Skip to main content

John Van Koert Credenzas

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
33
71
60
57
57
Creator: John Van Koert
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished

John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century 'Counterpoint' Credenza by John Van Koert for Drexel
Mid-Century 'Counterpoint' Credenza by John Van Koert for Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza

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...

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered Credenza
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered Credenza

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered 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...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Drexel
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by J.B. Van Sciver
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by J.B. Van Sciver

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...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960's
Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960's

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...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered & Walnut Credenza
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered & Walnut Credenza

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered & Walnut 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...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s

By Drexel, Karl Johan, Henredon, John Van Koert

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...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Projection” Dresser by John Van Koert

By Drexel, John Van Koert

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 creativ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Rosewood Credenza
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Rosewood Credenza

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Rosewood Credenza

By Bassett Furniture

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 desig...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Drexel Counterpoint Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza and Hutch
Drexel Counterpoint Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza and Hutch

Drexel Counterpoint Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza and Hutch

By Drexel

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Drexel Counterpoint Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures: 60 wide x 20 deep x 30.25 inches high The hutch measures: 60 wide x 17.5 deep x 42 inches high...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Van Keppel for Brown Saltman Mid Century Credenza
Van Keppel for Brown Saltman Mid Century Credenza

Van Keppel for Brown Saltman Mid Century Credenza

By Brown Saltman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Van Keppel for Brown Saltman Mid Century Credenza This credenza measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 35.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much d...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Profile” 3-Drawer Dresser
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Profile” 3-Drawer Dresser

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Profile” 3-Drawer Dresser

By John Van Koert, 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 design...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Mahogany and Grasscloth Credenza Dresser
John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Mahogany and Grasscloth Credenza Dresser

John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Mahogany and Grasscloth Credenza Dresser

By Drexel, John Van Koert

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...

Category

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

Materials

Grasscloth, Mahogany

John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Double Dresser, Newly Refinished

John Van Koert for Drexel Cherry Wood Double Dresser, Newly Refinished

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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. ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Double Dresser, Newly Refinished

John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Double Dresser, Newly Refinished

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Credenza, 1950s

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...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Buffet Credenza
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Buffet Credenza

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Buffet Credenza

By Drexel, John Van Koert

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...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century 7 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century 7 Drawer Lowboy Dresser

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...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

John Van Koert Design for Drexel Counterpoint Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard
John Van Koert Design for Drexel Counterpoint Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard

John Van Koert Design for Drexel Counterpoint Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Midcentury Drexel Projection John Van Koert Credenza
Midcentury Drexel Projection John Van Koert Credenza

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.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Seven-Drawer Dresser
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Seven-Drawer Dresser

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Seven-Drawer Dresser

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

John Van Koert Profile Collection Walnut Dresser
John Van Koert Profile Collection Walnut Dresser

John Van Koert Profile Collection Walnut Dresser

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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...

Category

1950s American Vintage John Van Koert Credenzas

Materials

Aluminum

John Van Koert credenzas for sale on 1stDibs.

John Van Koert credenzas 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 credenzas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original credenzas by John Van Koert were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider credenzas by Heritage-Henredon, James Mont, and John Stuart Inc.. Prices for John Van Koert credenzas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,400 and can go as high as $4,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,500.