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.
$12,000
H 29 in W 90 in D 32 in
Mid 20th Century Vintage Knoll Chrome Frame Sofa With Weathered Black Leather
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
This incredible classic from Florence Knoll has been lovingly rebuilt and reupholstered by master upholsterers in a super cool, black, weathered leather. These people know the origin...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Black Leather Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A midcentury Knoll classic designed by Florence Knoll. This three person sofa features tufted black leather upholstery with chrome plated steel legs. Measures: 90". Recently restored.
Chrome
Mid-Century Armless Sofa by Florence Knoll, Black Leather, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century (Knoll style) armless black leather 3-seat sofa with chrome steel base and classic button-tufted leather seat & back Light wear, consistent with use.
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three Seat Sofa in Black Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Sofa, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This piece was produced in the USA and dates to the 1960s. The sofa features ...
Steel
amazing no.26 florence knoll huge 245cm! sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful and all original florence knoll leather sofa. very unusual big size and in very good condition for it´s age.
Metal
Knoll Style Tuxedo Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1960s. A handsome tuxedo style sofa very much in the spirit of American designer Florence Knoll. Features a heavy ash frame with high arms and back supported by minimalist s...
Steel, Chrome
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Sofa in Black Leather
By Karl Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or settee, leather, chromed steel, Austria, 1960s This subtle and modest sofa is designed by the talented Austrian furniture designer Johannes Spal...
Steel, Chrome
Modern European Sofa in Black Upholstery and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, lacquered metal, Northern Europe, 1970s The design is characterized by a solid construction based on sharp lines and geometrical shapes that are noticeable in the...
Metal
$6,850
H 31 in W 84 in D 28.5 in
Florence Knoll Sofa. Expertly redone in Charcoal Robert Allen Chenille Fabric.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armless Florence Knoll parallel bar sofa expertly reupholstered in Robert Allen Chenille fabric. Charcoal gray. Beautiful and comforta...
Steel, Chrome
$13,133
H 34.65 in W 89.77 in D 30.32 in
Newly Upholstered Knoll International Black Leather Custom Sofa, Germany, 1950s
By Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Newly upholstered Knoll International custom sofa in sorensen leather. Germany, 1950s.
Metal
Vintage Joe Colombo Elda Chair, Comfort Fratelli Longhi, Black Leather
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Elda Chair, designed by Joe Colombo and manufactured by Comfort Fratelli Longhi. The Elda Chair’s futuristic design reflects Colombo’s interest in space exploration and mode...
Leather, Fiberglass
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno P40 Chaise Lounge, Cognac Leather, Mid-Century Italy
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
P40 lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1955. The P40 uses a system of articulated components to move between an upright seat and a fully extended chaise. The backr...
Steel
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 925 Lounge Chair
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First-issue Model 925 Lounge Chair, in walnut and cognac leather, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Based on an earlier sketch by Carlo Scarpa, the design was finally re...
Leather, Walnut
Carlo di Carli Cassina Italian Modern Lounge Chairs for COM
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 806 lounge chairs, designed by Carlo di Carli and produced by Cassina. The design is defined by its sculpted profile, with a high back, flared wings, and curved arms that taper...
Upholstery, Oak
Hans J. Wegner GE1 Adjustable Lounge Chair and Ottoman or Daybed - Set of Two
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original GE-1 Daybed with Ottoman designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, Denmark, 1950s. The design reflects Wegner’s early exploration of adaptable lounge furniture, combining a ...
Brass
Eames for Evans Ebonized DCM
By Evans Products Company, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early ebonized DCM dining chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, made by Evans for Herman Miller. Molded plywood has great age, wearing its original patina handsomely. Original fi...
Plywood
