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.
Unusual Orange Chrome Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning large-scale chrome lounge chair. We have restored this piece with new foam and high end orange woven fabric. Just gorgeous in person.
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Barrel Back Chrome Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Flair
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning pair of barrel back chrome flat bar lounge chairs. These chairs are in vintage condition with their original light brown velvet fabric in usable condition. The thick chrome ...
Chrome
Pair of Milo Baughman Style Heavy Chrome Suede Lounge Chair Midcentury
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent pair of Milo Baughman style heavy chrome lounge chairs, circa 1970s. This pair are quite unique with chunky round bars making the frame instead of the usual flat bars. Th...
Chrome
Fabulous Pair of Chrome Barrel Back Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Flair
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of chrome cantilevered barrel back chairs. This pair is super clean and have shiny mirrored finish chrome and original upholstery in nice vintage condition. The seat is...
Chrome
Lovely Milo Baughman Style Chrome Thin Frame Barrel Back Lounge Chair Midcentury
By Erwin Lambeth, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely Milo Baughman style chrome thin frame barrel back lounge chair. This chair retains its original orange velvet that does show wear, re-upholstery is recommended. We love the de...
Chrome
Pair Rounded Polished Steel Flat Bar Frame Lounge Chairs Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A pair of rounded polished steel flat bar frame lounge chairs attributable to Milo Baughman c. 1970's. Just add your amazing new fabric and these chairs will be amazing. The chrome...
Chrome, Steel
Mid Century Modern Orange Naugahyde Chrome Frame Lounge Arm Chairs by Malibu Ind
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid Century Modern orange Naugahyde chrome frame lounge arm chairs by Malibu Ind. Item features chrome metal frame, orange naugahyde and fabric upholstery, solid wood armrest, very n...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs with Barrel Back in Burnt Orange Velvet
By Selig, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of Mid-Century Modern burnt orange velvet swivel lounge chairs in exceptionally fine original condition. Circa. 1960's to 1970's. Barrel back design with flared arms and tufti...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of MCM Office Chairs in Orange by Delwood
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1960s/1970s; Delwood Manufacturing Co. - Chicago, IL Pair of vintage Delwood side chairs with orange vinyl upholstery. These Mid-Century office or reception chairs feature a chr...
Chrome
Italian Lounge Chairs from the 1950s in Orange Copper Velvet
Located in Oirlo, LI
This exclusive set of two lounge armchairs radiates pure Italian elegance. Originally designed in the 1950s, the chairs combine the refined character of mid-century design with the c...
Velvet, Wood
1 out of 5 Mid Century Modern Armchairs attr to Zev & Zev in burn orange velvet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find stunning Mid Century Modern Armchairs done in burnt orange velvet. They feature beautiful and very comfortable design, that will being warmth and comfort to your space. Designed by Zev&Zev. Made in Italy in 1960s. Currently 5 armchairs...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of MCM Orange Vinyl Swivel Chairs by Chromcraft
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1960s-1970s; Chromcraft Furniture - St. Louis, MO Matching pair of Mid Century Modern swivel bar stools by Chromcraft, featuring orange vertically channeled vinyl upholstery moun...
Chrome
