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.
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron 1960s Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
This great looking wine rack is a work of art designed by the talented Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard in the 1960s. The rack holds 67 bottles and it’s entirely crafted of bent and ...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff 39 Bottle Wrought Iron Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff for Raymoor, black painted wrought iron free standing wine rack that holds 39 bottles. Minor wear to paint.
Wrought Iron
$1,450
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A black wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. It can hold up to 39 bottles and includes a woven basket type shelf and a laminated shelf to hold glasses, serve drinks or even showcase you favorite bottles and bar utensils...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Iron Obelisk Pyramid-Form Freestanding Shelving Unit/Etagere
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scarcely seen sculptural wrought iron shelving unit designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. Unique, graceful pyramid/obelisk-form with...
Wrought Iron
$2,146
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Orange wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. It can hold up to 39 bottles and includes a woven basket type shelf and a laminated shelf to hold glasses, serve drinks or even showcase you favorite bottles and bar utensils...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron and Leather Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Arthur Umanoff. Manufacturer: Unknown. Period and model: Mid-Century Modern. Specifications: Wrought iron. Condition: This Arthur Umanoff wrought iron...
Wrought Iron
$2,889 / set
Set of Two Arthur Umanoff Wine Racks
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Set of two wrought iron wine racks by Arthur Umanoff. Rare orange and black lacquered metal. Original lacquer on both. Each racks can hold up to 39 bottles and include a woven basket type shelf and a laminated shelf to hold glasses, serve drinks or even showcase your favorite bottles and bar utensils. Manufactured for the Howard Shavers...
Iron
$1,608Sale Price|20% Off
Arthur Umanoff Iron & Rattan Wine Rack with Shelves
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Arthur Umanoff Iron & Rattan Wine Rack with Shelves A sculptural and highly functional piece by celebrated American designer Arthur Umanoff, this vintage wine rack showcases his...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Vintage 1960s Extra Large Wine Rack With Shelving by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Mid-Century Modern tall wine rug designed by Arthur Umanoff and manufactured for Shaver Howard. The solid iron frame supports three wooden shelv...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Metal Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dome top wrought iron wine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff in the early 1960s. A staple in Mid-Century Modern design.
Iron
$1,845
H 45 in W 22 in D 15.5 in
Great French Wrought Iron Wine Rack Storage Locker by Rigidex Holding 50 Bottles
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and practical, Industrial style wine rack. If you are a wine enthousiast and you like the timeless, industrial style then we may have the ideal wine cabinet for you. This ...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff 39 Bottle Wine Rack with Round Top
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
Ready to hold 39 wine bottles, this iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff has a delightful curved top echoing the round shape of the bottle holders and a terrific graphic quality.
Iron
$3,500
H 84 in W 36.5 in D 16 in
Vintage Mastercraft Brass and Glass Light Up Mirrored Etagere Shelving Unit
By Mastercraft
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Mastercraft brass and glass shelving unit. This beautiful etagere/shelving unit features a solid brass and glass design, very common among Mastercraft items of the era. Thi...
Brass
$2,800
H 71.5 in W 36 in D 14 in
Mid Century Brass Hollywood Regency Large Etagere, Wall Unit, or Shelving Unit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large statement piece in very good condition. This wall unit features anodized brass aluminum frame with clear glass shelves. Ready to use condition.
Aluminum
Monster Shelving Unit
Located in New York, NY
The installation by the Madrid collective Casa Antillon called "The Monster" comprises a 4-tier shelving unit, boasting the studio’s signature wriggly edges and wobbly forms. The uni...
Birch, Plywood, Paint
Arthur Umanoff Cocktail Dry Bar or Server for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St. Louis, MO
Midcentury Arthur Umanoff bar for Raymor. Wrought iron base, oak slats, rush and Formica top. Overall nice original condition, oak restored, wrought iron base repainted, top in very ...
Wrought Iron
Theodore Alexander 3-Tier Etagere Walnut and Cane Shelving Unit
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Toledo, OH
Large 3-tier walnut etagere open shelving unit by Theodore Alexander. The piece features cane shelves with glass on top, turned spindle legs, 4 dovetailed drawers with burlwood inte...
