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.
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
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
$1,575 / set
Mid-Century Modern Drexel Declaration End Tables
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous pair of vintage modern end tables feature a unique cane lower shelf for storing additional items. Quality construction with raised and bevelled edges along the tabletop...
Cane
$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
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 “Declaration” Drop Leaf/Gateleg Dining Table
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Charleston, SC
Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel “Declaration” Drop Leaf Drexel "Declaration" 851-313 This rare and stunning space saving table can be used as a sofa table then turne...
Metal
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
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
$1,600 / set
Pair of Drexel "Et Cetera" Side Tables
By Drexel
Located in Highland, IN
These delightful little side tables by Drexel are from their "Et Cetera" collection and feature tops of smoked glass supported by wooden frames with casters for mobility. Visually li...
Glass, Wood
Drexel Eastrend Pecan and Burl Biedermeier Style Pedestal Cocktail Side Table
By Henredon, Karl Johan, John Van Koert, Drexel
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 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
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
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
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
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
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
Mid-Century Campaign Folding Tray Top End Tables by Drexel, 1950s Pair
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century CampaignStyle Folding Tray Top End Tables (STEWART & KIPP STUART for DREXEL) (PRICED AS PAIR)
Walnut
$1,176Sale Price|30% Off
Set of 3 Drexel "Et Cetera" Side Tables With Tinted Glass Top & Casters
By Drexel
Located in Medina, OH
Rare set of 3 Drexel "Et Cetera" side tables with tinted glass top on casters. Slight imperfections due to age. Glass has some light scratches but not noticeable. Middle table has so...
Brass
COLLECTABLE ViNTAGE MID CENTURY MODERN DREXEL HERITAGE EXTENDING BAR TROLLY
By Drexel
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1960’s vintage teak home bar on wheels retailed by Drexel Please note the deliv...
Oak
1960s Drexel Barney Flagg Walnut Wedge Tripod Table
By Drexel, Barney Flagg
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
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
Drexel Gold Paint & Black Lacquer Base Burl Wood & Glass Top Coffee Table MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Drexel Gold Paint & Black Lacquer Base Burl Wood & Glass Top Coffee Table MINT
Glass
Masculine Inlaid Wood Rectangular End Table with Geometric Decoration
By Drexel
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome rectangular inlaid wood end table having stunning geometric design and brass medallions in each corner on top of square legs that are eq...
Wood
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
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
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern “Parallel” Side Tables
By Drexel, Barney Flagg
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
Vintage Drexel Cerused Oak with Pencil Reed Legs Transitions Console Table
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This console is made from oak. Its cerused in a pickled white. The skirt of the table is beveled. The legs are angled and are pencil reeded.
Oak
Walnut Server with Hidden Electric Dish Warmer
By Harvey Probber, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern walnut rolling server with built in food warmer. Carved fluted doors two drawers built by Drexel.
Walnut
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
Drexel Heritage Mid Century Walnut and Smoked Glass Side End Table
By Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Drexel Heritage Mid Century Walnut and Smoked Glass Side End Table This side table measures: 28.75 wide x 20.75 deep x 17 inches high All...
Smoked Glass, Walnut
Drexel Contemporary Walnut End Tables - Pair
By Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Drexel Contemporary Walnut End Tables - Pair Each end table measures: 18 wide x 28 deep x 25.5 inches high About Photos: We take our photos in a ...
Walnut
Modernist Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel, 1960s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A boldly angled modernist single pedestal desk having a distinctive raised gallery with sliding doors and a warm dark grey leather surface.
Brass
$1,746Sale Price|30% Off
Drexel Heritage Corinthian Coffee Table
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. We have many other similarly styled furniture pieces listed. To see them, scroll down and click on VIEW ALL below, then MORE FROM THIS SELLER, where you can use SEARCH to view all the items from this Seller. You can also save the seller and be notified whenever new items are posted. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage Drexel Heritage Corinthian...
Glass, Burl
John Van Koert Designed Console/Cart
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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
Serving Cart # 242-9 By Edward Wormley for Drexel, 1947
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
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
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early, modernist Edward Wormley for Drexel coffee table in a trapezoid shape made for the Precedent Collection.
Wood