John Van Koert was integral to the rise in popularity of Scandinavian modern furniture during the mid-20th century all over the United States. The Canadian-born designer’s spare walnut coffee tables and elegant armchairs, for example — particularly those that he created for North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture — reflected the influence of the era’s alluring Danish design and were prominently featured in the modern interiors of postwar American homes.
Originally from Manitoba, Van Koert moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attend the University of Wisconsin. There he studied sculpture and trained in metalwork. Van Koert later taught design in the school’s art department. After World War II, Van Koert settled in New York City. He created jewelry for Harry Winston before shifting his focus to flatware and furniture design.
Van Koert found quick success with his flatware designs for Towle Silversmiths. His Contour set was part of the “Knife, Fork and Spoon” exhibition organized by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in the early 1950s. In 1954, he served as design director for the “Design in Scandinavia” exhibition, which toured Canada as well as the United States and featured hundreds of designs created in Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden by the likes of Kaj Franck, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finn Juhl and others.
Van Koert kept busy over the years. Drexel embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism during the postwar era with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile, Casa Del Sol and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by Van Koert.
In the early 1960s, Van Koert created a contemporary line for Richardson-Nemschoff, a furniture manufacturer based in the designer’s former stomping grounds of Wisconsin. During the early 1970s, he partnered with Sarreid Ltd., a brand that got its start sourcing materials from Spain and Italy and bringing the exceptional talents of European wood carvers, sculptors and painters to the forefront of American home decor.
On 1stDibs, find vintage John Van Koert seating, tables and storage pieces.
Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in New York, NY
Nice clean set of Mid Century Dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel as part of their Profile series. This set consists of six chairs, two arm, and four side chairs. A...
Upholstery, Wood
John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s
By John Van Koert
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and bronze-painted iron bench or coffee table designed by John Van Koert and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches...
Iron
Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair of modernist armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexe, amazing original condition, solid. Sturdy construction, superior quality, sculpted walnut, extremely comfortable.
Fabric, Walnut
Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade
By Troy Sunshade Company, John Van Koert
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of lounge chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing; Excellent Vintage Condition. The frames display fabulous patina. The cu...
Aluminum
Pair of Super Chic Lounge Chairs by Robert Van Koert Cymbal Line
By John Van Koert
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare find and fabulous look! This vintage of John Van Koert Lounge Chairs feature curvaceous gilt metal frames, which will pair seamlessly with a mid-century aesthetic for timeles...
Aluminum
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Walnut
Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Dallas, TX
These incredibly rare stunners by Drexel Furniture Company, part of the "Counterpoint" series, circa 1950s. Designed by John Van Koert, a visionary in mid-century modern design, craf...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert, Drexel Mid Century
By John Van Koert
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wonderful set of six John Van Koert dining chairs, these incredibly designed chairs have a modernist style that is so sophisticated that they will enhance any dining room. These chai...
Wood, Lacquer
$4,000Sale Price / set|27% Off
H 31.13 in W 23 in D 22 in
Pair of Knoll International Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Brno Leather Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair Of Knoll International Mies Van Der Rohe Brno leather lounge chairs from 1971 If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contac...
Leather
$1,400
H 30.5 in W 24.75 in D 32 in
Art Deco Machine Age Lounge Chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade
By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco, Machine Age lounge chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company circa 1930's. The chair features a sexy tubular chrome frame with large upholstered ...
Chrome
Mid century italian dining chairs, set of 6 - 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century modern 'boomerang' design dining chairs with new beige skai upholstery. Beautiful elegant design. 1950s - Italy Good overall condition, newly upholstered Dimensions H...
Faux Leather, Wood
$947 / set
H 29.93 in W 18.9 in D 20.48 in
Pair of Chrome Dining Armchairs by David Palterer for Zanotta, Italy, 1987
By David Palterer, Zanotta
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Artistic and stylish pair of side / dining chairs by David Palterer for Zanotta, Italy. The chairs are made in chromed tubular frame that features a floating backrest. The wood is ma...
Chrome
$3,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33 in W 18 in D 21.5 in
Set of Six Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Louis Van Teeffelen for Wébé
By Louis Van Teeffelen, WéBé
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing mid century modern set of six dining chairs designed by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe. Originally from Netherlands, circa 1950. (They have no attribution mark). These chairs a...
Fabric, Teak
$12,500 / set
H 34.5 in W 25.75 in D 60 in
Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade 3 Position Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Chrome and Leather 3 Position Lounge Chair. Rohde did some of his most amazing designs for Troy Sunshade. Designed in 1934 this early example, later m...
Chrome
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant armchairs by Bernt Petersen, with rosewood frames and comfortable natural leather seats and backs. Smooth lines with nicely contrasting materials. Leather in very goo...
Leather, Wood
1950s french pine farmhouse bench
Located in LYON, FR
The essence of peasant furniture: simple, useful, and beautiful. This long 1950s pine farmhouse bench has been fully restored in our workshop to meet the demands of a modern home. Wi...
Pine
$2,800
H 28 in W 68.5 in D 32 in
Art Deco Machine Age Sofa Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Company
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco Machine Age sofa designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company, circa 1930's. The couch features a sexy tubular chrome fram...
Chrome
$1,183
H 31.5 in W 25.2 in D 32.68 in
Art Deco tubular steel armchair in the style of Gilbert Rhode Troy Sunshade 1930
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A classic tubular steel armchair in the Art Deco style of the 1930s. The armchair comes with a dark green cover made of imitation leather and a frame made of chrome tubes which have ...
Chrome
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.5 in W 59.5 in D 16 in
Mid Century Kipp Stewart Drexel Coffee Table Bench
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful, mid-century, modern, retro, 1960’s, Danish style, coffee table/ bench, by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, from the Declaration series. The perfect length...
Walnut
$2,154 / set
H 96 in W 46 in D 45 in
Mid-Century set of six dining chairs attributed to Paolo Buffa. Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Catania, CT
Elegant set of six dining chairs crafted in dark-stained wood, featuring refined lines and characteristic detailing in the style of Paolo Buffa. The seats are upholstered in a silky ...
Fabric, Wood
John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and bronze-painted iron bench or coffee table designed by John Van Koert and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.0"H x 74.0"W x 16.625"D Sea...
Iron
John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl
By Drexel, Henredon, Karl Johan, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Drexel Profile walnut and pecan K60 Arm Chairs and Side Chairs, circa 1950s. Built like tanks, this large set of eight spindle back beauties have been restored to lovely condition. ...
Walnut, Faux Leather, Fruitwood
Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exquisite set of mid century dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for the classic Profile series, made by Drexel. Circa 1950's. The chairs feature a sculpted frame of solid waln...
Wood
Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs
By John Van Koert
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage pair of John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade 'Cymbal' arm chairs in patinated gilt aluminum. A super chic pair of shaped gilt metal chairs in a striki...
Aluminum
Sold
H 35 in W 23 in D 24 in
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern club chair or dining armchair By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut, freshly reupholstered in modern bla...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 20 in D 22 in
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of ten Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered sculpted walnut, freshly reupholstered in ...
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 35 in W 22 in D 21 in
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, 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...
Upholstery, Wood
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century walnut dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 22.5 wide x 24 deep x 35.5 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches and arm height/chair...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Van Koert For Drexel Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19 wide x 20.5 deep x 34 high, with a seat heig...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 34.25 in W 20 in D 22 in
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of ten Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut dining chairs By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut, freshly reupholster...
Upholstery, Walnut
John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair
By John Van Koert
Located in Esperance, NY
1960s John Van Koert walnut lounge chair.
Walnut