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.
Mid Century Modern Blush Mohair Swivel Slipper Chair By Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your decor with this Mid Century Modern, swivel, armless slipper chair by Kroehler Smartset Design. The chair features a stylized silhouette framed with rosewood tapered legs...
Mohair, Rosewood
$2,800 / set
Pair of Classic Slipper Chairs by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of elegant slipper chairs by Kroehler. Original upholstery, white laquered legs.
Mahogany
Fun Pair of Kroehler Bat Wing Swivel Slipper Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super cool pair of Kroehler bat wing swivel slipper chairs. The chairs are in nice vintage condition and retain their original black faux leather-reupholstery is recommended. We love...
Upholstery, Wood
Hollywood Regency Velvet Slipper Chair by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury, Hollywood regency, slipper chair by Kroehler upholstered in textured, cream velvet with lacquered rosewood legs.
Velvet, Rosewood
$3,599Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 17.5 in D 23 in
3 Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Slipper / Lounge Chairs, Pierre Lottier, 1940
By Pierre Lottier
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Slipper, Fireplace or Lounge Chairs in dark green leather by French / Spanish designer, Pierre Lottier.The chairs are in a neoclasslical X frame form in wood with leather cov...
Leather, Wood
$4,200 / set
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 23.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kroehler, 1960s
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Kroehler was one of the largest furniture manufacturers in America during the mid-20th century, producing designs that combined quality craftsmanship with the clean modern aesthetic that defined the era. These mid-century modern slipper lounge chairs, crafted in the United States during the 1960s, are an excellent example of the company's ability to create furniture that is both visually pleasing and exceptionally comfortable. Built around a beautifully sculpted walnut frame, the chairs feature gracefully angled tapered legs and distinctive mitered corner details that showcase the precision of their construction. Their low-profile silhouette is balanced by gently reclined backrests and generously padded seats, creating a relaxed seating experience without sacrificing the minimalist lines that make mid-century furniture so enduring. The newly upholstered textured fabric complements the warmth of the walnut, while the subtle button-tufted backrests introduce a tailored detail that enhances their elegance. The chairs have been carefully restored while preserving the integrity of the original design. Unlike larger lounge chairs of the period, slipper chairs were designed without arms, creating a lighter visual presence and allowing their sculptural forms to take center stage. This thoughtful approach made them especially versatile, blending seamlessly into both intimate seating arrangements and larger living spaces. With their exceptional craftsmanship, timeless proportions, and authentic American design, these Kroehler lounge chairs...
Fabric, Walnut
Needlepoint Upholstered Slipper Chair
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of typical form, raised on legs ending in casters.
Wood, Fabric
$4,500 / set
H 31 in W 28 in D 29 in
Early Pair of Florence Knoll for Knoll Slipper Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sharp looking matching pair of slipper lounge chairs designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the 1950's. They feature lacquer wood frames with black velvet fabric. Thes...
Fabric, Wood
$5,200 / set
H 28 in W 22 in D 20 in
Pair of Vintage Diminutive Walnut and Leather Slipper Chairs by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s American Modern Slipper / lounge chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Elegant, long tapered legs in walnut boast a dramatic flare in the back, adding a stylistic...
Leather, Walnut
$7,500 / set
H 36.5 in W 31 in D 32.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Oversized Slipper Chairs - Set of 2
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold Mid-Century Modern statement with this rare pair of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates oversized slipper chairs, circa 1960s. Featuring Pearsall’s unmistakable sculptur...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Modern Chartreuse Velvet Swivel Down Slipper Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Modern Chartreuse Velvet Swivel Down Slipper Chairs.
Velvet, Feathers
$9,200 / set
H 33 in W 25 in D 33 in
Billy Baldwin Style Hollywood Regency Slipper Chairs in Tiger Velvet
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy 1970s Hollywood Regency Billy Baldwin style slipper chairs newly professionally reupholstered in supple black tiger velvet with shimmering copper stripes. High Fashion lux vibe....
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$16,500 / set
H 25.5 in W 28 in D 30 in
Danish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Mohair, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green mohair and beech lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed and produced by an unknown cabinetmaker, Denmark, c. 1940s. Seat height: 15"
Mohair, Beech
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
$2,795 / set
H 35 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of Hollywood Regency Mid Century Button Tufted Slipper Chairs
By William Billy Haines
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautifully designed and just reupholstered with camel colored ultrasuede. Great style with simplicity and comfort. In excellent restored condition with minimal wear.
Ultrasuede
Custom Mid Century Style Leather Slipper Chair Pair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stylish pair of Slipper Chairs with Pale Tan leather cushions and handsome Exotic wood frames. The chairs with a Minimalist form having an upswept back and tapering legs with Bras...
Leather, Wood
$6,250 / set
H 27 in W 34.5 in D 33 in
Pair of Mid-Century Rolling Swivel Lounge / Slipper Chairs, Baughman Style
By Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of mid-century rolling swivel lounge / slipper chairs, Baughman Style Low profile pair of rounded swivel chairs having ebony legs sitting on wheels. Newly re-upholstered in a fun and luxurious blue faux Sherpa...
Bouclé
Set of 2 Vintage Slipper Chairs, 1950's/1960's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
A beautiful set of 2 vintage lounge or slipper chairs, most likely made in Denmark. The chairs have a minimalist wooden frame made by fine craftmanship, that is in a good and solid c...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Harvey Probber Slipper Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of modern lounge chairs by Harvey Probber feature tufted vinyl seat backs with wide slipper seats. Cantilevered heavy chrome frame mak...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Walnut Slipper Chair By Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek, mid-century modern, walnut frame, slipper chair by Kroehler is newly upholstered in sumptuous taupe chenille. With it's tucked sides and tapered legs, it's the perfect midcent...
Chenille, Walnut
Upholstered Boudoir Accent Slipper Chair By Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lovely, midcentury, Hollywood Regency, mahogany frame, slipper chair by Kroehler features paisley print, silk blend upholstery with fringe trim. This chair is a fantastic accent or Boudior chair.
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Striped Slipper Chair by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Minimal, Mid-Century Modern, slipper chair by Kroehler features a streamlined and sculptural, walnut frame with colorful striped upholstery. A wonderful accent chair.
Fabric, Walnut
Reupholstered Mid-Century Modern McCobb Style Kroehler Slipper Chair
By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Medina, OH
Mid-Century Modern McCobb Style Slipper chair by Kroehler. Freshly reupholstered to make a statement in someone's home! Recently reupholstered in a white plush...
Fabric, Polyester, Wood
Sold
H 26.25 in W 28 in D 25 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kroehler Smartset Design Swivel Slipper Chairs
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a pair of swivel slipper chairs attributed to Kroehler Smartset. They have vinyl upholstery and wooden bases, swi...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Velvet Slipper Chairs by Kroehler
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage, Mid-Century, Hollywood Regency, slipper chairs by Kroehler, upholstered in sumptuously textured, celery color velvet with lacquered rosewood legs.
Rosewood, Velvet
Peacock Velvet Mid-Century Modern Chair
By Gio Ponti, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This fun and funky chair has been completely restored. Walnut has been sanded and stained and the chair has been upholstered in a buttery peacock colored ...
Velvet, Walnut