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.
Steelcase Campfire Soft Seating Sofa
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
The Campfire Big Lounge acts as a gathering spot in any space. Perfect for relaxing on with your laptop for a bit, or invite more people over to lounge, bringing people together and ...
Fabric
Teknion by Steelcase Upholstered Sofa
By Teknion
Located in Pasadena, TX
The is a very heavy quality sofa. Made by Teknion for Steelcase, it has chrome plated steel legs. The back is contoured for comfort. The arms, just the right height for relaxing. ...
Chrome
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
Steelcase Coalaese Swivel Chairs
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
These chairs, made by Steelcase, swivel on a 4 star base. The base is made of aluminum. Reupholstery is recommended. Have 15 in stock
Aluminum
New Reupholstered Dunbar 3 Seat Tuxedo Sofa in Ultra Fabric 90'
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an even arm Tuxedo sofa by Dunbar Furniture. It has 3 cushioned seats and is on casters for easy movability. It has be newly reupholstered in a rich off white Ultra Fabric. ...
Fabric
Settee In The Manner Of Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern armless settee in the style of Florence Knoll. Chrome base with angled rear legs and tufted black vinyl upholstery.
L-Shape Sectional with Upholstered Legs and Loose Cushions
By The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pricing reflects COM (Customer's Own Material); fabric shown for inspiration only. Track arms and fully upholstered legs give this made-to-order L-shape sectional a seamless, fabric-...
Wood, Upholstery
Modular Rounded Bulky Sofa With Upholstered Footer
Located in New York, NY
This new addition to the collection of modular sofas includes six unique modules. It stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it is entirely upholstered, including the footer, ensuri...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Modern Sectional Sofa in Textured High-performance Fabric
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Indulge in unparalleled comfort and sophisticated design with this modern sectional sofa by Carrocel. Expertly crafted in Canada, this statement piece boasts a solid maple wood frame, ensuring lasting durability. Upholstered in a luxurious cream textured Krypton pretreated fabric, it offers both elegance and stain resistance. The clean lines and contemporary styling are elevated by sleek, hidden black lacquered feet, creating a floating silhouette that will transform your living space. Available in other fabric colors, please ask for details or to see the fabric sample book...
Fabric, Maple
Large Custom Sectional Sofa with Chaise Lounge
Located in Greenwich, CT
This sectional sofa was a custom order that features three sections: a chaise lounge, loveseat and pod chaise. It also features a low back, with track arms. The back cushions are stu...
Wood
Form Modular Sofa, Setup 3, Customizable
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 3 (1x Armrest-F1A, 1x Open-Ended-F1W) Fabric: Harald 233 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for your own composition. Available in wide ra...
Cotton
Form Modular Sofa, Setup 9, Hallingdal Beige
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 9 (1x Left Armrest Chaise Lounge-F1M, 1x Center-F1C, 1x Armrest-F1B) Fabric: Hallingdal 200 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for your ow...
Wool
