Before growing into one of the largest furniture brands in the United States in the mid-20th century, the Kroehler Manufacturing Co. had humble beginnings. It was founded in 1902, when Peter E. Kroehler, a Chicago-based businessman who grew up on a farm in Minnesota, bought a small furniture manufacturer called Naperville Lounge Co., a maker of wooden lounge chairs and upholstered furniture, founded in 1893.
Peter had first worked there as a clerk before rising to partner and then president and finally owner. Under Kroehler’s leadership, a new factory was built in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 1913, and soon after the company was renamed.
Kroehler Manufacturing Co. became a fixture of the American furniture industry, eventually employing around 8,000 people in four plants in Illinois and Ohio, and by the 1940s was bringing in more than $20 million in annual sales.
The company was a pioneer in innovative 20th-century furniture, patenting some of its designs, like the Unifold sofa bed with a removable mattress that was developed in 1909 and the sideways foldable Duofold sofa bed. Colorful ads in popular magazines such as Ladies Home Journal propelled these dual-purpose furnishings into customer favorites.
Kroehler was also known for its hand-tufted Turkish couches as well as unique shapes for lounge-chair backs, such as batwings and scallops. In addition to seating and sofa beds, the company specialized in furniture for the entire home, from sturdy wooden cabinets to sleek mid-century modern credenzas.
Kroehler’s historic Naperville factory closed in 1978 due to financial struggles and was acquired by a Chicago investment firm that sold the plants as well as the rights to the Kroehler name. Its Naperville factory was converted into apartments in the 1980s, and decades later the company name is still visible on the building.
Kroehler Manufacturing Co. is remembered for its long association with the Chicago area and its quality mid-century modern pieces, which remain coveted collector’s items to this day.
Find vintage Kroehler Manufacturing Co. furniture on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Lounge Chair By Kroehler
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylishly cozy lounge chair was made by Kroehler Manufacturing company circa 1966 as part of their American Leisure Collection. This chair was made in the style of and therefore...
Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
$5,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fabulous Pair of Kroehler, 1950s Swivel Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of Kroehler, 1950s swivel chairs. These chairs have recently been re-upholstered with a modern pattered fabric and look great. I pers...
Brass
Mid-Century Gondola Style Sofa by Kroehler
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century sofa manufactured by Kroehler and very much in the style of Adrian Pearsall, i.e., the Gondola Sofa. This long sofa sits atop a sculptured walnut wooden base. The suppo...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$12,501Sale Price / set|45% Off
Adrian Pearsall for Kroehler MFG Co Sofa and Two Matching Armchairs
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Sarasota, FL
Adrian Pearsall for Kroehler Manufacturing Co RARE matching atomic sofa set with sofa and two arm chairs in the original upholstery from their 'American Le...
Fabric, Walnut
$4,200 / set
Vintage Walnut Slipper Chairs by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut slipper chairs designed by Kroehler in the United States, circa 1960s. These chairs are not just a pair of chairs, but a statement piece that exudes eleganc...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Kroehler Lounge Chair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century armchair manufactured by Kroehler, circa 1960s. Very much in the style of Adrian Pearsall. Sitting atop a sculpted walnut wooden base that gives the chair its Pearsall...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Kroehler Upholstered Swivel Lounge Chair - mcm
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kroehler Upholstered Swivel Lounge Chair This chair measures: 33 wide x 31 deep x 26 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair clearance of 21 inches We take our photos i...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid Century Post Modern Lounge Chairs by Donghia for Kroehler After Parsons
By Donghia, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome matching pair of armchairs designed by Donghia for Koehler. These feature their original grey flanel upholstery and ready for use. Manufacture labels
Fabric
Pair of Red Upholstery Barrel Scallop Shape Back Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of striking looking red upholstery lounge chairs by Kroehler.
