John Van Koert Desks

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.

Creator: John Van Koert

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

$2,800

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

By John Van Koert, Drexel

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 Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

1950's Drexel Profile Leather Top Desk by John Van Koert

$4,855

1950's Drexel Profile Leather Top Desk by John Van Koert

By Drexel, John Van Koert, Edward Wormley

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Yes, in fact that is a new leather desktop. Our team replaced the original Naugahyde surface with genuine black leather. The Drexel Profile walnut and pecan K70 Desk is both a tank...

Category

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

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Mid Century Executive Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel

$6,800

Mid Century Executive Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Spectacular Mid Century executive desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. It has the maker’s mark in the drawer, (shown in the picture above). This wonderful desk has four drawer...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Modernist Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel, 1960s

$9,500

Modernist Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel, 1960s

By Drexel, John Van Koert

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.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk

$3,295

H 29.25 in W 60 in D 24 in

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk

By Drexel, Kipp Stewart

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration mid-century walnut writing desk. The desk measures: 60 wide x 24 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches. All pieces of fur...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

John Van Koert Casa del Sol Tawny Walnut and Stenciled Tall Cabinet

$6,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 65.75 in W 54 in D 20 in

John Van Koert Casa del Sol Tawny Walnut and Stenciled Tall Cabinet

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Chicago, IL

From John Van Koert's Casa del Sol collection for Drexel. Two-piece tall cabinet in bleached walnut, with original hand stenciled green and yellow floral detail on the upper cabinet doors. Pair of upper doors with silver-polished nickel pulls...

Category

1950s American Vintage John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Walnut

Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk

$3,200

H 18 in W 27.5 in D 23 in

Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...

Category

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

Santos Rosewood Desk by Jensen & Valeur for Dyrlund

$3,356

H 29.53 in W 61.03 in D 27.56 in

Santos Rosewood Desk by Jensen & Valeur for Dyrlund

By Henning Jensen & Torben Valeur, Dyrlund

Located in Little Burstead, Essex

This model of desk by Valeur & Jensen rarely hang around for long and this one in particular has very nicely marked grain. It is in fantastic condition, and ready for your home ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Hardwood

Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk

$1,800

H 30 in W 60 in D 26 in

Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk

By Dillingham Manufacturing Company

Located in Esperance, NY

For sale is this nice vintage desk made by Dillingham

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern "Biscayne" Floating Top Walnut Desk by Drexel

$5,400

H 34.5 in W 55.75 in D 31.5 in

Mid-Century Modern "Biscayne" Floating Top Walnut Desk by Drexel

By Drexel, Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This exceptional floating top walnut desk by Drexel represents the pinnacle of 1960s American modernist design. Part of the distinguished Biscayne collection, this piece draws clear ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rare Dom Hans van der Laan Desk, the Netherlands

$18,208

H 33.86 in W 78.75 in D 44.89 in

Rare Dom Hans van der Laan Desk, the Netherlands

By Dom Hans van der Laan

Located in Aartselaar, BE

Dom Hans van der Laan Bossche School office desk , the Netherlands Very rare and highly collectible piece by renowned Dutch designer, architect and monk Dom Hans van der Laan. Made ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Wood, Pine

Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Mid Century Executive Desk

$9,095

H 31 in W 135 in D 87 in

Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Mid Century Executive Desk

By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Mid Century Executive Desk This desk measures: 135 wide x 87 deep x 31 high, with a two chair clearances of 25.75 and 28.75 inches All pieces of fur...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-century vintage Drexel heritage French empire style leather top to desk

$1,650

H 30 in W 54 in D 25 in

Mid-century vintage Drexel heritage French empire style leather top to desk

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a mid-century vintage Drexel Heritage French empire inspired leather topped desk. This desk stands on four elegant fluted legs with brass casters at the bottom. This desk has...

Category

1960s Vintage John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

K12 Man's Chest by John Van Koert for Drexel 'Profile' Collection

$2,000

H 48 in W 34 in D 21.25 in

K12 Man's Chest by John Van Koert for Drexel 'Profile' Collection

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern K12 Man’s Chest designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s iconic “Profile” collection, circa 1950s. Crafted in richly grained walnut with sculptural, jewelry-inspire...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Helikon Mid Century Burlwood Executive Desk

$4,595

H 28.5 in W 79.75 in D 37.75 in

Helikon Mid Century Burlwood Executive Desk

By Helikon

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Helikon Mid Century Burlwood Executive Desk This desk measures: 79.75 wide x 37.75 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in wh...

