Best known for industrial and Art Deco style metal furniture, Simmons Company Furniture was among the leading manufacturers and sellers of steel furniture from the early to mid-20th century.
In 1923, the Chicago-based furniture firm captured international attention when it introduced the world’s first bedroom suite made of steel. This innovative approach to design made waves throughout the furniture manufacturing industry, which, at the time, produced primarily wooden furniture.
Towards the late 1920s, Simmons Company Furniture began collaborating with American modernist industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes. Bel Geddes was renowned for his sleek, streamlined, futuristic style, seen in Electrolux appliances, radios for Philco and RCA and the aerodynamic Chrysler Airflow. Bel Geddes was also the designer behind the famed General Motors “Futurama” exhibition at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
For Simmons, Bel Geddes designed a steel bedroom furniture ensemble in 1929, including an enameled steel vanity, bed frame and dresser, each with chrome-finished accents. In 1933, Simmons exhibited the suite at the Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago, garnering critical acclaim. Over the next few years, Bel Geddes designed several other pieces for Simmons, such as an Art Deco-style one-drawer side table, leather-upholstered metal armchairs, vanity benches and chests of drawers.
In addition to these modernist designs, Simmons created American Classical furniture and steel reproductions of Windsor, Chippendale and Sheraton pieces aimed at the upper-middle-class market. To soften the industrial look, many pieces, such as rocking chairs, armchairs, desks and dressers, were enameled in color finishes or imitation wood.
Simmons Company Furniture pieces have had a resurgence in popularity, particularly among interior designers and collectors of early 20th-century furniture. The company’s furnishings are in museum collections across the United States, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Brooklyn Museum in New York.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of Simmons Company Furniture seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and more.
Exceptional John Vesey Stainless Steel and Bronze Desk
By John Vesey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reminiscent of neoclassical French Louis XVI style with fluted columns-as-legs, bronze acanthus feet and corners embossed with gilt swag, this extraordinary and rare writing table is...
Bronze, Stainless Steel
Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk by Ercole Home is crafted from Oak with a Painted Ivory finish, with a Tubular Stainless Steel base and stripe mosaic drawerfronts of Iv...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century John Stuart Mirrored Vanity Desk with Bench
By John Stuart
Located in Forney, TX
A rare Mid-Century Modern painted white mirrored vanity desk and bench by legendary American luxury designer John Stuart. Circa 1950 The sensational John Stuart designed demilune ...
Leather, Wood
John Vesey Style Steel Bronze Neoclassical Console Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive brushed steel and patinated bronze clad writing table, desk, or console made in the manner and style of John Vesey (American 1924-1992). The desk is fronted by two storage...
Bronze, Stainless Steel
Parsons Metal Wrapped Desk Writing Table Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a parsons metal wrapped desk / writing table. Modern design. :legs can be removed for safe and easy shipping. Dimensions: 47.5" W x 23.88" D x 30.13" H Del...
Aluminum
John Vesey Style Steel and Bronze Neoclassical Desk or Console
By John Vesey
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined and iconic steel and bronze clad writing table, library table, desk, or console made in the manner and style of John Vesey (United States, 1924-1992). The desk is construct...
Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel
U.S. Military Folding Stainless Steel Field Desk
By René Herbst
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage U.S. Military medical field desk. Converts to coffee table. This is (NOS) New Old Stock military surplus, never previously used. I contemplated stripping the paint to revea...
Stainless Steel
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant neoclassical desk, designed for Baker, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a great desk, console table, dressing table, or vanity. It offers a nice amount of s...
Brass
Custom Glamorous Mirrored Writing Desk with Acrylic Legs
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom glamorous mirrored writing desk with acrylic legs. Customization is available in different sizes, mirror finishes and hardware.
Acrylic, Mirror
John Vesey Stainless Steel Bronze Neoclassical Desk
By John Vesey
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary mid-century modern stainless steel and bronze writing table, desk, or bureau plat designed by John Vesey (American 1924-1992). Made in the grand neoclassical French Lou...
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Simmons Brushed Steel Sheraton Series Desk Vanity Set
By Simmons Company Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 20th century, Sheraton Series vanity or desk set by Simmons Company Furniture features an upholstered gray vinyl chair seat with gray d...
Steel
Mid-Century Industrial Brushed Steel Police Station Desk
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sleek, industrial, brushed steel police station desk circa the 1950s is a handsome example of streamlined Mid-Century design. The brushed steel desk features paneled sides with ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Extension Desk By John van Koert For Drexel Counterpoint
By John Van Koert, Drexel
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
Norman Bel Geddes Brushed Steel Nightstand End Table
By Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Machine-age, art deco, brushed steel nightstand or end table by Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Company Furniture features a 3" height, top drawer and 13" height, open storage below. The rounded steel profile and recessed drawer pull...
Steel
Industrial "Uhl Art Steel" Tall Task Desk By Toledo
By Toledo Metal Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a circa 1915 "Uhl Art Steel" tall industrial rolling extension task desk manufactured by Toledo Metal Furniture Co. It's four-legged steel base with centrally located patente...
Steel
Industrial Black Laminate Top Mail Room Work Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome, mid-century, industrial mail room work table is a flexible piece that can cater to a multitude of needs. The table features a painted steel frame with just the right amount...
Metal
