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.
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
Bruno Mathsson for Dux Chrome Based Swivel Lounge Chair. 1 of 2
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Chicago, IL
This swivelling easy chair is a cross between the famous “Jetson” lounge chair and the “Karin” lounge chair by iconic Swedish designer, Bruno Mathsson for Dux of Sweden. All three ch...
Steel, Chrome
Bruno Mathsson for Dux Chrome Based Swivel Lounge Chair. 2 of 2
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Chicago, IL
This swivelling easy chair is a cross between the famous “Jetson” lounge chair and the “Karin” lounge chair by iconic Swedish designer, Bruno Mathsson for Dux of Sweden. All three ch...
Steel, Chrome
Rare 1st Edition Naoto Fukasawa Office Desk Chair for Herman Miller
By Naoto Fukasawa, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Hard to find 1st edition office desk chair created by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa. It’s called the Saiba Chair for Herman Miller and manufactured by Geiger International. Saiba ...
Chrome, Steel
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Swivel and Tilt Lounge chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
A single swiveling and tilting club chair with round walnut plinth bases and tear drop back by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Taupe ultra suede upholstery with brown leather ...
Metal
Original Paul McCobb High Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Paul McCobb lounge chair in umber, gray and taupe striped loose weave wool upholstery and long tapered maple legs. Great front view as well as profile with M-shaped back and...
Maple, Wood, Wool
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
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
Bob Lounge Chair by Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse/Steelcase
By Pearson Lloyd, Steelcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well-crafted beauty. With flared arms, a matte polished aluminum base and a very comfortable feel, the Bob Lounge chair is well-suited for home or a professional space. The line w...
Steel
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
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
DS-144 Lounge Chair by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-144 lounge chair by De Sede Design: Werner Aisslinger Dimensions: D 51 x W 73 x H 87 cm Materials: high-gloss chrome-plated steel, leather Prices may change according to the...
Steel
