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.
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 39.5 in W 20 in D 24.25 in
Set of 4 Fritz Hansen "Series 7" Counter Stools
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Dallas, TX
The "Series 7" stool is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its unique shape is timeless and incredibly versatile, displaying character without ov...
Aluminum
Four "Tre" Bar Stools by Davis Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of bentwood stools by David Furniture. Features molded plywood, connecting three separate and identical pieces to make a geometrical pleasing design. Please confirm location NY ...
Bentwood
Set of Six French Midcentury Stools
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Chic and fun set of six mid-20th century bar stools. The seats are covered in the original red, green and cream-colored vinyl, leatherette-type upholstery. They are raised on slender...
Faux Leather, Wood
$1,800 / set
H 39.5 in W 18.5 in D 20 in
Modern Lievore Altherr Molina for Coalesse Montara650 Bar Stools, New Set of 3
By Coalesse, Lievore Altherr Molina, Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
This slim and graceful Montara650 bar height stools are comfortable and well-crafted. Features sculpted oak veneered plywood shell with upholstered seat. It's stylish and functiona...
Metal
$2,600 / set
H 39.5 in W 21 in D 20.5 in
2020s Set of Four Lievore Altherr Molina for Arper Catifa 46 Bar Stools
By Lievore Altherr Molina
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Catifa 46 Bar Stool, originally designed by Lievore Altherr Molina in 2004. These particular examples were produced by Arper in Italy in the 2010s. The design f...
Steel
$1,262 / set
H 33.47 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
4er Set Hay AAS 32 Barhocker 18 Stück Design Stool Hee Welling
By HAY, Hee Welling
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 4er Set Barhocker vom dänischen Designhersteller HAY zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Hee Welling & Hay und ist bekannt unter dem Modellnamen "AAS ...
Plastic, Wood
Set of Four Modern Bar Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four vintage-modern stools with sturdy sculpted iron construction, comes with removable tufted seat cushions. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer. 29 inch seat height.
Metal
$1,995 / set
H 41.5 in W 16.5 in D 20 in
Steelcase Coalesse Modern Leather and Chrome Bar Stools, Set of Four
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four contemporary or Modern "Switch" bar stools By Coalesse for Steelcase USA, 2010 Leather upholstered seats and backs, with chrome frames. Measures: 16.5"W x ...
Chrome
$24,500 / set
H 41 in W 16 in D 16 in
Set of Four Charles Hollis Jones Barstools from the Metric Collection, Signed
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of four bar-stools designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1970s, This design is a blend of his Metric collection and the waterfall line and the design was executed bea...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools, 1950s, Set of 5
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Measures: Seat diameter 30cm, seat height 83cm. Distance between seat and footrest 55cm. The one smaller flaw is only slightly docked, it is not a hole
Metal
Set Of 4 Steelcase Coalesse Switch Stools
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set Of 4 Steelcase Coalesse Switch Stools Made In USA The Switch Collection provides a versatile line of contemporary side, dining, and lounge seat...
Chrome
1 Modern Steelcase Enea Counter Stool by Josep Llusca
By Josep Llusca
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Modern Enea cafe counter stools by Josep Llusca Simple and elegant counter height stools complement any gathering space. Polished aluminum footrest ...
Steel
Set of 4 Chrome Luis Sognot Style Cantilever Barstools
Located in Pasadena, TX
This set of 4 barstools are made in a style reminiscent of the Luis Sognot stool. They're made of tubular chrome plated steel and are cantilevered.
Chrome
Set of Four Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of Four Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Tony Paul Super sleek design, signature mark of Tony Paul. Each has a tripod base with circular table surface.
Metal
Six Kusch Walter Leeman Stackable Side Chairs
By Kusch+Co
Located in Pasadena, TX
A set of six mid-century modern side chairs designed by Walter Leeman and manufactured by Kusch in Germany. Chromed steel rode frames with ebonized wood seats and backs.
Metal
1 Teknion Variable Stool by Alessandro Piretti
By Teknion
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Teknion Variable stool by Alessandro Piretti Designed by Alessandro Piretti, Variable is ideal for informal spaces where reconfiguration is encouraged, yet durability and style remain essential. Variable features a one-piece molded shell...
Plastic