Upholstery, Birch
Vintage Leather Chairs By Murphy Miller For Kroehler Furniture
By Murphy Miller Inc., Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add authentic vintage charm to your space with these mid-century chairs by Murphy-Miller, a beautiful example of understated design and solid American craftsmanship. Known for their ...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Kroehler Avant Lounge Chairs on Original Condition, USA, 1960s
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Kroehler Avant lounge chairs on original condition, USA 1960s The chairs have vintage upholstery. We are offering also reupholstery in our in h...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Black Leather Tufted Sofa Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style
By Edward Wormley, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a very handsome, gorgeous black leather geometric tufted pattern sofa by the Kroehler Mfg. Company, in the style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The design of the frame is rema...
Leather
Mid Century Modern Blush Mohair Swivel Slipper Chair By Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your decor with this Mid Century Modern, swivel, armless slipper chair by Kroehler Smartset Design. The chair features a stylized silhouette framed with rosewood tapered legs...
Mohair, Rosewood
Pair of Upholstered "High and Low'" Chairs by Avanti
By Avanti, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of upholstered and walnut chairs. The pair features two different versions often called "His and Hers". But we call it "High and Low" referring to the high and low back of the ch...
Fabric, Walnut
Hollywood Regency Velvet Slipper Chair by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury, Hollywood regency, slipper chair by Kroehler upholstered in textured, cream velvet with lacquered rosewood legs.
Velvet, Rosewood
Vintage Armchair By Murphy Miller For Kroehler Furniture
By Murphy Miller Inc., Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add authentic vintage charm to your space with this mid-century chair by Murphy-Miller, a beautiful example of understated design and solid American craftsmanship. Known for their cl...
Leather, Walnut
$2,800 / set
Pair of Classic Slipper Chairs by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of elegant slipper chairs by Kroehler. Original upholstery, white laquered legs.
Mahogany
Mid-Century Slope Armchair by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage lounge chair with dramatic swooping arms and tapered wood legs. Great comfort and design by Kroehler. (Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer).
Fabric
$6,950 / set
Midcentury Kroehler Upholstered Lounge Chairs
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Well designed pair of sculptural armchairs by the Kroehler Co. Featuring blue fabric upholstery, solid American wood construction with comfortable deep seats. The sculptural legs rea...
Upholstery, Wood
Fun Pair of Kroehler Bat Wing Swivel Slipper Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super cool pair of Kroehler bat wing swivel slipper chairs. The chairs are in nice vintage condition and retain their original black faux leather-reupholstery is recommended. We love...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Vintage Regency Style Slipper Chairs
Located in Trenton, NJ
This stunning pair of high back regency modern slipper chairs feature ornate ebonized wooden frames with gilt detail and brass studded trim. The comfortably padded upholstered seats make this an excellent set of occasional chairs...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,500
H 27 in W 102 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the iconic Gondola Sofa, a masterpiece of mid-century modern design by Adrian Pearsall. With its sculptural silhouette, this sofa embodies the sleek, organic aesthetic th...
Fabric, Walnut
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 136 in D 32 in
Mid Century Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates c 1960's
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Architectural two piece sectional sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. The sofa features an angled section, which has a storage cabinet on its end, with a drop down door cover. The other section is straight, making it possible to use the pieces together, as shown, or placed separately if you prefer. This example is in good, vintage estate condition, usable as is, or you can have it reupholstered if you prefer a more finished look. Specific condition report as follows. The knob on the side cabinet door has been replaced using an appropriate mid century knob...
Upholstery
$7,800
H 30 in W 96 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa By Rowe Furniture
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa was produced by Rowe Furniture Co. in the 1950s designed in the style of Adrian Pearsall's gondola sofa model 2640-S, the hottest sellin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Dunbar Slipper Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dubar. Button tufted tight seat and back in ivory boucle. Wood base refinished in dark walnut
Wood
$9,200 / set
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 28.35 in
1950s Pair of Lounge Chairs in Imbuia Wood, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
These two chairs have an amazing Italian style, with sexy curves contrasting with the boxy shell. Two-tone fabrics enhance the dynamics of the shell, creating a very exciting piece. ...
Hardwood
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates Inc.
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates Inc.
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury Adrian Pearsall for Craft Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa attributed to Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Features an angular case with distinctive canted arms at each end, and a low sleek profile. ...