Category

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

Materials

Burl

MCM Walnut "Declaration" Single Drawer Corner Desk by Kipp Stewart for Drexel

$2,850

H 31 in W 52.25 in D 40.25 in

MCM Walnut "Declaration" Single Drawer Corner Desk by Kipp Stewart for Drexel

By Kipp Stewart, Drexel

Located in San Diego, CA

Super rare and fabulous MCM single drawer walnut corner desk designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel’s "Declaration Collection", circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage c...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items

Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Walnut K95 Desk by John Van Koert

Sold

H 29.75 in W 44 in D 20.75 in

Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Walnut K95 Desk by John Van Koert

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Elegant Mid-Century Modern K95 desk in walnut designed by John Van Koert for high quality furniture maker, Drexel. This desk has two large drawers on the left, and a smaller drawer o...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1950s Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert

Sold

H 29.75 in W 20.75 in D 44 in

1950s Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage Mid-Century Modern desk for sale. Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, and part of the collectible Profile series. It has been beautifully refi...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Leather Top Walnut Desk

Sold

H 35.5 in W 53.75 in D 33 in

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Leather Top Walnut Desk

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile mid century leather top walnut desk This desk measures: 53.75 wide x 33 deep x 35.5 high, with a chair clearance of 25.5 inches All pieces of ...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Desk

Sold

H 29.75 in W 44 in D 20.75 in

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Desk

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Van Koert for Drexel mid century desk This desk measures: 44 wide x 20.75 deep x 29.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inc...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Walnut Model-K80 Executive Desk by John Van Koert

Sold

H 35.25 in W 54 in D 33.25 in

Vintage Walnut Model-K80 Executive Desk by John Van Koert

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Stunning vintage walnut model-K80 executive desk designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel Profile series, circa 1960s. This desk has an elegant and versatile design, it is built wit...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Desk Designed by John Van Koert Fro Drexel circa 1960

Sold

H 30 in W 45 in D 26 in

Mid-Century Desk Designed by John Van Koert Fro Drexel circa 1960

By John Van Koert

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An American mid-century walnut desk with side extension designed by John Van Koert fro Drexel, circa 1960. Labelled. Fully extends to 60" Knee hole: 24"

Category

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

Materials

Wood

John Van Koert Executive Desk

Sold

H 35.25 in W 54 in D 33 in

John Van Koert Executive Desk

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in South Charleston, WV

Restored to a superior level. Measures: 30.25" tall (back storage tier is 35.25"), 54" wide and 33" deep Featuring splayed legs and a cantilevered body, file drawers, pencil drawers with slat dividers as well as an integral desk top storage...

Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

John Van Koert "Profile" Model-K80 Executive Desk for Drexel

Sold

H 35.5 in W 54 in D 33 in

John Van Koert "Profile" Model-K80 Executive Desk for Drexel

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A stunning modern desk designed by John Van Koert in collaboration for Drexel's "Profile" line in the United States circa the 1960s. This stylish desk also known as the Model K80 fea...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Van Koert "Perspective" Model K80 Executive Desk for Drexel

Sold

H 35.5 in W 54 in D 33 in

John Van Koert "Perspective" Model K80 Executive Desk for Drexel

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A stunning modern desk designed by John Van Koert in collaboration for Drexel's "Profile" line in the United States circa the 1960s. This stylish desk also known as the Model K80 fea...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Desk with Side Extension Designed John Van Koert for Drexel

Sold

H 29.53 in W 46.07 in D 25.99 in

Desk with Side Extension Designed John Van Koert for Drexel

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Midcentury desk with side extension making the width go from 39.5 inches to 62 inches. Designed John Van Koert for Drexel, circa 1960.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Drexel Desk by John Van Koert

Sold

H 35.25 in W 54 in D 33.5 in

Vintage Drexel Desk by John Van Koert

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This modernist desk derives it's beauty from it's line and incredible craftsmanship. It was designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel Profile series. The back is amazing as the front...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Sleek 1960s John Van Koert for Drexel Walnut Extension Desk

Sold

H 30.25 in W 45.75 in D 25.88 in

Sleek 1960s John Van Koert for Drexel Walnut Extension Desk

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Hudson, NY

Sleek walnut desk designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel "Counterpoint" line. This desk shows well from all angles and is very functional. Contains four roomy drawers and also a p...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Van Koert desks for sale on 1stDibs.

John Van Koert desks 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 desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by John Van Koert were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by Harvey Probber, John Stuart, and Thomasville. Prices for John Van Koert desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,595.