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 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
1982 Drexel Heritage ET Cetera Chinoiserie End Table Black & Burl with Ormolu
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Outstanding vintage Drexel Heritage ET Cetera collection chinoiserie black painted end table or side table featuring black lacquered ...
Metal
Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall “Declaration” Walnut End Table for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern side table in walnut from the Declaration collection designed by Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall for Drexel Furniture Company, circa 1960's. This piece featur...
Walnut
Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall Nightstand by Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Highland, IN
This beautifully detailed nightstand in walnut by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall for their "Declaration" line by Drexel has legs set outside of the case in a manner similar to Nie...
Walnut
$633Sale Price|35% Off
1960s Drexel Et Cetera Furniture Collection Gilded Lily Cigarette Table
By Drexel
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Art Nouveau and Arthur Court inspired cast aluminum side table, with an aged gilt finish. Base is comprised of three flowering lilies with int...
Aluminum
MCM "Sun Coast" Two-Tier Cantilever End Table by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous MCM Sun Coast two-tier cantilever end table by Kipp Stewart for Drexel, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good refinished vintage condition (I believe the wood is cherry, bu...
Walnut, Cherry
Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Cream Lacquered Chest on Stand
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie chest on stand or occasional side table By Drexel Heritage USA, late 20th century Cream la...
Mahogany, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage Drexel Weatherwood Collection Campaign Style End Table Cabinet or Chest
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Drexel weatherwood Collection Campaign style end table, cabinet, or chest with one drawer, 2 doors with brass plated hardware, and...
Metal, Brass
Drexel Heritage Et Cetera Chinoiserie Black & Burl & Ormolu End Tables, a Pair
By Drexel, Heritage Furniture
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this Extraordinary pair of end tables!!! This is a gem by Drexel, from their ET Cetera line. It is comprised of two rectangular wood frames Tables with high...
Gold, Ormolu
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
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
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
Pair of Campaign Style End Tables / Night Stands by Drexel Circa 1960s
By Drexel
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of campaign style three drawer end tables by Drexel, circa 1960s. At a height of 22", they could also serve quite well as nightstands.
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
Drexel Suncoast Side, End Table Designed by Kipp Stewart
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in New York, NY
Smart, sophisticated and stylish side, or end table designed by Kipp Stewart four Drexel as part of the classic Suncoast series. This table features two tiers, the lower ( 13 in H ) ...
Aluminum
Mid Century Barney Flagg Drexel Parallel Walnut End Table Nightstand 1961
By Barney Flagg, Drexel
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A hard to find Drexel Parallel end table or nightstand. Solid walnut frame with book matched walnut veneers. Very well designed and executed with carved and hidden handles and tapere...
Walnut
$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
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
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
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 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
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Sculptural End Tables Refinished in Your Choice of Color
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Sculptural Side Tables, designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel, American, circa 1960s. They are currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color at no add...
Wood, Walnut
1960s Walnut Campaign Tray Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern walnut campaign style folding X form tray, side or end table with removable tray. Designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart for Drexel Furniture Company, Dec...
Canvas, Walnut
$3,325Sale Price / item|26% Off
Campaign Tray Tables by Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, 1960s, Refinished, Signed
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Renowned designers Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart created the folding campaign tray table for Drexel Furniture Company in the 1960s as part of the 'Declaration' line of furnitur...
Walnut
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
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
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
Drexel Contemporary Brass and Walnut Square Side End Table
By Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Drexel Contemporary Brass and Walnut Square Side End Table Each side table measures: 27 wide x 27 deep x 21.25 inches high About Photos: We take our photos in a controlled lighting...
Brass
Pair of Jacobean Style Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Jacobean style rustic mahogany and reclaimed oak side table, the rectangular planked and breadboard top above a molded frieze, on bobbin turned and block legs joined by a boarded t...
Wood
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration mid-century walnut writing desk. The desk measures: 60 wide x 24 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches. All pieces of fur...
Walnut
Pair of Rustic Dark Oak Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
A rustic-style nightstand with an oak parquetry top that is mirrored on the two shelves below. It has one frieze drawer with a mirrored herringbone pattern and Fine Verde Bronze hand...
Wood
Italian Pair of Nightstands Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood pair of 1950s Italian nightstands or end tables. Brass bouts on the bottom of the feet. Attributed to Paolo Buffa. Rivers glass on top and glass shelf. Shipping to continen...