Fabric, Walnut
$1,400Sale Price|26% Off
H 41 in W 30 in D 35.5 in
Adrian Pearsall Styled Vintage Sculptural Wood Lounge Armchair, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1960s vintage highback lounge chair features sculptural wood and groovy original 1960s fabric. The style is in the manner of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates and Kipp Stewar...
Fabric, Wood
$2,168Sale Price|41% Off
H 40 in W 37 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Rock Swivel Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Charleston, SC
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1970. Furniture that’s art. Arms gently slope out like a blossoming tulip. An overstuffed cushion runs down along the edge of the seat back...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wonderfully long, low and deep upholstered sofa having a floating back and an organic sculptural walnut sled base with a floating frontal stretcher. Reupholstery is recommended.
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair This chair measures: 36 wide x 29 deep x 30.25 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches and arm height/cha...
Metal
Sold
H 29.75 in W 105 in D 31.5 in
Mid Century Modern Kroehler Gondola sofa style of Adrian Pearsall Kagan
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This exquisite Kroehler Gondola Sofa is part of their "American Leisure collection, often mistaken for Adrian Pearsall's work, it surpasses many Pearsall pieces in both construction...
Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 130 in D 40 in
Vintage Sectional Pit Sofa by Kroehler Chocolate Brown Suede Like Fabric
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage 12 piece chocolate brown sectional pit sofa with suede like / velvet fabric. 24 cushions. Sections can be made into multiple configurations. Ve...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by Kroehler - a Pair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century lounge chairs manufactured by Koehler, circa 1950s. This pair features a vibrant earthy green upholstered body. Arched walnut legs frame the sides of the chairs. The leg...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 82 in D 29.5 in
Antique Kroehler Mission Quartersawn Oak Sofa Couch Unifold Davenport Bed
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Kroehler unifold Davenport sofa/couch/bed. Made of quartersawn oak featuring traditional Mission styling with vinyl upholstery and a folding fra...
Faux Leather, Oak
Mid Century Modern Kroehler Avant Fully Restored Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage MCM Mid Century Modern Kroehler Avant 3 seat sofa c.1960’s. Tapered walnut legs and blue tweed style upholstery Unusual Avant model with scalloped walnut back detailing. Sof...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.75 in W 105 in D 31.5 in
Mid Century Modern Kroehler Gondola sofa style of Adrian Pearsall Kagan
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This exquisite Kroehler Gondola Sofa is part of their "American Leisure collection, often mistaken for Adrian Pearsall's work, it surpasses many Pearsall pieces in both construction...
Walnut
Kroehler Clean Modernist Sculptural Form Chairs, Restored, Pair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning pair by Kroehler Avant Designs. Featuring sleek curved backs, leading to padded arms with a removable seat cushions all rising on sculptural form splayed legs. The legs...
Upholstery, Wood
Reupholstered Kroehler "Avant" High Back Tufted Lounge Chair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Embrace both the fashion and function of genuine mid-century modernism with this excellent tufted lounge chair by Kroehler Manufacturing Co. of Naperville, Illinois. Balancing robust...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Walnut Slipper Chair By Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek, mid-century modern, walnut frame, slipper chair by Kroehler is newly upholstered in sumptuous taupe chenille. With it's tucked sides and tapered legs, it's the perfect midcent...
Chenille, Walnut
Mid-Century Brasilia Style Walnut Dining Chairs- Set of Four
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Trenton, NJ
Step into retro style with this set of four Mid-Century Walnut Dining Chairs from Kroehler Furniture, crafted in the style of the iconic Broyhill Brasilia collection. Each chair is a...
Fabric, Wood
Kroehler Walnut Beige Chairs
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Kroehler Walnut Beige Chairs . The pair of chairs were refinished and reupholstered . They have a tafting design on the chairs.
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Early 20th-C. Empire Style Tufted Green Leather Chaise / Sofa / Recamier
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century Empire style green tufted leather chaise. It was manufactured in New York in approximately 1920 by Kroehler Manufacturing Company. It is marked. The oak...
Leather, Oak