The Michigan-based furniture maker Steelcase has a long and distinguished history, but collectors focus on its vintage office furniture and desk chairs from the 1950s to the ’70s, when, along with such companies as Knoll and Herman Miller, the firm helped define the aesthetics of American mid-century modernism.
Steelcase was founded in Grand Rapids in 1912 as the Metal Office Furniture Company, promoting steel desks and other furnishings as safer, fireproof alternatives to wooden pieces at a time when smoking in the workplace was common. Boston’s first skyscraper — the 32-story Customs House — was furnished by the company in 1915. Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect and furniture designer whose work had a profound influence on the shape of modern life, turned to the firm in 1937 to fabricate the enameled metal chairs and desks for his Johnson Wax Headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.
In the 1950s, when Steelcase formally adopted the name it still uses today, the company developed a sleek and functional style employing rectilinear chrome frames for glass-topped tables and upholstered seating pieces. The look is similar to that of the minimal, Bauhaus-inspired designs of Florence Knoll, another icon of furniture design who helped shape the ethos of the postwar business world.
By the 1970s, Steelcase had enlivened its styling, offering such pieces as chairs and side tables designed by Gardner Leaver, with circular bases and curving supports. As you will see on these pages, Steelcase designs offer a perfect foundation for a modernist decor, with a touch of flair.
Find vintage Steelcase furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare Pair of Art Deco Industrial Aluminum & Leather Club Arm Chairs by GoodForm
By GoodForm
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful pair of rare side chairs by the GoodForm/General Fireproofing Company. Chairs feature brushed aluminum frames, new distressed brown leather and fantastic Art-Deco...
Aluminum
Rare Vintage Mid Century Modern 4331 Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a rare example of the Model 4331 lounge chair designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet. Chair features a plywood frame with black enamel finish, fresh white boucle upholstery, t...
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Walnut Modern Dining Chairs Armchairs by Gunlocke
By Gunlocke
Located in Lafayette, IN
These awesome chairs feature spectacular 1960s style and, despite their solid walnut construction, are surprisingly comfortable! The chairs themselves are in very nice, re-finished c...
Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Green Leather Oval-Back Armchairs Chair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Lafayette, IN
A fantastic pair of Mid-Century Modern green leather and walnut club chairs by Danish American designer Jens Risom. From the 1960s, these chairs are in very nice vintage condition. C...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Swivel Desk Chair by Andrew Morrison & Bruce Hannah for Knoll
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Lafayette, IN
Arguably one of the most elegant desk chair designs from the mid-century era, this Morrison/Hannah design for Knoll Studios is utilitarian sculpture at its best. Chair features a cur...
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Walnut & Black Vinyl Executive Swivel Desk Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
As seen on the Apple TV limited series "Lessons in Chemistry" These actual chairs were featured in several pivotal scenes in the conference room at Hastings L...
Aluminum
Mid-century Angular Metal Lounge Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs by Steelcase Inc. Sleek angular design reminiscent of Florence Knoll. Sturdy metal frames support spacious seating areas which are covered in...
Metal
Pair of Chairs for the Modern Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of easy chairs having a sleek, streamlined design of beautifully clever simplicity made for the modern British home, circa 1960. In bent plywood featuring continuous one piece a...
Plywood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning pair of vintage modern Italian lounge chairs with sculpted armrests and angled back legs. The sleek design ensures maximum comfort without sacrificing style. Please confir...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Small Vintage Modern Lounge Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unusual pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs feature oak frames and brown vinyl upholstery. A lovely pair of his/hers armchairs that fit in any modern interior. The unique s...
Faux Leather, Oak
Pair of Mid century modern easy armchairs, 1960's
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
A bold and minimalist pair of lounge chairs straight from the 1960s. With a black lacquered steel frame, floating wooden armrests and crisp cream skai upholstery, they bring a refine...
Metal
Belgian 1960's pair of Loungechairs
Located in Brussels, BE
This stylish lounge chair features a sturdy black frame and supportive green leather straps that hold the curved, blue cushions made from a durable, comfortable fabric. It's the perf...
Leather, Beech
