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
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
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
Mid-Century Gondola Style Sofa by Kroehler
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co., Craft Associates
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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 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
$12,501Sale Price / set|45% Off
Adrian Pearsall for Kroehler MFG Co Sofa and Two Matching Armchairs
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
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
Striking Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of mid-century modern lounge chairs by Kroehler, featuring striking sculpted walnut bases in the manner of Adrian Pearsall. These chairs embody the bold, organic lines a...
Fabric
Vintage Armchair By Murphy Miller For Kroehler Furniture
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Murphy Miller Inc.
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
Pair of Upholstered "High and Low'" Chairs by Avanti
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Avanti
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
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
$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
$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
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 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
$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
1960's Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Long Gondola Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Hollywood Regency long gondola couch for sale. It has a floating plinth base, and curved arms. It has a wonderful shape to it, and is very rare. The design is in the m...
Fabric
$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 Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
Ernst Josef Designed Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of parallel bar style tufted vinyl slipper chairs in the style of Florence Knoll. Mid-Century Modern styling with black vinyl cushions supported by tubular aluminium frames and ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern lounge chair manufactured in the United States. This chair features a solid walnut-stained oak frame with sculptural armrests...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Prestige Lounge Chair after Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century lounge chair makes a comfortable and stylish addition to any interior, combining vintage fabric with shapely seat design. Unique tapered legs in the style of Adrian ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Lounge Chair after Risom Big Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Chic and sophisticated architectural lounge chair, after the iconic Risom big chair. The chair has a large upholstered seat which is set in a solid walnut fr...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Gondola Sofa by Baker with Brass Details
By Baker Furniture Company, Adrian Pearsall, James Mont
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Gondola sofa by Baker Furniture. Sofa has super clean lines with a bit of Asian flair. This beautiful sofa is unlike any other gondola sofa. Base is tubular wood finis...
Satin
$1,350Sale Price|28% 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
Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather Lounge Chair
By Coja Culemborg
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern Coja lounge chair produced in the Netherlands. Stylish and comfortable 1960s brown leather lounge chair. Both the ch...
Leather, Wood
$1,450 / set
H 40 in W 32.5 in D 24 in
Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Murphy Miller for Plycraft c 1950’s
By Plycraft, Murphy Miller Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century lounge chair and ottoman designed by Murphy Miller for Plycraft, circa 1950’s. The swivel and tilt chair features bent plywood arms which are attached to the tufted vinyl upholstered seat and backrest. The not often seen ottoman features a fully tufted surface which is supported by the tapering tubular metal four leg base. This example is in good, original condition showing some signs of age and use, specifics to follow. The vinyl upholstery on the seat cushion of the chair has a small flaw, and the upholstery at the top of the side of the back shows minor scuffs. The chair is fully functional and usable as is, or you can have it reupholstered if you prefer a more polished look. In the style of the Mulhauser , and Eames plywood lounge chairs...
Metal
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
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