Cane, Glass, Walnut
Emporium Shelving Unit
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Charming emporium shop fitting, free-standing shelving unit or bookcase, with five graduated U-shaped wood shelves. Unique shape, fantastic original fini...
Wood
$2,800
H 80 in W 42 in D 16 in
Chrome and Glass Large Design Institute America Étagère Shelving Wall Unit
By Design Institute America
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern large chrome and glass étagère shelving wall unit.
Chrome
$2,250
H 42 in W 41.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Slat Dry Bar for Shaver Howard, 1950's
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Features Umanoff's signature vertical wood slatting and a minimalist black iron base that eliminates "utilitarian bulkiness". Designed for both style and utility, it includes a dura...
Wrought Iron
$2,400 / item
H 75.5 in W 71 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Wrought Iron Brass and Steel French Style Bakers Rack
Located in New York, NY
Impressive wrought iron, brass and steel Bakers Rack, made in France circa mid 20th C. The structure is wrought iron in original black paint finish with three shelves, each with dec...
Brass, Steel, Wrought Iron
Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff, Professionally Restored, Like New
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kansas City, MO
Freestanding wrought iron wine rack / holder designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1960s. Professionally restored and powder coated in a black satin finish. The only evidence of any wear are t...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Extra Large Wine Rack with Shelving by Arthur Umanoff, 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Extra Large Wine Rack with Shelving designed by Arthur Umanoff and manufactured for Shaver Howard in the 1960s. The solid iron frame supports three wooden shelves and one laminate ba...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff 48 Bottle Iron Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Oceanside, US
This exquisite 48-bottle wine rack, designed by renowned mid-century modern designer Arthur Umanoff, is a striking example of functional yet elegant design. Crafted in the 1960s-1970...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Bar Shelf
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Wood Shelf/Bar Unit. Great storage space with an enclosed basket for bottles! Top is a glass shelf. Perfect to use free standing in a space or against a wall.
Iron
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard "Mayan" Series Etagere Circa 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Peabody, MA
Arched top etagere shelving display unit with woven elements designed by Arthur Umanoff as part of his Mayan collection for Shaver Howard, ca. 1960s.
Steel
Sold
H 72 in W 17 in D 12 in
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack, Wrought Iron + Rattan, Kitchen Storage + Shelving
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Decatur, GA
Wrought iron and rattan wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. Storage for 39 bottles - features a woven shelve type basket for you barware, glasses etc. One up...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff 1950's Wine Organizer in Iron & Leather
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Phoenix, AZ
All original Arthur Umanoff wine holder/etagere circa Mid-1950s. Wonderful patina to leather and iron. Has capacity for 40 bottles of wine and 4 se...
Iron
Sold
H 38.75 in W 44 in D 16 in
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Mid-Century Wrought Iron and Leather Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard mid-century wrought iron and leather wine rack Wine rack measures: 44 wide x 16 deep x 38.75 inches high All pieces ...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 72 in W 16.75 in D 12 in
Arthur Umanoff Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Arched 71-Bottle Wine Rack, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern wrought iron arched 71-bottle wine rack By Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard USA, Circa 1950s Measures: 16.75"W x 12"D x 72"H. Very good ori...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 53.5 in W 19 in D 8 in
Arthur Umanoff Wall Mounted Shelf Unit for Shaver Howard with Wrought Iron Frame
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
This wall mounted shelf unit was designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. It has a tapering form with two open wood shelves and one white...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this iconic bar by Arthur Umanoff. Featuring wood slat construction on an iron frame with a white laminate top and aluminum trim. Very sturdy in original co...
Metal, Aluminum, Iron
Sold
H 71.75 in W 17 in D 12 in
Vintage Black Wrought Iron 67-Bottle Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Designed by Arthur Umanoff for Boyeur Scott Furniture, later offered by Shaver Howard Furniture in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this interesting 67-bottle wine rack is crafted ent...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 31.75 in W 14 in D 10.75 in
Arthur Umanoff Metal and Leather Mid-Century Modern 21 Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern wine rack from the designer Arthur Umanoff that stores 21 wine bottles horizontally. It has a black welded metal frame with saddle leather straps and a butcher blo...
Wrought Iron