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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.

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Creator: John Van Koert
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 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...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

John Van Koert Drexel K4 Low Dresser, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
John Van Koert Drexel K4 Low Dresser, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern

John Van Koert Drexel K4 Low Dresser, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern

By John Van Koert, Karl Johan, Henredon, Drexel

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...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

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

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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.