Though much of Arthur Umanoff's furniture is marked by a no-frills simplicity common in American mid-century modern design, his work is anything but one-note. Over the course of a prolific career, Umanoff designed everything from case pieces to candleholders to magazine racks to dining chairs in iron, leather, walnut, wicker and more. With furnishings for a broad range of manufacturers throughout the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s, Umanoff continued a thread of sculptural elegance and textural sensitivity through his designs.
After graduating from Pratt Institute in the early 1950s, Umanoff experimented mostly with wood furniture before landing a job at Post Modern Ltd, a New York manufacturer of wrought-iron furniture. There he produced furnishings that married wrought iron with wood and plastic, creating functional pieces free of utilitarian bulkiness.
Umanoff continued his experimentation with mixed materials through a partnership with Shaver Howard, for whom he designed wine racks in combinations of iron, leather and wicker.
When Shaver Howard bought Boyeur Scott, Umanoff conceived several furniture designs for the brand, including the 1964 Granada collection, whose curlicue iron bases, visible through glass tops, stand out as some of his most ornate and decorative work. Indeed, much of Umanoff’s oeuvre is far more simplistic, like iron-and-pine armchairs for The Elton Co. or low-backed, slatted-seat barstools with slender iron legs for Raymor.
Umanoff was fluent, too, in the more sumptuous modernism of the era: In the mid-1960s, he designed the 2405 and 4449 armchairs for Madison Furniture Industries. Popular in offices, the walnut-framed, leather-upholstered seats, which could have been mistaken for the seductive Scandinavian modern seating of the era, were reportedly the jumping-off point for Captain Kirk’s iconic seat on Star Trek.
Even as he is among the mid-century modern designers you may not know, with work across such a range of styles and manufacturers (most no longer in business), Umanoff, who died in 1985, leaves a legacy that is fascinatingly diverse and at times enticingly elusive, making his work intriguing objects for collectors.
Find vintage Arthur Umanoff bar stools, tables, benches and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Mid Century Modern Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Mid Century Modern magazine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft. Magazine rack is in good vintage condition with a couple small blemishes. Made from soli...
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Wood Compass Book & Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Wood "Compass" Book & Magazine Rack. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 22" H x 16.5" W x 18" D.
Teak
American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Ebonized Walnut Magazine Holder by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern magazine holder was realized by the esteemed American designer Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960. The piece offers two open rectilinear ends connected by a rectangular base and two atomic concave cross bars at the top- all in ebonized walnut. Connecting the top and bottom horizontal supports are an array of handcarved totem like forms- that appear inspired by Oceanic...
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Seventeen-Bottle Wine Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Arthur Umanoff wine rack in painted wrought iron. Can be used as a tabletop or floor rack, accommodating 17 bottles. Pictured with this wine rack is the smaller, 7-bottle hold...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft has sculptural spindles that create visual movement as your perspective on the piece changes. 18.5"H X ...
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern magazine or book rack designed by the prolific designer Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s. Featuring distinctive staves and practical handles on eith...
Walnut
$1,900Sale Price|45% Off
Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By Arthur Umanoff, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.
Wrought Iron
Giant Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff in Walnut
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A striking example of Arthur Umanoff’s mid-century modern craftsmanship, this handsome “Big Boy” magazine rack stands just under 31” and features the designer’s signature architectur...
Walnut
Wrought Iron and Leather Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century American Modern wine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard composed of eight saddle-leather strap holders and wrought iron frame. All original condition, appearing to ...
Iron
$300Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.5 in W 17.5 in D 14 in
Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack in the Style of Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century solid walnut magazine rack in the style of Arthur Umanoff for American Woodcraft, circa 1950s. This sturdy foldable magazine rack is finely crafted piece is in very good ...
Walnut
Danish Modern Linen and Teak Double Magazine Rack
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern linen and teak double magazine rack, circa 1970s. A solid teak frame and chocolate linen inserts make this a very attractive and functional magazine rack for any MCM room.
Teak, Linen
Mid-Century Modern Magazine Rack by Brazilian Designer, 1950s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern wood magazine rack by Unattributed Brazilian Designer. Made of solid wood and finished with varnish, this piece is part of a set of magazine racks and other pie...
Wood
Mid-Century Italian Brass & Walnut Magazine Rack
Located in Pearland, TX
A stylish Mid-Century Modern brass and walnut magazine rack, original from Italy, circa 1950. "Made in Italy" label on reverse. It has a lovely slender and tall design with two tiere...
