Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
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.
Early 20th Century Mission Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Faux Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Oak
1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Metal
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Arts and Crafts Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Iron
1940s Danish Art Deco Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Mohair, Oak
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Rattan
20th Century American Mission Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Oak
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Leather
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Birch
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Walnut
1970s American Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
