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.
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “American Leisure” Walnut Coffee Table
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Mid Century Amoeba Freeform Coffee Table by Krohler after Pearsall c 1950/60's
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century freeform glass top coffee table with a sculptural black lacquered base. The base features the original insert lined planter, please see images. Often attributed...
Glass, Wood
$2,595 / set
H 17 in W 42 in D 42 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Round Coffee Table
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associatesmid century walnut round coffee table This table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 17 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Glass, Walnut
1960s Midcentury Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury walnut coffee table designed and manufactured by Adrian Pearsall, circa 1960s. This stunning coffee table features a black laminated top with a black vinyl base. the coffe...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$962Sale Price|30% Off
H 16 in Dm 42 in
Circle Sunburst Walnut Coffee Table American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Mid Century Modern Circular Coffee table. Sunburst flame walnut pattern around macassar center. Solid wa...
Macassar, Walnut
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Maruni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...
Wood
$1,580
H 15 in W 41.5 in D 41.5 in
Fully Refinished Mid Century Modern Handcrafted Wood Coffee Table. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Fully Refinished Mid Century Modern Handcrafted Wood Pedestal Coffee Table. Circa 1970s Features a rich, natural two-tone wood grain flow across the tabletop and table pedestal base....
Wood
$3,250
H 15.75 in W 60 in D 31 in
Mid Century Walnut Jacks Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This sculptural walnut and glass coffee table, designed by iconic Mid-Century Modern designer Adrian Pearsall in the 1960s, is a striking example of his bold, architectural approach ...
Glass, Walnut
Vintage Mid Century Adrian Pearsall "Jacks" Coffee Table
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid Century Adrian Pearsall "Jacks" coffee table. Overall excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Slight scuffs on feet of table. Measures approximately 59 3...
Glass, Wood
Amoeba Walnut Coffee Table
By Jerry Nance
Located in New Hampton, NY
Walnut coffee table based on the style of historical pieces. This coffee table features an irregularly curved tabletop with vertical grain thick-veneered perimeter. Three turned Walnut legs turned from solid wood support the thick tabletop, and a small step at the foot creates a subtle shadow line...
Wood, Walnut
$3,650
H 16 in W 36.5 in D 36.5 in
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Walnut Square Fin Base Glass Top Coffee Table
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut Square Fin Base Glass Top Coffee Table This coffee table showcases a unique sculptural design that captures the essenc...
Glass, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This striking walnut finish coffee table features a glass top and stylish Mid-Century Modern design. Simple yet unique design by Lane Furniture makes an impressive centre table for h...
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 'Jacks' Coffee Table
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Surfboard shaped coffee table designed by Adrian Pearsall. Featuring a starburst interlocking walnut base with oval glass top. Simple design with a great mid-century flair. Please co...
Glass, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Walnut Coffee Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Walnut Coffee Table Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Table has been refinished and doea have s...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Guitar Pick Side Table by Koehler Pearsall style
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Modern Guitar Pick Side Table by Kroehler Pearsall style This exquisite side table from Kroehler's "American Leisure" line epitomizes mid-century modern design with its s...
Walnut
Sold
H 20 in W 26 in D 26 in
1970’s Modern Pair End Tables by Kroehler Square Tops & Bentwood Double U Bases
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Modern end tables by Kroehler comprised of walnut toned square tops and bentwood curved double U-shaped bases, a pair. This pair is identified by markings & stamps on the underside plus archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, the refinished top of one table still has a few age-related scratches & dark rings that were too deep to sand completely out or we would have sanded through veneer. We have not seen any outstanding flaws in the second table. Both have been given a polyurethane finish. Please see photos and zoom in for details as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. NOTE: If you love these fabulous bentwood end tables by Kroehler we have the matching coffee table listed here for sale if it is still available. These end tables are to DIE for!!!!! This is a GORGEOUS pair of vintage Modern end tables by Kroehler comprised of a walnut toned square tops and bentwood curved double U-shaped bases. Just take another look at this PHENOMENAL wood grain and contrasting tones! The edges are slightly darker and run horizontally while the center runs vertically and has a slightly lighter tone, and they bear a lovely urethane finish. It’s a simple but very STRIKING detail!! The bases are stamped 1773-90 MOZAM, which we think could be the type of wood but after extensive research there were just too many contrasting opinions and information to confidently conclude a positive identification on the wood… either way, they are MARVELOUS!! They have solid construction, clean lines, and curves in all the right places completing a picture of tastefully restrained elegance in Modern style fabulous-ness. They NEED to be in your living or family room on each side or your sofa hosting a gorgeous pair of lamps...
Wood, Bentwood
Sold
H 16.25 in W 64 in D 26 in
1970’s Modern Coffee Table Kroehler Rectangle Top Bentwood Curved Double U Base
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage Modern coffee table by Kroehler comprised of a walnut toned rectangle top and bentwood curved double U-shaped base. This piece is identified by markings & stamps on ...
Wood, Bentwood
Adrian Pearsall Style Kroehler Mid Century Coffee Table
By Adrian Pearsall, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall style Kroehler mid century coffee table This table measures: 50.5 wide x 31 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 24.75 in W 20 in D 16 in
George Nelson Style Kroehler MCM Walnut, Rosewood, Metal Nightstands, Pair
By George Nelson, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson style Kroehler signature line mid century walnut, rosewood, and metal nightstands, a pair Each nightstand measures: 20 wide x 16 deep x 24.75 inches high All pieces...
Metal, Chrome
Kroehler Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Patchwork Nightstands, Pair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kroehler Brutalist mid century walnut patchwork nightstands - pair Each nightstand measures: 24.5 wide x 17 deep x 22 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ca...
Metal
Sold
H 24 in W 20.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Oak and Walnut Nightstand Bedside Tables by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern American made walnut nightstand bedside tables with oak bases. Made by Kroehler Mfg, circa 1960s. These handsome recessed pulls on the drawers are a shade darker t...
Oak, Walnut
Kroehler Wood Block Coffee Table
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental square coffee table from Kroehler Manufacturing Co. of Naperville, IL. Produced in 1978 the design features a central square ...
Oak
Vintage Walnut Desk by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage walnut and rosewood desk by Kroehler.
Rosewood, Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Modern Drop-Leaf Liquor Cabinet on Wheels
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Danish modern style mid-century modern liquor cabinet on wheels. Fully extends up to 63" long.
Round Dining Table with Geometric Open-Hexagon Pedestal
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculpted ashwood dining table with open hexagonal pedestal base with cast and inset resin panels by Kroehler. Beautifully grained parquetry top with a...
Ash, Resin