While vintage Drexel Furniture dining tables, dressers and other pieces remain highly desirable for enthusiasts of mid-century modern design, the manufacturer's story actually begins decades before its celebrated postwar-era Declaration line took shape.
In 1903, in the small town of Drexel in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, six partners came together to found a company that would become one of the country’s leading furniture producers. The first offerings from Drexel Furniture were simple: a bed, washstand and bureau all crafted from native oak wood, sold as a bedroom suite for $14.50.
One of Drexel’s early innovations was to employ staff designers, something the company initiated in the 1930s. This focus on design, which few other furniture companies were committing to at the time, allowed Drexel to respond to a variety of new and traditional tastes. This included making pieces inspired by historic European furniture, like the popular French Provincial–style Touraine bedroom and dining group that borrowed its curves from Louis XV-era furniture. Others replicated the ornate details of 18th-century chinoiserie or the embellishments of Queen Anne furniture. Always ready to adapt to new customer demands, during World War II, Drexel built a sturdy desk designed especially for General Douglas MacArthur.
In the postwar era, Drexel embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by John Van Koert. In the 1970s, Drexel introduced high-end furniture in a Mediterranean style.
Drexel changed hands and visions throughout the years. It was managed by one of the original partners — Samuel Huffman — until 1935, at which time his son Robert O. Huffman took over as president. It was then that the company began to expand, with several acquisitions of competitors in the 1950s, including Table Rock Furniture, the Heritage Furniture Co. and more.
With the manufacturer’s success — spurred by its embrace of advertising in home and garden magazines — it opened more factories in both North and South Carolina. By 1957, the company that had started with a factory of 50 workers had 2,300 employees and was selling its furniture nationwide.
Drexel underwent a series of name changes in its long history. Its acquisition of Southern Desk Company in 1960 bolstered its production of institutional furniture for dormitories, classrooms, churches and laboratories.
In the following decades, contracts with government agencies, hotels, schools and hospitals brought its high-quality furniture to a global audience. U.S. Plywood-Champion Papers bought Drexel Enterprises in 1968, and it became Drexel Heritage Furnishings.
In 2014, the last Drexel Heritage plant, in Morganton, North Carolina, closed its doors. The company rebranded as Drexel in 2017.
The vintage Drexel furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes end tables designed by Edward Wormley, walnut side tables designed by Kipp Stewart and lots more.
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
Modern Postmodern Channeled Sectional Loveseat Lounge Chairs Style Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful modern to postmodern channeled sectional loveseat or lounge chairs in the style of Jay Spectre. Comprised of foam seats, feather down back ...
Fabric, Foam, Feathers
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Khaki Hopsacking 4 Piece Modular Sofa Made in Sweden
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Scandinavian Modern khaki hopsacking fabric 4-piece modular sofa made in Sweden. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have si...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Late 20th Century Modified Tuxedo Slipcover Style Pillow Back Large Scale Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Charming late 20th century modified tuxedo slipcover style pillow back large scale sofa. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. This sofa will need to be reupholstered. There are rust stains on the body along with other stains even though it has been professionally cleaned. It has been priced accordingly. The loose-24-inch pillows are in good condition although the poly fil in the animal print pillows is twisted and needs to be repositioned. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. circa, late 20th century. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, well, behold this beauty! But don’t look at the fabric ethel!!!! Lol!!!! Ok, so… this sofa is a definite reupholster which we feel comes with SO MANY fabulous opportunities! Plus, the sofa has really good bones. Let’s talk about the “bones” first!! This baby is large scale, and the arms have a slight angle; hence, modified tuxedo style, two loose feather wrapped foam zippered seat cushions, a loose pillow back with five unzippered 24 inch poly filled pillows, and black painted wood tapered legs under the skirt. It is upholstered in a slipcover style and right now, it has a Neoclassical look with Greek key detail trimming the base of the skirt combined with animal print pillows, but changing the fabric will completely change the style of the sofa. Versatility overload!! Three pillows are solid off-white linen on one side and textured & striped off-white linen on the other side and two pillows are camel or khaki and off white animal print. If you put a neutral cover on the sofa you could use ANY pillows. You could have so much fun with that! Adorn it with seasonal or holiday pillows...
Fabric, Wood
Early 21st Century Modern Modified Tuxedo Style Malbec Sofa by Hickory Chair
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible Early 21st Century Modern modified tuxedo style “Malbec Sofa” by Hickory Chair Furniture comprised of two loose feather wrapped poly foam zippered seat cushions, silver-gr...
Fabric, Wood
Modern Velvet Tuxedo Sofa Settee Tight Back w/Button Detail & Black Wood Base
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Modern tuxedo style sofa with champagne velvet fabric, tight back with button detail, & a black painted wood base with straight tapered square legs. Beautiful con...
Velvet, Wood, Paint
Carsons 5 Piece Post Modern Modular Sectional Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Lutz, FL
Being offered AS-IS for reupholstery. 5 piece Carsons of High Point post modern modular sectional in white wave upholstery. Frames are solid and in great condition, upholster to your...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Mid Century Postmodern 6 Piece Modular Section Sofa by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Postmodern 6 Piece Modular Section Sofa by Drexel Vintage MCM Postmodern 6pc modular sectional Sofa Manufactured by Drexel. Comes with two scalloped end armchairs, 3 armless...
Fabric
DreamSofa Alton 2 Piece Contemporary Modern Sectional Sofa with Almond Fabric
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A DreamSofa "Alton" 2pc sectional sofa. This is a lovely modern sofa with a simple, chic design. The sectional features 2 pieces, a left side chaise, and a right side sofa. The whole...
Fabric
Todd Hase Designed Freya Three Piece Sectional
By Todd Hase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Modern details with fabulous tailoring designed by Todd Hase. Add some Modern Elements to your Living Space. This Classic 3-Piece sectional sofa will work well with many styl...
Textile
Weiman Sculptural Post Modern Sectional - 5 Pieces
By Weiman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A five piece post modern sectional attributed to Weiman. Sculptural silhouette, with four single modules and one corner piece. Original upholstery as found. Reupholstery recommended....
Upholstery
Angelo Modular Modern Customizable Sectional Sofa
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and low and sexy this five-piece modern modular sectional. Various configurations. Multiple fabrics and colors to choose from. Measures: 2 x arm / back units: 44" x 44", 2 x ba...
Fabric, Wood
