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 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 Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Cherry Wood Roll Top Desk, 1959

$2,795

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Cherry Wood Roll Top Desk, 1959

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern roll top writing desk By John Van Koert for Drexel USA, 1959 Sculpted cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 30"W x 22"D x 46.25"H...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Executive Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel

$6,200

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

Casa Del Sol 3 Drawer Smallboy Dresser Pair by John Van Koert for Drexel c.1957

$3,200 / set

H 29.25 in W 36 in D 20 in

Casa Del Sol 3 Drawer Smallboy Dresser Pair by John Van Koert for Drexel c.1957

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in Lutz, FL

Lovely Casa Del Sol collection Walnut Smallboy Dresser Pair designed by John Van Koert for Drexel in 1957. Previously professionally refinished in a deeper walnut tone by original ow...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Dunbar

$2,699Sale Price|54% Off

H 29 in W 84 in D 42 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Lafayette, IN

Grand style and grand scale combine in this wonderful executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Desk features walnut construction, brass and mahogany pulls, and the renowned Dunba...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker

$4,800

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant neoclassical desk, designed for Baker, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a great desk, console table, dressing table, or vanity. It offers a nice amount of s...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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 Milo Baughman, Drexel

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

Large French Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk

$24,500

H 50 in W 65 in D 27 in

Large French Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk

Located in Troy, NY

French Mahogany Empire Desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of total six drawers under an open shelf, as well as a sliding writing surface with inset ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Pearwood

Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style Antique Desk Brass Pulls Table Mint

$3,800

H 31 in W 62 in D 38 in

Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style Antique Desk Brass Pulls Table Mint

By Baker Furniture Company, Drexel

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style antique desk brass pulls table mint.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960's English Regency Style Pecan Desk Console by Thomasville

$2,726Sale Price|22% Off

H 29 in W 61.88 in D 25 in

1960's English Regency Style Pecan Desk Console by Thomasville

By Tommi Parzinger, Thomasville

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This English Regency style pecan writing desk by Thomasville would be perfect in any room. Desk, console, or entryway table to name a few. The stain / tone appears to be in the fam...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Tambour Roll Top Desk

Sold|~~$3,450~~

H 43.5 in W 30 in D 18 in

Attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman Walnut Tambour Roll Top Desk

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant California modern roll-top secretary desk manufactured by Brown Saltman and attributed to designer John Keal, circa late 1950s. Executed in richly grained walnut, the desk fe...

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk

$3,347

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 30 in

John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk

By John Stuart

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches We take our photos in a...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Regency Drexel Writing Desk

$2,250

H 30 in W 40 in D 22 in

Vintage Regency Drexel Writing Desk

By Drexel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A masterpiece of classic design, this vintage writing desk by renowned maker Drexel embodies the grace and sophistication of the French Provincial style. The desk's exquisite silhoue...

Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial John Van Koert Desks

Materials

Brass

Arne Vodder for Sibast Mid Century Danish Teak Executive Desk

$6,495

H 29.5 in W 62.75 in D 31.5 in

Arne Vodder for Sibast Mid Century Danish Teak Executive Desk

By Sibast, Arne Vodder

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Arne Vodder for Sibast Mid Century Danish Teak Executive Desk This desk measures: 62.75 wide x 31.5 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.5 inches Great Vintage Condition ...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

John Van Koert Designed 'Counterpoint' for Drexel

$2,000

H 30.5 in W 60.25 in D 20 in

John Van Koert Designed 'Counterpoint' for Drexel

By Drexel, John Van Koert

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

Previously Available Items

John Van Koert Drexel Profile Desk Vanity with Original Chair c 1950's

Sold

H 31.75 in W 30.25 in D 18 in

John Van Koert Drexel Profile Desk Vanity with Original Chair c 1950's

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in New York, NY

Classic American Mid Century Modern writing desk / vanity designed by John Van Koert for Drexel as part of the sought after Profile series, circa later 1950's. The desk features one ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert, Mid-Century Modern, 1955

Sold

H 35.38 in W 53.75 in D 33.25 in

Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert, Mid-Century Modern, 1955

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

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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 Drexel, John Van Koert

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

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.