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.
Refurbished 1960's General Fireproofing Tanker Desk
By General Fireproofing Company
Located in Alhambra, CA
1960s General Fireproofing "Modemaker" single-pedestal tanker desk, newly refurbished with a gloss white (WH 12) powder-coat. The desktop has a lowered section (which was originally ...
Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century modern double pedestal desk designed by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group, produced by Winchendon. Features clean lines, signature tapered legs, and ample storage...
Brass
$6,800 / set
H 29 in W 72 in D 36.5 in
1960s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Executive Desk & Return - Refinished
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern 1960s Edward Wormley for Dunbar executive desk, ensuite return. Dark finish over mahogany, to be refinished prior to shipping. Rosewood drawer pulls, brass sabot ...
Brass
$1,650
H 29.25 in W 59.25 in D 29.529 in
Gispen Industrial "7804" Desk with Blue Drawer Fronts and Linoleum Writing Top
By Willem H. Gispen, Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gispen 'Kleuro' line industrial office desk with a blue linoleum writing surface, three blue-enameled drawer fronts, and a gray enameled metal frame. The asymmetric single-pedestal l...
Metal, Enamel
$5,500
H 29 in W 32 in D 66 in
1960s Florence Knoll Double Pedestal Executive Desk Chrome Wood Fully Refinished
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original double pedestal desk, model 1503, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1956. This example was manufactured by Knoll Associates in the early 1960s. It is constr...
Steel
$490
H 29 in W 53 in D 26 in
Planner Group Double Pedestal Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon for Refinishing
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Planner Group #1561 Double Pedestal Desk with (5) drawers and (1) pull-out writing surface by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company, Winchendon Mass. * In need of Refinishin...
Maple
Newly Refinished - Vintage Heywood Wakefield “Streamline Modern” Desk
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Birch
$6,400
H 30 in W 45 in D 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Extension Desk By John van Koert For Drexel Counterpoint
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning, wonderfully detailed, mid-century American desk was designed by John van Koert for Drexel's "Counterpoint" line in 1956. According to Drexel the collection was inspire...
Cherry, Mahogany
$639Sale Price|36% Off
H 30 in W 46 in D 18 in
Johnson Carper Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk with Sculpted Drawers
By Johnson Carper
Located in East Freetown, MA
Johnson Carper Mid=Century Modern wooden desk with seven concave front drawers that pull out easily without drawer pulls. Desk has four peg legs and formica top.
Wood
Restored Modern Original Desk by Widdicomb, c. 1950
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Wilton, CT
Offering a beautifully restored Art Deco desk by Widdicomb, USA, one of America's great names in mid-century furniture making. This rare desk fr...
Brass
