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.
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s
By John Van Koert, Henredon, Drexel, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Drexel Profile K37 buffet credenza by John Van Koert stands as a commanding exemplar of mid-century modern elegance—defined by precision, craftsmanship, and sculptural detail. C...
Chrome
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser, credenza, or sideboard By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with original brass ha...
Brass
John Van Koert Drexel K4 Low Dresser, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Johan, John Van Koert, Drexel, Henredon
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K4 low dresser designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. This dresser is a stylish powerhouse of wardrobial organization. There are a total of eight drawers, four...
Chrome
Mid-Century 'Counterpoint' Credenza by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century credenza a part of Drexel’s ‘Counterpoint’ line designed by John Van Koert. This piece is crafted from walnut wood featuring five drawers, three align the top and two div...
Metal
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza
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 designs...
Teak
John Van Koert Drexel Profile K12 Gentlemen’s Chest Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert, Henredon, Karl Johan
Located in Chattanooga, TN
K12 Man’s Chest designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s “Profile” collection. Collectors revel – this dresser comes with it’s original tag! Van Koert began his career as a jewelry de...
Chrome
$4,600
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Long Walnut Mid-Century Modern 9 Drawers Credenza Dresser Double Door Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Long walnut Mid-Century Modern 9 drawers credenza dresser double door cabinet. Gorgeous walnut wood pattern super clean original condition.
Walnut
$3,500
H 42 in W 54 in D 15 in
John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Freestanding Pyramidal Bookcase in Espresso
By Edward Wormley, John Van Koert
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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Highboy Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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...
Aluminum
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 42 in D 11 in
An American 1960s Tri-front Walnut 2-Door Cabinet by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert
Located in San Francisco, CA
the 3-sided top above a paneled conforming body centering double-doors fitted with a solid brass latch; John Van Koert was a prominent New York designer who helped promote the fascin...
Walnut
$3,995
H 32.38 in W 72 in D 19 in
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Walnut Triple Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern long dresser or credenza By John Stuart for Mount Airy, "Casalinda Collection" USA, 1960s Walnut, with original brass teardrop drawer pulls...
Brass
$1,775
H 22 in W 28 in D 20 in
American Mid-Century Modern End Table Travertine by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful And rare end table by Drexel designed by John Van Koert, freshly refinished in chocolate walnut finish with silver-plated polished handles. very clean part of the Drexel Pr...
Travertine
Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing an alluring low sideboard, meticulously crafted from bleached oak and graced with plinth legs, embodying the distinct design essence of the 1950s. This sideboard harmonio...
Oak
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Drexel
By Drexel
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 designs...
Brass
Modernist Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel, 1960s
By John Van Koert, Drexel
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
$2,095
H 29.5 in W 50.5 in D 17.25 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by J.B. Van Sciver
By J.B. Van Sciver Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 60 in D 20 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Mahogany and Grasscloth Credenza Dresser
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, mahogany, credenza dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint features a custom grasscloth facade treatment that contrasts nicely with his signature round brass plated...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double dresser or credenza By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1950s Sculpted cherry wood, with brass hardware. ...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 66.5 in D 20 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern double dresser or credenza with unique cantilevered top By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquere...
Brass
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Sideboard Credenza
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel profile mid century sideboard Credenza This credenza measures: 48 wide x 21 deep x 32 inches high All...
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 52 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser or credenza By John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 52...
Brass
Sold
H 28 in W 48 in L 28 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Small Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Small Sideboard Buffet Credenza Credenza measures: 48 wide x 18 deep x 28 inches high All pieces ...
Chrome
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Buffet Credenza
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century buffet credenza Credenza measures: 60 wide x 21 deep x 32 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Chrome
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century 7 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel profile mid century 7 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser is: 52 wide x 21 deep x 32.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Chrome
Sold
H 72 in W 50 in L 72 in
John Van Koert Design for Drexel Counterpoint Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in West Hartford, CT
Mid-Century Modern signed John Van Koert Classic for Drexel. Classically elegant, this Mid-Century Modern Drexel counterpoint piece can be used as...
Glass, Walnut
Midcentury Drexel Projection John Van Koert Credenza
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Wilmington, DE
It was designed by John Van Koert for Drexel's "Projection" line. It looks to be walnut and painted black pulls. Dimensions: 66.25" W x 19.5" D x 32" H.
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 52 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Seven-Drawer Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern seven-drawer dresser or credenza by John Van Koert for the "Profile" line by Drexel. The dresser features gorgeous walnut wood grain and sleek mid-centur...
Walnut
John Van Koert Profile Collection Walnut Dresser
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chicago, IL
Walnut seven-drawer dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile group. Cantilevered front top edge and tapered saber legs with radius corner side openings. Brushed and toned alumi...
Aluminum