Wood
$2,425 / set
H 24.25 in W 24.63 in D 17 in
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
Danish Modern Nightstands by Falster
By Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables with tambour doors that recede behind the cabinet. Simple Danish design with storage for living room or bedroom. Please confirm location.
Teak
Rustic Nightstand, Light Oak
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Rustic oak two-tier nightstand with a light oak parquetry top that is mirrored on the two shelves below. It has one frieze drawer with a mirrored her...
Wood
Vintage MCM Walnut Coffee Table Designed After Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table Designed After Kipp Stewart for Drexel This low rectangular shaped table has some cool features with its top door that lifts open to ...
Walnut
$2,700
H 26 in W 31 in D 21 in
Vintage Ralph Lauren Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Pagoda Style End Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful high-gloss black lacquered end table by RALPH LAUREN in the Chinoiserie style boasts a single sliding hidden drawer to front and is finished completely on all sides. ...
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Brutalist Modern Walnut Nightstands
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This midcentury pair of sculpted front nightstands adds distinctive brutalist modern style and spacious bedside storage. Interior cabinet offers a shelf for additional organization o...
Walnut
$1,300
H 15.25 in W 75 in D 16 in
Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Declaration" Line Walnut Coffee Table/ Bench
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kipp Stewart for Drexel 75" long Walnut Coffee Table. Long and Sleek! Nice Scale and only 16" deep! Original finish shows scratches but overall presents well. Add a cushion to us...
Walnut
Pair Handcrafted English Oak Nightstands
Located in London, GB
An adapted version of our architectural oak pillar nightstands / end tables. Designed and handcrafted in England using traditional cabinetry techniqu...
Oak
Sold
H 24 in W 26 in D 26 in
Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Campaign Style Walnut Burl Tiered Side End Table
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
1980s Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie / Campaign style side table. Features a square form walnut with matchbook burl and banded top. The table showcases chinoiserie molding, a central ...
Brass
Sold
H 24 in W 19.5 in D 30 in
Pair, Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Step End Tables by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of Mid-Century Modern step end tables by John Van Koert for Drexel feature exceptional lines and contrasting wood grain. They are from the "Profile" line for the furniture ...
Wood, Ash, Walnut
Burl & Walnut Round Side Table for Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round burl wood and walnut side table for Drexel c.1960s, USA. The table features a walnut spindle base with a burl wood table top and walnut rim. Dimensions 21 diameter x 18.25 hei...
Walnut, Burl
Round Side Table by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round walnut side table by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel c.1960s, USA. The table features a walnut book matched table top and a ped...
Walnut
Vintage Drexel "Woodbriar" End Table
By Drexel
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful Drexel Woodbriar Collection Rustic European. Has some damage on both back ends, see pictures. Please message us for anymore details and/or i...
Brass
Drexel heritage end table
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel heritage end table from the Accolade line. This line of Drexel furniture was done in a Dorothy Draper campaign style. An excellent addition to any room.
Brass
Modernist Drexel Side Tables
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Denton, TX
Hard to find a pair of these Drexel side tables . Pie cut design veneer on the table tops with solid walnut bases.
Wood
1970's Drexel Pinnacle Walnut Mid Century End Table with Drawer
By Drexel, Milo Baughman
Located in San Diego, CA
American Mid Century walnut end table designed by Milo Baughman for Drexel circa 1970's we refinished the piece looks very nice beautiful handle and drawer .
Brass
Sold
H 22 in W 24 in D 24 in
Drexel Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Tiered Round Accent Table w Fretwork 24"
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Heritage side accent table. Made of mahogany featuring round form with two tiers, Chippendale styling and fretwork. Circa 1986. Dimensions: 24" x 24" x 22"h
Mahogany
Pair of Drexel Turquoise Nightstands
By Drexel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of sea foam green / turquoise three drawer nightshades with brass accents and base by Drexel.
Wood
Pair Vintage Drexel End Tables
By Drexel
Located in Annville, PA
A pair of Vintage Drexel end tables featuring beautifully detailed black lacquerware paint in incredible detail. A fine quality veneered top creates a b...
Lacquer
Sold
H 24.25 in W 25 in D 17 in
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Campaign Nightstands, Pair
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of midcentury Hollywood Regency chinoiserie Campaign style nightstands By Drexel Heritage, "Dynasty" Collection USA, circa 1970s Walnut, with painted Asian n...
Brass