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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.

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Creator: John Van Koert
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Countryside, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20 wide x 21.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each captains cha...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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

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

Drexel Set of Six Modernist Lacquered Armchairs by John Van Koert 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

Sophisticated Pair of Art Deco Loungers by John Van Korert for Troy Sunshade
By Troy Sunshade Company, John Van Koert
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

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

Mid Century Dining Chairs John Van Koert Drexel Projection
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Baltimore, MD
A set of four extremely sought after, gorgeous 1960s, modern walnut side/dining chairs designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel Projection line. Fea...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid Century Six Dining Chairs John Van Koert Drexel Projection
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Baltimore, MD
A set of six extremely sought after, gorgeous 1960s, modern walnut side/dining chairs designed by John Van Koert for the Drexel Projection line. Feat...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

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

John Van Koert for Drexel "Casa Del Sol" Bench Coffee Table
By John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Drexel produced, John Van Koert designed Casa Del Sol bench coffee table. The top has been painted "antiqued silver" - you can leave it like this if it wo...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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Spectacular Gilbert Rohde Loveseat for the Troy Sunshade Company C.1934-1937
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Set of 2 Chairs, I.S.A. Bergamo, 1950s
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Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade 3 Position Lounge Chair and Ottoman
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Mid-Century Modern Walnut Caned Dining Chairs, Set of 6
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1960s Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
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Pair of Louis Van Teeffelen Walnut Lounge Chairs
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Pair Mid Century Spring Chairs by Troy Sunshade After Francois Carre C 1940/1950
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Previously Available Items
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair, Newly Reupholstered
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Drexel, John Van Koert
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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 ...
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John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
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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...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

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John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
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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...
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John Van Koert For Drexel Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
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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...
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John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Restored Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Ten
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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...
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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

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John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair
John Van Koert Walnut Lounge Chair
H 26.25 in W 26.75 in D 25 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Profile Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Countryside, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century profile dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 22.5 wide x 20.5 deep x 35.25 inches high, with a sea...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Van Koert Seating

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Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Troy Sunshade Armchairs with Removable Drink Tables
By Troy Sunshade Company, John Van Koert
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Remarkable pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or lounge chairs designed by John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade Co. Made in the fabulous Florida Regency style featuring a cast aluminum...
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20th Century American Hollywood Regency John Van Koert Seating

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Pair of John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade Cymbal Armchairs
By Troy Sunshade Company, John Van Koert
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern pair of chic armchairs of lounge chairs designed by John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade Co. Made in the fabulous Florida Regency taste featuring a cast aluminum frame with a barrel back form of dramatic scroll arms. The aluminum is anodized in a brass tone with brick red accents. Upholstered with white faux leather Naugahyde. Known as Cymbal chairs the design is reminiscent of Art Deco styles with modern lines and profile. Made for limited outdoor garden and patio...
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20th Century American Hollywood Regency John Van Koert Seating

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Pair of John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade Cymbal Armchairs
By Troy Sunshade Company, John Van Koert
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern pair of chic armchairs or lounge chairs designed by John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade Co. Made in the fabulous Florida Regency style featuring a cast aluminum frame...
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Pair of Armchairs by John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade, ca. 1955
By Troy Sunshade Company, John Van Koert
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Pair of armchairs by John Van Koert for Troy Sunshade, ca. 1955 for their Cymbal line. Beautiful hollywood regency style these chairs were designed for use outdoors as well as indoor...
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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.

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