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.
Shelby Williams MCM Swivel Bucket Chairs Red Vinyl Faux Leather & Chrome X Base
By Shelby Williams
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome pair of Shelby Williams Mid-Century Modern swivel bucket chairs with chrome X base. Newly upholstered in bright red vinyl faux leather fabr...
Steel, Chrome
Modern Set of 4 Steelcase Swivel Dining or Game Chairs 4 Prong Chrome Bases
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Modern set of 4 Steelcase dining or game armchairs composed of swivel, manual height & tension adjustable 4 prong chrome bases with casters, chrome shafts, arm ...
Chrome
Executive Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Topeka, KS
Timeless MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. Chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, aluminum band, c...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage Modern Black & Chrome Cantilever Chair by United Chair Co Style of Steel
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage modern black & chrome cantilever chair by United Chair Company in the style of Steelcase. Comprised of a chrome cantilever frame, black plastic armrests, and its original black hopsacking fabric with button details. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. What an EXQUISITE chair!!! This fabulous black and chrome cantilever chair was made by United Chair Company and it’s in the style of Steelcase. It is comprised of a gorgeous chrome cantilever frame with black plastic armrests, and it is wearing its original black hopsacking fabric with button detail on the seat back and cushion. Super stylish and super comfortable!! We say this chair is mostly modern...
Chrome
MCM Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group High Back Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group high back chair. Comprised of aluminum frame, 4 prong aluminum base, nylon feet, black swivel shaft, black powder coated aluminum arms, & has been reupholstered in an aubergine or eggplant faux suede. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are some minor scratches on the arms. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Design Date, 1958. circa, 1960-1978. (We currently have three currently available but priced separately.) I can’t think of anything better than a vintage Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group high back chair!!! Except maybe a purple one!! Aubergine Eggplant, Purple whichever!! WOW!!! It is comprised of an aluminum frame, 4 prong aluminum base with nylon feet, black swivel shaft, black powder coated aluminum arms, and it has been reupholstered in a lovely aubergine or eggplant faux suede fabric. Can we just say Design EXCELLENCE!!!! And not to mention extraordinary comfort! The dynamic design duo of husband and wife team Charles & Ray Eames focused on every detail and combined ergonomics, flexibility, constructive elements, highest quality materials, and attention to superior style which created a masterpiece that is highly sought after still today. The design was introduced in 1958 and is still in production! This vintage beauty will be phenomenal at a desk in an office setting, next to your bed or in the dressing area of your bedroom, or extra seating in the sitting room. It is versatile enough to blend in with many décor styles, but it’s bursting with Mid-Century Modern magnificence!! This treasure is exactly what the designer ordered! Charles Eames was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1907. Ray Kaiser Eames was born in Sacramento, California in 1912. They met at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and were married in 1941. They moved together to California and continued their design work they began together at Cranbrook. A commission, which they acquired from the government during WWII to produce molded plywood splints and stretchers, launched a career producing iconic Mid-Century Modern furnishings which are still fresh and sought after today. The Eames and their association with Herman Miller were the partnership of the century. If you want to learn more about Charles and Ray please visit Eames Office, the Eames Official website. Herman Miller started life as Star furniture...
Aluminum
Pair Modern Chrome Cantilever Chairs Oatmeal Hopsacking Steelcase Model 421 482
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage pair of modern chrome cantilever chairs with original oatmeal hopsacking and black plastic armrests by Steelcase labeled Model #421-482. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are some small scratches on the chrome and two of the buttons on each seat have been replaced using fabric salvaged from bottom of chair. Buttons are a slightly different size, but you must examine closely to tell. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1981. Spectacular Style and Stunningly Steelcase!! Their tag is labeled Model # 421-482 and they are comprised of a gorgeous chrome cantilever frame with black plastic armrests, and they wear their original oatmeal colored hopsacking fabric with button detail on the seat back and cushion. Super stylish and super comfortable!! They are the perfect pair of accent chairs whether you have a modern aesthetic, industrial, modern country, rustic, Art Deco, or Hollywood Regency décor. They could be used in a living room setting, your master bedroom, home office, entry, or as host and hostess chairs in your dining room. Or mix them with your modern country or mountain home décor and use them in as extra seating or at a game table in the family room. They are going to be an incredible addition to any space in your home! Steelcase was founded as the Metal Office Furniture Company in 1912 by Peter M. Wege in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Metal Office Furniture Company's first products included fireproof metal safes and four-drawer filing cabinets which Wege invented and manufactured for the Macey Company. In 1914, the company received its first product patent for "The Victor," a fireproof steel wastebasket. The Victor gained popularity due to its light weight achieved through a patented process of bending flat steel at right angles to create boxes, and its ability to prevent fires at a time when smoking was common indoors, particularly in the workplace. In 1915, the company began manufacturing and distributing steel desks and in 1937, the company collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright on office furniture. The partnership lasted two years and resulted in some of the first modern workstations. The company officially changed its name to Steelcase, Inc. in 1954 and became known as the leader of the furniture industry in the late 1960s due to the volume of its sales and in 1973, the company debuted the Series 9000 furniture line. Steelcase merged three of its subsidiaries, Brayton International, Metro Furniture...
Chrome
Red Velvet Swivel Desk Chair, Chrome Base, Mid-Century Modern, 1970
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Desk chair 1970s on wheels - unique Height is adjustable.
Chrome
Red Swivel Office Chair with Rolling Metal Base Danish Mid-Century Modern 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A compact office chair featuring an upholstered seat and backrest set over a rolling swivel base. Its minimalist aesthetic delivers industrial functionality and Scandinavian charm. A...
Fabric
Vintage Mid Century Modern Red Adjustable Chrome Office Desk Chair by HON
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Red Adjustable Height and Back Rolling Chrome Office Desk ...
Chrome
1970 Red Charles Eames Upholstered Swivel Office Chair for Herman MIller
By Charles Eames
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very striking swivel office chair by legendary designer Charles Eames and made by Herman Miller in 1970. This example retains its original red upholstery which is in very g...
Aluminum
C. 2020 Lievore Altherr Molina for Arper Catifa Desk Chair w/ Arms in Red Fabric
By Lievore Altherr Molina, Arper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Catifa 53 Desk Chairs with armrests, originally designed by Lievore Altherr Molina in 2013. These particular examples were produced by Arper in Italy C. 2020. The chairs ar...
Aluminum, Steel
Herman Miller Office Chair, Red Fabric, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1986
By Herman Miller
Located in bari, IT
Herman Miller office chair in red fabric from late 1980s.
Metal
