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.
Modern Steelcase i2i Collaborative Ergonomic Dual Swivel Lounge Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Modern i2i lounge chair is very comfortable and well designed, feature independently dual swivel mechanism, swivel the back or swivel the seat only to shift various postures quic...
Aluminum, Steel
Contemporary Scott Wilson for Coalesse SW_1 Gray High-Back Lounge Swivel Chair
By Steelcase, Coalesse
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Modern beauty and elegant design of the SW_1 high-back collaborative swivel lounge chair fits seamlessly into any environment and among mid-century classic designs. The breathable mesh back provides increased comfort for long work sessions. A swiveling base and open arms expand the view. An elegant yet contemporary masterpiece that's comfortable and well designed, well-crafted beauty for the modern home. Appropriate for home and workplace interiors. Please note I have two chairs available, selling them individually (the price listed is for one chair) Specification: The seat and upper back are upholstered in medium gray color fabric with a quadrilateral pattern in white, yellow, and tomato red. Lower back: 3D Knit mesh in ivory color, provides back support and breathability. 4-star base aluminum matte polished. Frame: steel tube The swivel base has an automatic return-to-center mechanism. Glides: aluminum with non marring easy gliding plastic insert. Style: Contemporary/Modern Designed by: Scott Wilson...
Aluminum
Steelcase Think V2 Ergonomic Executive Chair New Model Grey Fabric, Brand New
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Think chair is an ergonomic office chair that makes you feel good from the first moment you sit to the last. A recipient of numerous awards, fully redesigned and fully adjustable. It...
Steel
Contemporary Minimalist Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse Lox Swivel Chairs - a Pair
By Steelcase, PearsonLloyd, Coalesse
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous pair of Lox swivel chairs designed by Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse. The Lox chair blends style with support through a sweeping bucket back and padded interior seat. It is buil...
Aluminum
Italian Modern Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Iuta Swivel Desk Task Chair, Gray
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous Iuta swivel desk task chair designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 2000. The Iuta chair is characterized by its distinctive molded wire mesh shell with profiled alum...
Aluminum, Steel
Steelcase New Amia Executive Ergonomic Office Chair Gray Vinyl, Fully Adjustable
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Amia is a versatile ergonomic office chair designed to handle long hours of sitting. Features adjustable LiveLumbar technology inside its backrest that responds to the movement of yo...
Steel
1 Steelcase Coalesse 2i Collaborative Ergonomic Swivel Lounge Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Steelcase I2i Collaborative Ergonomic Dual swivel lounge chair with tablet Designed in collaboration with Thomas Overthun of Ideo. Features an in...
Aluminum
Steelcase Post Modern i2i Swivel Desk Office Dining Chairs c 2013 4 available
By Steelcase
Located in New York, NY
Nice sharp examples of the postmodern production from Steelcase Inc. Model i2i circa 2013, swivel desk, office or dining chairs in grey and blue finish. All four are fully function...
Metal
Steelcase i2i Swivel Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Steelcase i2i Swivel Lounge chair. Featuring a plastic shell and a upholstered swivel seat and back. The four prong polished metal base is very attract...
Metal
SW1 Coalesse Lounge Chair by Steelcase no. 2
By Steelcase, Coalesse
Located in Chicago, IL
SW1 post modern swivel lounge chair in chartreuse wool and black mesh by Scott Wilson for Coalesse. Marketed by Steelcase. The 16” high seat and wide, splayed arms come together to c...
Aluminum
SW1 Coalesse Lounge Chair by Steelcase no. 1
Located in Chicago, IL
SW1 post modern swivel lounge chair in chartreuse wool and black mesh by Scott Wilson for Coalesse. Marketed by Steelcase. The 16” high seat and wide, splayed arms come together to c...
Aluminum
Steelcase i2i Swivel Club Chairs
By Steelcase
Located in Denton, TX
Steelcase swivel plastic shell chair with upholstered swivel seat and back. The four prong polished aluminum base is very attractive and makes thes...
Metal
