John Van Koert Seating

Canadian, American, 1912-1998

John Van Koert was integral to the rise in popularity of Scandinavian modern furniture during the mid-20th century all over the United States. The Canadian-born designer’s spare walnut coffee tables and elegant armchairs, for example — particularly those that he created for North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture — reflected the influence of the era’s alluring Danish design and were prominently featured in the modern interiors of postwar American homes.

Originally from Manitoba, Van Koert moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attend the University of Wisconsin. There he studied sculpture and trained in metalwork. Van Koert later taught design in the school’s art department. After World War II, Van Koert settled in New York City. He created jewelry for Harry Winston before shifting his focus to flatware and furniture design.

Van Koert found quick success with his flatware designs for Towle Silversmiths. His Contour set was part of the “Knife, Fork and Spoon” exhibition organized by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in the early 1950s. In 1954, he served as design director for the “Design in Scandinavia” exhibition, which toured Canada as well as the United States and featured hundreds of designs created in Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden by the likes of Kaj Franck, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finn Juhl and others.

Van Koert kept busy over the years. Drexel embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism during the postwar era with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile, Casa Del Sol and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by Van Koert.

In the early 1960s, Van Koert created a contemporary line for Richardson-Nemschoff, a furniture manufacturer based in the designer’s former stomping grounds of Wisconsin. During the early 1970s, he partnered with Sarreid Ltd., a brand that got its start sourcing materials from Spain and Italy and bringing the exceptional talents of European wood carvers, sculptors and painters to the forefront of American home decor.

On 1stDibs, find vintage John Van Koert seating, tables and storage pieces.

Creator: John Van Koert

Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s

$3,000 / set

Set of Six Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel 1950s

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in New York, NY

Nice clean set of Mid Century Dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel as part of their Profile series. This set consists of six chairs, two arm, and four side chairs. A...

Category

Mid-20th Century John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert, Drexel Mid Century

$5,600 / set

Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert, Drexel Mid Century

By John Van Koert

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Wonderful set of six John Van Koert dining chairs, these incredibly designed chairs have a modernist style that is so sophisticated that they will enhance any dining room. These chai...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” K60 Walnut Spindle-Back Armchairs

$1,299 / set

Pair of John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” K60 Walnut Spindle-Back Armchairs

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in San Carlos, CA

A pair of sculpted walnut armchairs designed by John Van Koert for Drexel’s Profile line, circa 1955–57. Fine turned spindles fill a curved back framed by a shaped crest rail. The ar...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench

$1,520Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench

By John Van Koert

Located in Pasadena, TX

Drexel Profile Series John Van Koert Vintage midcentury John Van Koert Profile Series bench Bench version of the Profile Series ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Super Chic Lounge Chairs by Robert Van Koert Cymbal Line

$3,850 / set

Pair of Super Chic Lounge Chairs by Robert Van Koert Cymbal Line

By John Van Koert

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare find and fabulous look! This vintage of John Van Koert Lounge Chairs feature curvaceous gilt metal frames, which will pair seamlessly with a mid-century aesthetic for timeles...

Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade

$19,500 / set

Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade

By John Van Koert, Troy Sunshade Company

Located in Atlanta, GA

This magnificent pair of lounge chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing; Excellent Vintage Condition. The frames display fabulous patina. The cu...

Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Aluminum

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

$5,800

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

By John Van Koert

Located in High Point, NC

A walnut and bronze-painted iron bench or coffee table designed by John Van Koert and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Iron

Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

$1,480 / set

Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic pair of modernist armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexe, amazing original condition, solid. Sturdy construction, superior quality, sculpted walnut, extremely comfortable.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s

$16,250 / set

Set of John Van Koert Chairs by Drexel Furniture, 1950s

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Dallas, TX

These incredibly rare stunners by Drexel Furniture Company, part of the "Counterpoint" series, circa 1950s. Designed by John Van Koert, a visionary in mid-century modern design, craf...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Knoll Style Armchairs

$3,000 / set

H 33 in W 23 in D 23 in

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Knoll Style Armchairs

By Florence Knoll

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This set of six Mid-Century armchairs features wonderful vintage fabric, sturdy metal frames and comfortable design. Perfect for dining, conference or waiting room these versatile ch...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Metal

Faux Bamboo Midcentury Bench

$1,250

H 17 in W 22 in D 15 in

Faux Bamboo Midcentury Bench

By William Billy Haines

Located in St. Louis, MO

Elegant bench with dark brown mahogany splayed legs carved to resemble bamboo, silk upholstery has some fading

Category

1950s Hollywood Regency Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade 3 Position Lounge Chair and Ottoman

$12,500 / set

H 34.5 in W 25.75 in D 60 in

Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade 3 Position Lounge Chair and Ottoman

By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Chrome and Leather 3 Position Lounge Chair. Rohde did some of his most amazing designs for Troy Sunshade. Designed in 1934 this early example, later m...