Brass
$8,950Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 66.5 in W 14 in D 10.75 in
Arthur Umanoff Iron Room Dividers w 140 Leather Wine Bottle Holders, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ultimate entertaining piece, this Arthur Umanoff four section wine rack system and room divider which also incorporates an artful array of one hundred forty leather wine bottle holders, two wicker baskets, ten butcher block wooden shelves, and all contained within four individual black iron frames, this magnificent room divider or wall unit is the ideal companion to any entertainment home or creative studio. Designed in 1954 by Arthur Umanoff and produced in low quantities by Shaver Howard throughout the late 1950s, this collector's item works equally wonderfully as a room divider or against a wall, it can be placed together in one continuous unit, angled for a corner, or separated - the four individual sections can be scattered throughout a room, home or office. Consider the many ways you can use this fantastic Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard room divider wall unit. Whether placed to divide a room or against a wall, this sizable piece can hold a large collection of wine, up to 140 bottles in the leather bottle holders that are have style similarities as designs from Jacques Adnet, 2 wicker baskets in the style of Franco Albini can hold drink accessories, glassware and tools, and the 10 wooden butcher block shelves can hold bottles of liquor, trays with condiments and mixers, recipe books...
Iron
Italian Mid-Century Modern Folding Magazine Holder by Cesare Lacca
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Buffalo, NY
Italian, Mid-Century Modern, walnut and brass, magazine holder by Cesare Lacca folds up from it's handle for mobility, Ingenious design.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Magazine Rack by Cesare Lacca, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Brussel, BE
Astonishing magazine rack made of a brass rod structure with contrasting black enameled sections, and a genuine suede leather holder, divided into four compartments. Each tray featur...
Brass, Enamel
$1,450
H 16 in W 17.5 in D 15 in
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magazine Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Postmodern Chrome Magazine Rack/Holder
Located in Toronto, ON
Midcentury modern chrome and genuine leather magazine rack. This cool piece can be used to hold magazines, books, and lps. The frame is comprised of chrome while the holder is believ...
Chrome
$577
H 12.21 in W 9.06 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Rectangular Solid Oak Danish Magazine Rack, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century Modern Danish oak magazine rack. This fantastic item was produced in Italy during the 1970s. A wonderful piece that is lovable because of its solid oak frame. This ...
Wood
Mid-Century Brutalist Wrought Iron and Suede Leather Log Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand-forged wrought iron log and magazine holder with a warm cognac suede leather sling suspended through five scrolled loop handles across the upper rail. The iron frame carries vis...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Magazine Rack
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very cute solid brass tube unusual design Mid-Century Modern magazine rack.
Mid-Century Solid Walnut Spindled Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
This mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s offers both style and functionality. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures approximately...
Walnut
American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Walnut
Sold
H 14.5 in W 21 in D 8.25 in
Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Spindle Magazine Rack Stand by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage magazine holder designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft, circa 1960s. This organizing rack is constructed of solid walnut and is perfect for displaying light read...
Walnut
Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 21"W x 8.25"D x 14.75"H. Great California design on th...
Walnut
Arthur Umamoff Large Size Walnut Magazine Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Big Boy Size Arthur Umanoff Magazine Holder in Walnut. Larger of the 2 sizes made this guy can hold a lot! Cool mid-century design that with lift up any space and function as well!
Wood
Chrome Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff Postmodern
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Stylish and practical, this Chrome Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff is a perfect example of postmodern design. The sleek, open framework showcases Umanoff's knack for blending form an...
Chrome
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Sculpted Magazine Rack for Washington Woodcraft
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Walnut
Sold
H 15 in W 21 in D 12 in
1960s Arthur Umanoff Cane Wrapped Iron Magazine Holder in a Salmon Lacquer
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s welded cane wrapped iron magazine holder painted in a salmon lacquer. Double arched form with cross bars running within the arch resting on a round base. Arthur Umanoff was a N...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Umanoff Iron Steel Leather Strap 21 Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for the wine rack alone. The chair and other accessories are NOT included. Iconic Mid-Century Modern leather strap and wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. The vintage 1950s wine rack holds 21 wine bottles suspended on leather straps. The elegant, minimalist storage solution is the zenith of form following function. The wine rack features all original straps. The black finish on the wrought iron frame is also original. The wine rack is compact to place atop a counter if desired. Opt to place a piece of wood on top and the piece could be used as an end table. (We are not including a wood top.) We have several Arthur Umanoff pieces currently in stock. Inquire if you are interested in the Umanoff coffee table...
Metal
MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century walnut magazine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff. Oval with vertical spindles around the sides. Elegant tapered shape. A wonderful mid century minimalist design and func...
Wood
Sold
H 15.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Restored Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack Surfboard Coffee Table
By Arthur Umanoff, Grete Jalk
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Arthur Umanoff designed the mother of all magazine racks, or perhaps the most innovative coffee table of all time. This solid walnut coffee table has been delicately restored. The FMV restoration team was able to mitigate virtually every imperfection, with only a few, very minor flaws remaining. Here we have exceptional styling and design in the classic, Mid-Century Modern discipline. Look down on the table to see a bonfire of rich, ebony and amber, cathedral walnut grain. The curved edges along this surfboard coffee table create a sleek profile. The lower tier, suspended by a series of spindles forming the rack, is a harmonious marriage of function and form. An ideal vertical storage for books and magazines. This restored mid-century modern Arthur Umanoff coffee table...
Walnut