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John Van Koert Seating

Canadian, American, 1912-1998

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.

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Creator: John Van Koert
Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s
Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s

Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s

$3,000 / set

Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s

By Drexel, John Van Koert

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

$1,480 / set

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.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s
John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

$5,800

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Iron

Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert, Drexel Mid Century
Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert, Drexel Mid Century

Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert, Drexel Mid Century

$5,600 / set

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of Super Chic Lounge Chairs by Robert Van Koert Cymbal Line
Pair of Super Chic Lounge Chairs by Robert Van Koert Cymbal Line

Pair of Super Chic Lounge Chairs by Robert Van Koert Cymbal Line

$3,850 / set

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...

Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s
Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s

Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s

$16,250 / set

Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade
Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade

Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade

$19,500 / set

Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade

By John Van Koert, Troy Sunshade Company

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...

Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Aluminum

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Previously Available Items
John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s
John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 14 in W 74 in D 16.63 in

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

By Drexel, 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. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.0"H x 74.0"W x 16.625"D Sea...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Iron

John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl
John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl

John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl

Sold

H 35 in W 22 in D 21.25 in

John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl

By Karl Johan, Henredon, John Van Koert, Drexel

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. ...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

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Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

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H 34 in W 20 in D 19 in

Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

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Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs
Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs

Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs

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H 31.25 in W 22 in D 21 in

Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs

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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...

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Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency John Van Koert Seating

Materials

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John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered

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H 35 in W 23 in D 24 in

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Profile by John Van Koert circa 1950
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Profile by John Van Koert circa 1950

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Profile by John Van Koert circa 1950

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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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

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John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

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H 35.25 in W 23 in D 24 in

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...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6

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H 35.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair
John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair

John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair

Sold

H 26.25 in W 26.75 in D 25 in

John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair

By John Van Koert

Located in Esperance, NY

1960s John Van Koert walnut lounge chair.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Walnut

John Van Koert seating for sale on 1stDibs.

John Van Koert seating 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 John Van Koert seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by John Van Koert were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Lion in Frost, Romweber Furniture Co., and Bert England. Prices for John Van Koert seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $895 and can go as high as $19,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,225.

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