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.
Fabulous Sculptural Modern Vladimir Kagan Leather Bilbao Sofa Mid-century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A sculptural modern sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and inspired by the curves and undulations of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. I do have a pair of these gorgeous sofa both ...
Wood, Leather
Stunning Italian Arketipo Roche Bobois Two-Piece Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Arketipo
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning asymmetrical two-piece Roche Bobois ultra-suede sofa. The sofa back is adjustable by rolling it along a thick black granite attached table. The circular ottoman has a wedge ...
Granite
Stylish 2 Seater Confidential Sofa Loveseat Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish 2 seater 'Confidential sofa' designed by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Italia, circa 1970. Luxury comfort 2 seater with tan wool upholstery. The upholstery is worn and dated...
Upholstery
Stunning Harvey Probber 4-Seat Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Harvey Probber 4-seat sofa. This stylish sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and still looks great-light cleaning recommended.
Upholstery, Walnut
Magnificent Harvey Probber Style Long Low Curved Four-Seat Sofa, Midcentury
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Harvey Probber style long low curved four-seat sofa. This sofa has an Erwin Lambeth label on underside. Just look at those wonderful solid walnut oval shaped stubby feet ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Stylish Dunbar Style Curved Back Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Dunbar style channel-tufted curved back sofa. This sofa has tremendous vintage appeal with its sexy curved back and stubby cone-shaped walnut legs with brass tips. It measu...
Upholstery, Walnut
Jules Heumann for Metropolitan furniture leather sofa in fiberglass frame
By Jules Heumann, Metropolitan
Located in Ferndale, MI
Couch designed by Jules Heumann for his company California based Metropolitan furniture . Label reads " Metropolitan imported from San Francisco " . Fiberglass frame with solid wood ...
Leather, Fiberglass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Leather Two-Seat Couch — Circa 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful Italian mid-century modern two-seat leather couch, circa 1980s. Upholstered in high-quality soft leather, this sofa offers a clean, tailored silhouette paired with generous...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Jacques Charpentier, France
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa from the 1970s in original condition Leather cushions over a brushed steel base Designer Jacques Charpentier Sofa is convertible in a bed , mattress missing.
Stainless Steel
Leather Box Style Loveseat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated, and voguish loveseat sofa, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. This example was executed in grayish blue leather, it is in good, original condition, showing l...
Leather
Mid Century Model 442 Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Pierre Paulin "442" Sofa for Artifort, designed in the 1960s. This lovely 3-seat sofa is also fabricated in the 60s The combination of steel and the upholstery give thi...
Steel
Flexform Soft Dream 2 Seater Leather Sofa designed by Antonio Citterio
By Flexform, Antonio Citterio
Located in Bern, CH
Flexform Soft Dream 2 Seater Leather Sofa (Pelle 2 823) designed by Antonio Citterio. With two matching cushions. New purchase price inc. cushions: CHF 11'140.- (This is a shop disp...
Steel
