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.
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...
Walnut
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1956 Measures: 62"W x 40"D x 29.25"H. Extends...
Walnut
$3,596Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Drexel Profile K44 Extending Dining Table by John Van Koert
By John Van Koert, Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Drexel Profile Model K44 extending dining table is both striking in scale and versatile in function. Its walnut and pecan top, supported by robust metal glides, opens effortless...
Fruitwood, Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Drop Leaf Dining Table
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century walnut drop leaf dining table This table measures: 71 wide x 42 deep x 30 inches high, e...
Walnut
$4,995
H 29.25 in W 102.5 in D 38 in
Drexel Heritage Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Walnut Extension Dining Table
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign extension dining table By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1960s Walnut, with inlaid parquet top, and brass accents. Measures: ...
Brass
Round Clove Shape Burl Walnut Dining Conference Table w/ 3 Extension Leaves
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round clove shape burl walnut dining conference table w/ 3 x 20" extension leaves. Extends to maximum of 108" long.
Burl, Walnut
Large John Van Koert coffee Table
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Charleston, WV
38" wide x 16" tall, large walnut coffee table. John Van Korea for Drexel. This table has been refinished but maintains two flaws (photographed and shown in video), otherwise excelle...
Walnut
$3,195
H 29.75 in W 87.5 in D 48 in
Newly Refinished - Expanding Mid-Century Swedish Modern Teak Dining Table
By J.O. Carlsson, Karl-Erik Ekselius
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...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Walnut Extension Dining Room Table
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant black walnut dining table attributed to the Founders Furniture Company. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, it was well taken care of. Two large leav...
Walnut
18th Century Italian Drop Leaf Walnut Round Dining Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautifully aged large solid walnut round drop leaf table. The gate legs that support the leaves may possibly be old replacements, otherwise in...
Walnut
$2,495
H 30 in W 63 in D 45 in
Newly Refinished - Expanding Merton Gershun “Esprit” Walnut Dining Table
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
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...
Walnut
$5,995
H 29.75 in W 97.5 in D 41.75 in
Drexel Georgian Mahogany Double Pedestal Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Regency style double pedestal extension dining table By Drexel USA, Circa 1950s Gorgeous mahogany, with carved mahogany pedestals, and brass-capped feet...
Brass
Mid century Rosewood Danish Modern Extension Dining Table 2 Leaves
By H. Sigh & Søns Møbelfabrik AS, Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Rosewood Rectangle Danish Modern extension dining table with (2) nesting pull out leaves. This table has Solid rosewood round tapered legs. This table is in good vintage ...
Birch, Rosewood
$2,150
H 29 in W 39.5 in D 55 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Butterfly-Leaf Dining Table
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...
Teak
$4,995
H 29.25 in W 116 in D 42 in
Drexel Heritage Mid-Century Modern Burled Walnut Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency extension dining table By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1960s Beautiful burled...
Walnut, Burl
Walnut Cross-Banded Extension Dining Table with 1 Leaf
Located in Huntington, NY
Walnut cross-banded extension dining table with 1 leaf on a single quadruped base. It’s original finish in good condition with underlying craquelure effect to the finish. Table 62 in...
Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 44 in D 44 in
Newly Refinished - Expanding Mid-Century Modern “Profile” Round Dining Table
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Dimensions: 30”H x 44” -80"W x 44”D 3 Extensions With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, show...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Expanding Mid-Century Modern “Profile” Dining Table
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 29.50”H x 54”-90"W x 36”D 3 Extensions
Walnut
Sold
H 28.75 in W 98 in D 40 in
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1955 Measures: 62"W x 40"D x 28.75"H. Exten...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 29 in W 98 in D 40 in
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 ...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 98 in D 40 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1958 Measures: 62"W x 40"D x 29.5"H. ...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.75 in W 90 in D 36 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table, 1956
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern black lacquered extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Counterpoint" Collection USA, 1956 Measures: 54"W x 36"D x 29.75...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.25 in W 98 in D 40 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Measures: 62"W x 40 x 29.25"H. ...
Walnut, Lacquer
Mid Century Dining Table by John Van Koert Profile for Drexel, 1950's
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural and sophisticated architectural dining table, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel as part of the classic Profile series. This example is in very fine, original, clean co...
Walnut
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Round Expanding Dining Table
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century round expanding dining table This table measures: 44 wide x 44 deep x 30 inches high, wi...
Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 90 in D 36 in
Paul McCobb Style John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century 10 Person Dining
By John Van Koert, Paul McCobb, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Style John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century 10 Person dining table This table measures 54 wide x 36 deep x 29 inches high...
Wood
Sold
H 29.75 in W 106 in D 42 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern boat-shaped black lacquered walnut drop leaf extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1955 Measures: ...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.25 in W 98 in D 40 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut extension dining table By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1956 Measures: 62"W x 40 x 29.25"H. E...
Walnut, Lacquer