Category

1930s American Machine Age Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Machine Age Sofa Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Company

$2,800

H 28 in W 68.5 in D 32 in

Art Deco Machine Age Sofa Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Company

By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Art Deco Machine Age sofa designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company, circa 1930's. The couch features a sexy tubular chrome fram...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Chrome

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs by Jens Risom

$7,100 / set

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 21 in

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional and rare set of Mid Century dining chairs, designed by Jens Risom, for Risom Design Inc. The chairs feature solid walnut bases, with fully upholstered seats and backrest...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid century italian dining chairs, set of 6 - 1950s

$1,545 / set

H 36.62 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in

Mid century italian dining chairs, set of 6 - 1950s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century modern 'boomerang' design dining chairs with new beige skai upholstery. Beautiful elegant design. 1950s - Italy Good overall condition, newly upholstered Dimensions H...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Drexel Esperanto Dining Chairs 1960s Set of 8

$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 47 in W 20 in D 22 in

Drexel Esperanto Dining Chairs 1960s Set of 8

By Drexel

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...

Category

1960s Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Lounge Chairs by Michael van Beuren for Domus

$28,000

H 33 in W 26 in D 34 in

Pair of Lounge Chairs by Michael van Beuren for Domus

By Michael van Beuren

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fully restored pair of lounge chairs by Bauhaus-trained architect Michael Van Beuren. The canted design provides a naturally relaxed seating position. Pine frames sit on low tapere...

Category

1950s Mexican Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Art Deco Machine Age Lounge Chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade

$1,400

H 30.5 in W 24.75 in D 32 in

Art Deco Machine Age Lounge Chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade

By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Art Deco, Machine Age lounge chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company circa 1930's. The chair features a sexy tubular chrome frame with large upholstered ...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Chrome

Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

$3,600

H 11.75 in W 56 in D 18 in

Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal

By John Keal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This bench has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long creating a versatile solid oak walnut stained...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Oak

Pair of Fine French Art Deco Armchairs by Jules Leleu

$7,500 / set

H 33.47 in W 22.45 in D 22.84 in

Pair of Fine French Art Deco Armchairs by Jules Leleu

By Jules Leleu

Located in Long Island City, NY

A pair of fine French Art Deco stained beech "bridge" armchairs by Jules Leleu.

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Set of Six Clifford Pascoe for Modernmasters Dining Chairs Circa 1950s

$2,950 / set

H 28.5 in W 19 in D 19.5 in

Set of Six Clifford Pascoe for Modernmasters Dining Chairs Circa 1950s

By Clifford Pascoe, Modernmasters Inc.

Located in Peabody, MA

A set of six wrought iron and bentwood dining chairs designed by Clifford Pascoe for Modernmasters Inc., circa 1950s. Likely inspired by a similar chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Previously Available Items

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 14 in W 74 in D 16.63 in

John Van Koert, Bench, Walnut, Iron, USA, 1950s

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in High Point, NC

A walnut and bronze-painted iron bench or coffee table designed by John Van Koert and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.0"H x 74.0"W x 16.625"D Sea...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Iron

John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl

Sold

H 35 in W 22 in D 21.25 in

John Van Koert For Drexel K60 Dining Chairs in Scalamandre Vinyl

By Drexel, John Van Koert, Karl Johan, Henredon

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Drexel Profile walnut and pecan K60 Arm Chairs and Side Chairs, circa 1950s. Built like tanks, this large set of eight spindle back beauties have been restored to lovely condition. ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Walnut, Faux Leather, Fruitwood

Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

Sold

H 34 in W 20 in D 19 in

Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs by John Van Koert for Drexel

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Exquisite set of mid century dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for the classic Profile series, made by Drexel. Circa 1950's. The chairs feature a sculpted frame of solid waln...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs

Sold

H 31.25 in W 22 in D 21 in

Pair of John Van Koert Rouge Cymbal Arm Chairs

By John Van Koert

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A vintage pair of John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade 'Cymbal' arm chairs in patinated gilt aluminum. A super chic pair of shaped gilt metal chairs in a striki...

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Aluminum

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered

Sold

H 35 in W 23 in D 24 in

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern club chair or dining armchair By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut, freshly reupholstered in modern bla...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored

Sold

H 34.5 in W 20 in D 22 in

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional set of ten Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered sculpted walnut, freshly reupholstered in ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Profile by John Van Koert circa 1950

Sold

H 35 in W 22 in D 21 in

Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Profile by John Van Koert circa 1950

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in New York, NY

Exquisite set of mid century dining chairs, designed by John Van Koert for the classic Profile series, made by Drexel. Circa 1950's ( 1957 ) the chairs feature a sculpted frame of so...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

Sold

H 35.25 in W 23 in D 24 in

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Van Koert for Drexel Profile mid century dining chairs - set of 6 The side chairs measure: 20 wide x 24 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height of 20 inches The capta...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6

Sold

H 35.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in

John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Van Koert for Drexel mid century walnut dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 22.5 wide x 24 deep x 35.5 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches and arm height/chair...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert For Drexel Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

Sold

H 34 in W 19 in D 20.5 in

John Van Koert For Drexel Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Van Koert for Drexel mid century dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19 wide x 20.5 deep x 34 high, with a seat heig...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten

Sold

H 34.25 in W 20 in D 22 in

John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional set of ten Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut dining chairs By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut, freshly reupholster...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair

Sold

H 26.25 in W 26.75 in D 25 in

John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair

By John Van Koert

Located in Esperance, NY

1960s John Van Koert walnut lounge chair.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

Materials

Walnut

John Van Koert seating for sale on 1stDibs.

John Van Koert seating 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 John Van Koert seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by John Van Koert were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Lion in Frost, Romweber Furniture Co., and Bert England. Prices for John Van Koert seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $895 and can go as high as $19,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,225.