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.
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Royal Metal Company
By Royal Metal Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature a two-tone frame with heavy chrome and wood laminate. Unique design offers plenty of comfort with its high backrest, wide seating...
Chrome
Milo Baughman Mid-Century Cantilever Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature an incredibly heavy chrome frame with elaborate orange vinyl upholstery. This extremely comfortable pair have overstuffed ...
Chrome
'Forum Group' by Harter Slipper Lounge Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning pair of mid-century modern slipper lounge chairs feature plush bright red velvet upholstery and a tubular bent rod chrome base. The sleek design from Harter Furniture, out o...
Chrome
Set of Beautiful Mid-Century Modern "Barcelona" Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, the Barcelona Chair is more than a piece of furniture—...
Stainless Steel
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
Stow Davis Mid-Century Scoop Chairs
By Stow Davis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage modern arm chairs with polished chrome frame holding a floating scoop seat. Tufted fabric seat with great curved shape. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Chrome
Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Lafayette, IN
Charming pair of streel-frame arm chairs built in 1965 by Steelcase Inc. Chairs feature angular, black-painted steel frames, walnut armrests and new saddle-brown vinyl embossed with a classic, western-inspired, paisley motif. With their architectural lines, unique upholstery...
Metal, Steel
Midcentury Faux Leather & Metal Lounge Chairs, 2 Pieces Available
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage design lounge chairs in industrial style. Made of faux leather with metal legs and wooden detail. Suitable for new upholstery. Up to 4 pieces available.
Metal
Dan Johnson Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs with Iron Frame, USA
By Dan Johnson
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Dan Johnson in the 1950s, made by Pacific Iron. The chairs boast a sculptural iron frame and an upholstered seat and back. The first few photos are AI generated and show ...
Iron
Pair Mid Century Modern Restored Lounge Chairs George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare early pair of steel framed lounge chairs, #5080 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Totally restored to their original glory. New cotton velvet upholstery with ...
Steel
Pair Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Lounge Chairs Mid-century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic pair of signed Milo Baughman executive lounge chairs. These are perfect chairs to set on the other side of an executive's or lawyer's desk. They are in need of reupholst...
Chrome, Steel
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern pair of white upholstery and Brazilian Jatoba wood lounge chairs made in São Paulo by Percival Lafer. Both very comfortable chairs are in great condition as can be seen in the images. This beauty will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of insured transport is crate included. Price of transportation is per chair. Percival Lafer is a contemporary Brazilian furniture maker and pioneer of the Brazilian Modernist movement. He is most famous for his chair and sofa designs, which combine low-profile hardwood structures with plush leather upholstery. “I’ve always been drawn to the motion features of furniture,” he’s said. “The engineering and design work that goes into its mechanisms is fascinating and fulfilling.” Born on April 12, 1936 in Brazil, he studied at the Mackenzie Presbyterian University College of Architecture in São Paulo. After graduating, his father passed away and he and his brothers took over LAFER, his father’s furniture company. The designer currently lives and works in Campos do...
Fabric, Wood
