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.
Vintage 1970s 9-Piece Curved Modular Sofa Sectional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Remarkably well preserved nine‑piece modular sofa sectional from the late 1960s–1970s. The set includes seven standard modular chairs and two wedge‑shaped corner modules, offering a ...
Velvet
Restored Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Outdoor Sofa, Mid-Century USA
By Russell Woodard
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Restored vintage outdoor sofa by Russell Woodard. The spun fiberglass sofa will withstand sun and rain with it’s lightweight but durable construction. This three seat sofa has been r...
Fabric, Fiberglass
1970s Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa, Faux Snow Leopard, Walnut Base
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This is not just a sofa—it’s an iconic statement of mid-century modern fantasy. The Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa, reimagined as an expansive sectional, embodies ultimate comfort and sculptural boldness. Upholstered in opulent, plush leopard-patterned faux fur, the design combines tactile luxury with Pearsall’s signature fluid silhouette. Crafted by Craft Associates in the early 1970s, the original Cloud Sofa features an organic, continuous form—like a gentle wave of plush seating—supported by a platform base of solid walnut and hidden black plinth. This sectional adapts that form into an enveloping L-shape perfect for both lounging and dramatic spatial presence. The ultra-soft fur, in cream, taupe, and charcoal tones, wraps the sinuous curves, offering sensory warmth that visually pops against the warm walnut trim. The continuous cushion and integrated chaise allow versatility while retaining iconic Cloud geometry. What makes this sectional extraordinary is the way the leopard fur elevates the Cloud’s iconic form with plush, textural opulence, transforming it into a museum-quality centerpiece. The sofa has been fully restored, including a refined walnut base with a rich reddish hue and flawlessly renewed upholstery, ensuring both comfort and lasting beauty. It remains an object of functional elegance, holding its form as both a centerpiece of comfort and a sculptural anchor in any space. Designer & Context: Adrian Pearsall (1925–2011), originally an architect, founded Craft Associates in 1952 and quickly developed a design vocabulary defined by bold curvature, platform bases, and playful luxury. The Cloud Sofa, created in the 1970s, stands as one of his most celebrated forms—its serpentine back and floating base embodying leisure crafted with spectacle and gravity. Pearsall’s work remains sought after for its structural daring and dramatic presence. Ideal for collectors of rare mid-century American design, homes or galleries craving sumptuous sculptural comfort, and interiors driven by form, material lushness, and personality, this sectional is a rare union of Pearsall’s design legacy and decadent materials—embodying modernist boldness and tactile indulgence. A true jaw-dropper from every angle. The new faux snow leopard fur...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rosewood Tulip Sofa by K.M. Wilkins for G-Plan, Mid-Century Modern
By Thonet, Percival Lafer, G Plan Furniture, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This extraordinary three-seater G-Plan sofa, conceived by K.M. Wilkins for the celebrated “Tulip Group,” is a rare rosewood rendition of an otherwise teak-centric line—and its presen...
Velvet, Rosewood, Upholstery
7-Piece John Wisner for Ficks Reed Far Horizons Rattan Modular Sofa Group
By John Wisner, John and Elinor McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This elegant modular sectional by John Wisner for Ficks Reed comes from the iconic Far Horizons collection, first introduced in 1954. Poised at the intersection of Eastern sensibility and mid-century modernity, the design blends tropical-inspired rattan craftsmanship with clean modern form, resulting in a versatile sectional that’s both sculptural and relaxed. The sofa is composed of four modular rattan segments—three seating units and one integrated end table. This flexibility allows you to configure it as a linear lounge, an L-shaped sectional, or separate chairs paired with a standalone table—the perfect match for dynamic living environments. These modular bamboo lounge chairs with end table are featured in the hard-to-find dark walnut tone. The color is so deep that it almost appears ebonized. Curved and straight lines of rattan intersect to create this trademark pagoda style. The original straps have been replaced with all new supports. Professionally reupholstered with new, textured fabric. Along with new foam cushions, our restoration team spent countless hours on the revitalizing the bamboo on all 7 pieces. We maintained the original tone and mitigated nearly every flaw in the finish. The coffee table...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Laminate
Milo Baughman Style Club Chair by Bassett, Grey Velvet, Mid-Century
By Bassett Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Stately, bold, and unapologetically sculptural, this cube-shaped club chair from the 1970s marries architectural assertiveness with inviting comfort. Inspired by the celebrated aesthetic of Milo Baughman, its form exudes masculine confidence—broad, grounded, and strikingly geometric. The deep seat and thick, plush cushions envelop the sitter in luxurious repose, offering a high seat height balanced by an essence of solidity. Restored with a tactful eye, the frame has been meticulously refinished while preserving its noble proportions; only a discreet scratch remains. The reupholstered cover in sumptuous grey velvet enhances the tactile allure. Crafted by Bassett Furniture Company—established in Virginia in 1902—this chair reflects decades of American craftsmanship. The company’s roots in solid wood construction and simple, elegant proportions shine through in this modernist masterpiece. This 1970s Cubist...
Upholstery, Oak, Velvet, Fabric
Custom Sized 1950s Widdicomb Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and exceptionally rare four-seat sofa by Widdicomb from the 1950s, custom-sized and upholstered in its spectacular original woven fabric. This configuration is seldom seen...
Steel
1950's Mid-Century Modern Folding Daybed / Sofa
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Midcentury Modern foldable sofa / daybed for sale. Originally from the 1950's, and was professionally reupholstered in the 1960's. The owners ...
Silk
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Shelter Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Shelter Sofa This sofa measures: 88 wide x 43 deep x 38 inches high, with a seat height of 17 inches All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Reupholstered Vintage Sofa, circa 1950s
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Striking Danish style vintage sofa featuring a long, streamlined silhouette with gently rolled arms, tapered wood legs, and a button-tufted backrest. Reupholstered in recent years in...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Elegant Wood Frame Sofa – Newly Reupholstered, Mid-Century Design
Located in Krefeld, DE
Elegant 1970s sofa featuring a beautifully wooden frame and refined fabric upholstery. The piece showcases the distinctive design language of the era, quality craftsmanship, and a ti...
Fabric, Wood
