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.
Pair of Arne Norell "Ari" Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather & Steel, Sweden 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Hamburg, PA
Matching pair of iconic "Ari" lounge chairs designed by Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, Sweden, circa 1966–1970s. These luxurious Scandinavian Modern classics feature polished steel...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Teak "Diplomat" Chairs by Finn Juhl Model 209, 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Hamburg, PA
An Iconic pair of Finn Juhl's "Diplomat" Chairs was created circa 1960 made in Denmark. This pair of chairs is in the original faux leather from the period. The pair would work well ...
Upholstery, Teak
Pair of Milo Baughman Swivel and Tilt Chairs for Thayer Coggin, 1995
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Hamburg, PA
A lux pair of Swivel and Tilt Chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, 1995. This wonderful pair of chairs would be great in any living room or conversation area. Would lo...
Chrome
Pair of Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt “Latin” Lounge Chairs, 1990s
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Hamburg, PA
Elegant pair of armless “Latin” lounge chairs designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. These refined lounge chairs feature clean architectural lines with soft, generous seating. The bodies are upholstered in taupe leather with complementary light grey striped fabric loose-back cushions. Raised on dark ebonized wood bases with straight square legs. Each chair retains its original Holly Hunt metal label signed "Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt". Overall good condition. All original with age-appropriate wear consistent with use. Christian Liaigre (1943–2020) was a celebrated French designer known for his understated, luxurious minimalism. Holly Hunt introduced his work to the U.S. market, and the Latin chair...
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Arm Chairs or Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs. Edward Wormley always saw furniture as expressions of personality and as a paired-down concept for detail of architecture and g...
Upholstery
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair Of Gardner Leaver For Steelcase Lounge Chairs
By Gardner Leaver, Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
A pair mid century modern lounge chairs designed by Gardner Leaver and manufactured by Steelcase. Brown leather tufted seat and ...
Stainless Steel
1998 Pair of 455 Series Lounge Chairs by Gardner Leaver and John Portman
By Gardner Leaver, Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a handsome pair of Series 455 Swivel Lounge Chairs, initially designed by Gardner Leaver and John Portman for Steelcase in 1971. This pair dates to 1998, and the listed price...
Steel, Nickel
Leather Swivel Chairs by Gardner Leaver for Steelcase, Pair
By Steelcase, Gardner Leaver
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of well constructed side/guest chairs model 455-211 designed by Gardner Leaver, manufactured by the Steelcase Furniture company. Refreshingly modern the bold, curved design an...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern 455 Lounge Chair By Leaver and Portman for Steelcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed in 1971 by Gardner Leaver and architect John Portman (the man behind some of America's most dramatic hotel atriums) the Series 455 is what happens when someone who thinks in...
Steel
A Pair De Sede DS-50 Lounge Chairs with one Ottoman, Switzerland, 1960s
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A refined 1960s lounge chairs with matching ottoman by Swiss manufacturer De Sede. The set is fully upholstered in high-quality buffalo leather in a warm taupe-brown tone, showing a ...
Leather
Pair High Back Modernist Swivel Lounge Chairs, " Coaleese" for Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair high back Modernist swivel lounge chairs. " Coaleese" for Steelcase, stunning two-tone swivel lounge chairs, superior quality and construction, cas...
Aluminum
