet Hutch
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Meridian Collection China Cabinet Showcase by Drexel No 964-220-2, Circa 1964. Features a light walnut frame with a stepback glass display portion featuring two sets of double doors...
Walnut
Mid-Century Drexel Declaration Cabinet
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century cabinet manufactured by Drexel, circa 1960s. This piece is a part of Drexel’s ‘Declaration’ line designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall. Made from rich walnut wo...
Walnut
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Lacquered Bar Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Black lacquered mahogany, with hand-painted Chinese scenes, and original Asian-inspired br...
Brass
Sold
H 80 in W 56.5 in D 14 in
Drexel Et Cetera Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Decorated Breakfront China Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Drexel Et Cetera Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Paint Decorated Breakfront China C...
Glass, Wood
Vintage Drexel "Profile" Record Cabinet by John Van Koert
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add some mid-century class to your record collection! This cabinet was made in America by Drexel Furniture for their 'Profile' collection, and designed by John Van Koert. Featuring t...
Walnut, Wood, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Drexel Declaration Walnut Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Celebrate the golden age of American design with this Drexel Declaration walnut record cabinet, a rare and beautifully crafted piece from the iconic Declaration collection designed b...
Walnut
Stereo Record Cabinet by Edward Wormley / Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted two door stereo record cabinet in mahogany with a medium toned walnut finish having brass pulls . Inside the olive green painted finish gives the piece a stunning...
Brass
Sold
H 87 in W 69 in D 17 in
Neoclassical Carved Walnut Lighted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet by Mount Airy
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Neoclassical or French Empire style lighted breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet By Mount Airy Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous walnut, with glass front doors, and ...
Brass
Drexel Georgian Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, 1950s
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet By Drexel USA, 1950s Carved mahogany, with glass front doors, and original brass hardware. Shelves a...
Brass
King Size Drexel Profile K19 Bookcase Bed Headboard
By Karl Johan, Henredon, John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K19 “Utility” headboard John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. The luxurious American walnut wood headboard has solid wood sliding doors. The...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Drexel Declaration Walnut Magazine Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Drexel Declaration Walnut Magazine Cabinet. Featuring a straight line design, single drawer with original white knobs, pull out shelves for m...
Milk Glass, Wood, Walnut