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.
1950's MCM John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Pyramidal Bookshelf in Walnut
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern freestanding sculptural pyramid form bookshelf or room divider designed by John Van Koert for Drexel and manufactured in 1956. The walnut frame and shelves, retai...
Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Freestanding Pyramidal Bookcase in Espresso
By John Van Koert, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” collection, freestanding pyramid or floating bookcase, refinished in dark espresso on silver elm. Unmarked, three...
Elm
$241
H 42.33 in W 19.1 in D 13.55 in
Vintage 4 Tier Freestanding Corner Whatnot Shelves Bookcase Display Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Here we have for sale this vintage 4 tier freestanding corner Whatnot bookcase, shelves, display stand. Perfect for the corner of any room to stand book...
Bamboo, Pine
A Mid-Century Bookshelf, Oak, France, c. 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique mid-century bookshelf with compass feet in oak, designed by unknown designer in France, c. 1950s.
Oak
Singolo Walnut Bookshelf
By Durame
Located in Milan, IT
Minimalist and sophisticated, this bookshelf can be directly put on a wall or in the middle of a room as a divider. Its light Silhouette and exquisite craftsmanship make it a strikin...
Walnut
1930's Warm Figured Walnut Bookshelf
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1930’s Warm Figured Walnut Bookshelf. This is a beautiful large practical 1930’s cabinet with a shaped lower section sitting on a stunning curved form base. The top features four ad...
Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile K4 Low Dresser Mid Century
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This John Van Koert for Drexel Profile K4 low dresser is a classic example of refined American Mid-Century Modern design. Clean architectural lines are softened by subtly flared legs...
Walnut
$53,051
H 63.39 in W 206.7 in D 12.6 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Modular Bookshelf "Pala" In Teak, Asko 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
This monumental bookshelf "Pala" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko. A perfect example of a mid 20-th century bookshelf design from the 1950-1960s. It is ...
Teak
Mogens Koch Three Bookcases in Oak for Rud, Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch three bookcases in Oak. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. The reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK.
Oak
$3,895
H 31.25 in W 57 in D 16 in
Expertly Restored - Kipp Stewart & Stewart M. "Declaration" Bookcase for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
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
$3,895
H 30 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Dresser Attributed to John Van Koert for Drexel - 8-Drawer Lowboy.
Located in Seattle, WA
This mid-century modern lowboy dresser is attributed to John Van Koert for Drexel, reflecting the clean lines and refined simplicity associated with his design work for the brand dur...
Wood
Mogens Koch Bookcases in Mahogany for Rud. Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch pair of bookcases in mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. One bookcase with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Mahogany
$4,500
H 70.87 in W 40.95 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Freestanding Bookcase in Teak by Kurt Østervig, 1960s
By Kurt Østervig, K.P. Møbler 1
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in teak designed by Kurt Østervig M.A.A. for K.P furniture in 1960s. Made in Denmark, great condition.
Brass
Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960's
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century desk, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, circa 1960's. This stylish desk features a two tier top, the upper section having two sliding doors, that open to rev...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 42.5 in W 54 in D 19 in
Pyramidal Bookshelf / Room Divider by John Van Koert for Drexel, USA, c. 1950's
By John Van Koert
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare pyramidal Étagère designed by the influential American designer John Van Koert for the lauded Drexel Company. Constructed in the late 1950's from a mix of solid an...
Walnut
Sold
H 42.25 in W 54.5 in D 19 in
“Profile” Pyramidal Bookshelf in Walnut by John Van Koert for Drexel, USA
By John Van Koert
Located in Deland, FL
Mid-Century Modern bookshelf designed by American designer John Van Koert and manufactured by Drexel in the United States circa 1950’s. With a solid and stable walnut wood frame and three tapered...
Walnut
John Van Koert “Profile” Walnut Bookshelf for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Van Koert "Profile" bookshelf for Drexel.
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 34 in D 14 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Bookcase, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut bookcase By John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" Collection USA, 1957 ...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 32.25 in W 34 in L 32.25 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Black Lacquered Bookcases, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut bookcases By John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" Collection US...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 31 in W 46.5 in D 13.13 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Projection Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase, 1960s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase By John Van Koert for Drexel "Projection" Line USA, 1960s Walnut, with sliding glass doors. Measures: 46.5" W x 13.13" D x 31" ...
Glass, Walnut
John Van Koert “Counterpoint” Three-Tier Bookshelf for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: John Van Koert Manufacturer: Drexel “Counterpoint” Period/Style: Mid-Century Modern Country: United States Date: 1950s Dimensions: 37.75? H x 54? W x 17? D Material...
Walnut
John Van Koert Etagere / Room Divider by Drexel 1957
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE: John Van Koert designed "Pyramid Unit", for Drexel, 1957, mahogany, three shelves, tapered supports, original finish, stenciled mark 8/57 and Pyramid Unit, Drexel stamp, 55"w x 19"d x 42"h, excellent condition. From Drexel's Profile Collection. This sculptural piece serves as an etagere, book shelves...
Mahogany