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.
DS-85 Sofa or Daybed by De Sede, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing DS-85 sofa or daybed in white (cream) leather. This DS 85 daybed was designed and manufactured in the 1970s by De Sede in Switzerland. This extremely comfortable sofa or l...
Leather
De Sede DS-101 Three-seater Sofa 1970s
By De Sede
Located in VENLO, NL
This high-quality and comfortable three-seater sofa, designed for De Sede in the 1970s, features individually extendable seats for the ultimate lounging experience. The DS101 model i...
Leather, Wood
Rolf Benz Plura Sofa with Chaise
By Rolf Benz
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Plura Sofa with Chaise by Rolf Benz - a true embodiment of modern luxury. Expertly crafted with premium materials, this sofa features a sleek, contemporary silhouette...
Metal
$7,555
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 37.41 in
Cassina Maralunga Italian Designer Two-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
Located in Nottingham, GB
A stunning example of Italian design excellence, this Cassina Maralunga two-seater sofa was designed by the legendary architect and designer Vico Magistretti for the renowned Italian...
Fabric
$4,351
H 32.68 in W 87.01 in D 39.77 in
Baisity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1980s.
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Athens, Attiki
Baisity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1980s. Original fabric with extraordinary paisley pattern and leather. Excellent condition
Leather, Fabric, Silk
1 Steelcase Modular Seating Group Lounge
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Turnstone for Steelcase Jenny Collection Designed with posture and a better sitting experience in mind, Jenny Modular seating provides ultimate comfort...
Wood
Italian Mid Century Modern Modular Sofa 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian Modular Corner Sofa, 1970s A beautiful Italian modular corner sofa from the 1970s in a warm sand beige tone. The fabric has a soft textured surface with a tactile feel that ...
Fabric, Wood
$10,655 / set
H 25.2 in W 108.27 in D 57.49 in
Swiss Original Vintage De Sede DS-11 Modular Sofa, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Renens, CH
De Sede five-piece modular sofa DS-11 in beautiful crème colored leather: The leather is a patchwork design made from soft, cream pigmented aniline leather, which typically gives a v...
Leather
$5,485 / item
H 33.86 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Style 2 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime co...
Textile, Wood
Form Modular Sofa, Setup 1, Harald Blush
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 1 (1x Center, 1x Open-Ended, 1x Armrest) Fabric: Harald 212 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for your own composition. Available in wide...
Cotton
1970's Cream Wool Sectional Sofa on Polished Brass Plinth Base w/ Ottoman
Located in Medina, OH
Sophisticated and inviting, 1970's mid-century modern cream wool sectional sofa on a polished brass plinth base, also comes with two side arm pillows and a semi-attached ottoman. Dec...
Brass
1960s De Sede "DS-101" Leather Lounge Chair
By De Sede
Located in Medina, OH
Known from the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", De Sede high quality leather lounge armchair DS 101. This rare chair model ceased production ...
Leather
In The Style of Milo Baughman Chrome Base Curved Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Medina, OH
In The Style of Milo Baughman Chrome Base Curved Lounge Chair. Featuring a curved back, chrome base and original fabric that will need to be replaced. Please see pictures of detailed...
Chrome
Original Steelcase Office Armchair
By Steelcase
Located in Medina, OH
"Steelcase" Armchair in its original fabric. This vintage office chair is not like any office chair in today's modern furniture. Take a look at the wood frame, with its Art Deco vibe...
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Reupholstered Adrian Pearsall Rocking Wave Chaise Lounge
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Medina, OH
The Adrian Pearsall rocking "Wave" chaise lounge fully reupholstered in an Ana Elisabeth S5443 Arctic faux fur fabric. The walnut base has been professionally refinished and is in an...
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Walnut
Aria Waterfall Bench
Located in Medina, OH
Bring some sunshine into any room with our Aria Waterfall Bench. These are hand-crafted by our upholstery shop in Medina, Ohio, and are comprised of the highest quality materials. ...
Wool, Foam, Hardwood
