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.
Vintage 1961 Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Kroehler, Chicago
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare and fully documented example of early 1960s American modernism, this Kroehler sofa carries an extraordinary provenance detail: the original purcha...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Black Leather Tufted Sofa Edward Wormley for Dunbar Style
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Edward Wormley
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
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, c. 1940 An early sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, dating to approximately 1940. This substantial example features a generous seating ...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Petite Sofa or Loveseat Attributed to Overman
By Overman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural looking sofa from the 1970s. It features original upholstery and chrome-plated steel legs.
Steel
Mid-Century Modern "Cloud" Walnut Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your living space with this extraordinary vintage Cloud sofa, an iconic creation by celebrated architect and designer Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Handmade in the Un...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Sofa After Harvey Probber, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking mid-century modern chrome sofa, inspired by the iconic designs of Harvey Probber and crafted in the United States during the 1960s, captures the perfect balance of refi...
Chrome
$2,250Sale Price|50% Off
H 32 in W 78 in D 29 in
Mogens Hansen Leather Sofa, Model #535 Danish Modern Mid Century 1970's
By Mogens Hansen
Located in Hudson, NY
Mid Century leather sofa by Mogens Hansen, model #535. This sofa features gently curved track arms with soft, refined silhouettes. It's finished in supple leather with a soft, sun wa...
Leather, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Leather Sofa by Borge Morgensen 1960s
By Mogens Hansen
Located in Hudson, NY
This sofa by Borge Morgensen, features gently sloping track arms with austere and refined silhouettes. It's finished in supple leather with a soft, warm patina that only time can c...
Leather, Wood
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with flared back and arms and loose back cushions. Square dark walnut legs with round brass foot. The piece was reupholst...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Post Modern Loveseat or Sofa Produced by Preview Furniture
By Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural base with floating front sofa made by Preview circa 1992. It features the original tweed fabric in good condition. Could use cleaning before use.
Fabric
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 33 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 28 inches Fair Vintage Conditio...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley Model 4907 sofa and Ottoman for Dunbar Mid Century
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, the Model 4907 sofa exemplifies the designer’s masterful balance of modern restraint and traditional comfort. Introduced in the mid-20th centur...
Upholstery
$53,200
H 25.2 in W 78.75 in D 34.26 in
Mid-Century Modern "Cubo" Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
This recently upholstered cubo (Cube) sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in the 1970s. The elegance, a feature of Zalszupin designs, on this piece does not come from ...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Gondola Style Sofa by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall, 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
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 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
Sold
H 25 in W 86.5 in D 34 in
Vintage Modern Kroehler Multi Color Geometric Pattern Tufted Tuxedo Style Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Modern Kroehler multi color geometric pattern button tufted tuxedo style sofa. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vint...
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Avant Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Avant mid century walnut sofa The sofa measures: 86 wide x 32 deep x 29 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa The sofa measures: 93 wide x 33 deep x 29.5 high, with a seat height of 15 inches and an arm height of 20.5 inches ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Plinth Base Gondola Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Plinth Base Gondola sofa The sofa measures: 96 wide x 33 deep x 23 high, with a seat height of 16 inches Ready for new upholstery ...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Gondola Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall style Kroehler mid century gondola sofa The sofa measures: 93 wide x 33.5 deep x 27.25 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Gondola Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall style Kroehler mid century Gondola sofa Sofa measures: 107 wide x 34 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 15 inches Ready for r...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 96 in L 29 in
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Midcentury Re-Upholstered Orange Gondola Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall style Kroehler midcentury re-upholstered orange gondola sofa Sofa measures: 96 wide x 32 deep x 29 high, with a seat height of 16 inches All pieces of furniture ...
Upholstery, Wood