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.
4
to
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
1
1
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
3
2
1
1
4
4
38
27
26
22
21
Creator: John Van Koert
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Leather Top Walnut Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Countryside, 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
American Mid-Century Desk Deisgned 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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Wood
Modernist Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Brass
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
Related Items
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk and matching chair.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Walnut
H 34.5 in W 34.5 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk has a conserv...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Oryx Desk Table by Parigi and Prina for Molteni
By Vittorio Parigi
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian Plastic and Steel Orix Desk by V. Parigi & N. Prina for Molteni, 1970s
Moulded ABS plastic with chrome base, and hinged glass writing surface.
In impeccable original conditi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Executive Walnut Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning mid-century modern walnut executive desk made in the USA, circa 1960's. This desk features a well-crafted walnut design accented by elegant chrome handles. Designed with fun...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Chrome
Midcentury Bench / Coffee Table by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist bench or table by John Van Koert for Drexel, superior quality and construction. Scaled down version of the Classic dining table, simple, elegant design. solid and sturdy fr...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Mahogany
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut extension dining table
By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection
USA, 1958
Measures: 62"W x 40"D x 29"H. Extends up to 98"W with ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel - Profile - Walnut Extension Dining Table - 3 Leaves
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in St. Louis, MO
John Van Koert for Drexel designed sculptural & sophisticated architectural form model K-42-4 dining table, designed as part of the classic Profile series. This large walnut extensio...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Walnut
H 29.38 in W 62 in D 39.88 in
John Van Koert Designed 'Counterpoint' for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid-century design by John Van Koert with luxurious mahogany, blended with wild-grained cherry wood. Inset hardware, rounded lines and tapered legs. Six drawers and center cabi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Wood, Cherry
Mid-Century desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen, 1960s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Hedensted Møbelfabrik
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century teak desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen, crafted in 1967 by Hedensted Møbelfabrik, Denmark. This double-faced desk, featuring a minimalist design and warm teak wood construction...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful walnut Drexel desk with matte black metal handles. Great piece for any office or bedroom.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Drexel "Meridian" Cabinet by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home out-of-this-world vintage design with the "Meridian" series from Carolina's Drexel Furniture! Designed by American modern pioneer John Van Koert, it features carved oak an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Brass
John Van Koert Walnut Leather Top Desk for Drexel, c.1965
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
John Van Koert Walnut Leather Top Desk for Drexel, c.1965. This piece has been professionally restored.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Steel
Previously Available Items
Mid Century MODERN WALNUT Tambour DESK by John Van Koert for Drexel, c. 1960's
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Tambour Top Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel, distributed by John A. Colby & Sons, c. 1955. Incredible profile with the legs giving the desk a floating app...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Walnut
H 35 in W 34 in D 27 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
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 Mid Century Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Countryside, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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 Desk and Chair
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Mid-Century sculpted form. Original "Smoke" finish has lovely warm patina. Leather upholstered desktop and seat. Finished back; presentable from every angle. Manufactured by ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Desks
Materials
Metal
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.