Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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. He 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 furniture pieces, which remain coveted collector’s items to this day.
Find vintage Kroehler Manufacturing Co. furniture on 1stDibs.
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood, Ash, Walnut
1970s American Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood, Bentwood
1970s American Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood, Bentwood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble, Metal
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Hardwood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Steel
2010s American Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass, Acrylic
2010s American Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Lacquer, Wenge
2010s Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Parchment Paper
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Walnut
2010s Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Parchment Paper
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Walnut, Wood, Bentwood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass, Lucite
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass, Wood
1970s American Modern Vintage Kroehler Mfg. Co. Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak
