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Kroehler Mfg. Co. Chairs

American

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.

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Creator: Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Vintage Leather Chairs By Murphy Miller For Kroehler Furniture
Vintage Leather Chairs By Murphy Miller For Kroehler Furniture

Vintage Leather Chairs 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 these mid-century chairs by Murphy-Miller, a beautiful example of understated design and solid American craftsmanship. Known for their ...

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Pair of Upholstered "High and Low'" Chairs by Avanti
Pair of Upholstered "High and Low'" Chairs by Avanti

Pair of Upholstered "High and Low'" Chairs by Avanti

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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...

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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Chairs

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Kroehler Mfg. Co. chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Kroehler Mfg. Co. chairs 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 Kroehler Mfg. Co. chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Kroehler Mfg. Co. 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 chairs by John Salterini, Anton Lorenz, and Ficks Reed. Prices for Kroehler Mfg. Co. chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,995 and can go as high as $3,295, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,233.