A series of ownership changes also characterized this turbulent period. Sales entered a steady decline through the 80s and 90s. Drexel manufactured Henredon designs alongside their own brands.īy the late 1970s, changing consumer tastes and competition from cheaper foreign furniture imports had brought new struggles for Drexel Heritage. Henredon: acquired by Drexel Heritage in 1965, the Henredon line contributed further English-influenced furnishings with refined detailing and high-quality mahogany.Windsor chairs, Early American beds and chests were some of the range’s highlights. Americana: first released in 1962, the Americana collection took colonial American furniture as its inspiration.Drexel’s French Provincial designs featured elegantly curved legs, painted finishes, and ornate hardware. French Provincial: launched in 1960, their Continental European-inspired bedroom and dining room pieces proved hugely popular.Some of Drexel Heritage’s most iconic furniture collections were born during their peak popularity in the 60s and 70s, including… Designs from this era were trendsetters that came to epitomize mid-century modern style with their clean lines, tapered legs, quality craftsmanship, and mix of materials. It was during the 1950s and 1970s that Drexel Heritage released their most enduring and coveted collections. Their vast manufacturing capabilities and talented designers enabled them to create high volumes of furniture to meet booming post-war consumer demand. The three decades following the founding of Drexel Heritage Furniture Company marked the golden age of production. The newly merged entity became a furniture powerhouse, occupying over 2 million square feet of production facilities and ranking as one of the largest residential furniture manufacturers in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The Creation of Drexel HeritageĪ major turning point came in 1955, when the Drexel Furniture Company was officially incorporated, merging three yearslater,r in 1958 with the Heritage Furniture Company to form Drexel Heritage Furniture Company.
As a well-established manufacturer, Drexel was poised to scale up production during this period. A larger manufacturing facility opened in 1935 to meet growing demand.ĭrexel took advantage of America’s post-war economic boom in the 1950s, which fueled growth in the housing and furniture markets. As the company continued to expand over the next decades, it widened its product lineup to include upholstered seating and occasional furniture. Expanding Production and Offeringsīy the 1920s, Drexel was gaining acclaim for its bedroom and dining room collections. George Drexel implemented modern production techniques and emphasized skilled craftsmanship. Drexel and his son George Drexel, who took over in 1916, set the course for Drexel’s future growth and reputation for finely made furnishings. Drexel chose to initially focus on producing high-quality bedroom suites to establish the new company. Valdese proved an ideal location with its ready access to lumber and transport routes. The Drexel Furniture Company was founded in 1903 by A.J. Their evolution as a company closely mirrors wider trends in 20th-century furniture styles. The story of Drexel Heritage Furniture Company spans over nine decades of American furniture manufacturing and includes major expansions, mergers, changing styles, and eventual decline. History of Drexel Heritage Furniture Company Practical advice on proper care and restoration is also included to help cherish these vintage pieces for generations to come. For buyers and collectors, the article provides insider tips on where to hunt for treasures, assessing condition and value, and keys to building an investment-worthy Drexel Heritage collection. It explores in detail how to identify authentic Drexel Heritage pieces, from construction and materials to distinguishing marks.
This in-depth guide takes a look at the rich history of this important vintage furniture brand. Their designs helped define mid-century modern aesthetics in America. Over its nine-decade history, Drexel produced many classic furniture collections that are highly sought after today by vintage furniture lovers, interior designers, and collectors. Founded in 1903 in Valdese, North Carolina, Drexel Heritage Furniture Company (originally Drexel Furniture Company) rose to become one of the largest manufacturers of high-quality household furnishings in the United States by the 1950s and 60s. Drexel Heritage Furniture: The Epitome of American Mid-Century Design and Craftsmanshipĭrexel Heritage is one of the most iconic names in vintage and antique American furniture.