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.
Knoll Two Seater Relax Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in relaxation and comfort - the Two Seater Relax Sofa by Knoll. Crafted with high-quality materials, this sofa combines luxury with sophistication. Its sleek...
Steel
$9,217
H 29.14 in W 96.07 in D 30.71 in
Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Authentic mid-century collectible with documented provenance: This spacious Florence Knoll Model 26-3KC sofa was produced in the 1960s and upholstered in an exceptionally high-qualit...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three Seat Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Den Haag, NL
Mid Century modern Italian three seat sofa
Wool, Wood
$7,703
H 31.5 in W 88.59 in D 30.32 in
Original Florence Knoll Sofa Modell 65a Couch Knoll Intenational
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Sofa von Knoll International zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Florence Knoll Bassett und ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung 65a. In un...
Steel
$8,500
H 29 in W 91 in D 32 in
Fabulous Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Sofa , Mid-Century
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This vintage Florenc Knoll 3 seater chrome sofa is really an amazing piece of furniture that has it all. These sofas are extremely well made and incredibly comfortable. Florence Kn...
Chrome
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Frame Sofa
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long sofa with simple Mid-Century Modern Knoll inspired design. Three seats on chrome frame. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Chrome
Knoll Florence Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this iconic two-seater reflects her architectural approach to furniture—restrained, geometric, and timeless. With softened proportions and deeper ...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$10,692
H 29.53 in W 90.56 in D 32.29 in
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
Knoll Style Tuxedo Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1960s. A handsome tuxedo style sofa very much in the spirit of American designer Florence Knoll. Features a heavy ash frame with high arms and back supported by minimalist s...
Steel, Chrome
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Steel
Folke Ohlsson Sofa by DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, subtle design by Swedish designer Folke Ohlsson, this upholstered three seat sofa with gently curved lines is supported by a walnut base. In very good original vintage ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
In our opinion, this Ed Wormely design for Dunbar is one of the most spectacular sofas ever made. Modern, classic, and timeless... this form transcends styles, genres and eras. Nine ...
Brass
Robert Haussmann "Zürich" Sofa by Nienkämper
By Nienkamper, Robert Haussmann
Located in Highland, IN
A classically designed and proportioned sofa, the stately "Zürich" designed by Robert Haussmann for Neinkamper is perfectly suited for use in the most traditional or cutting-edge mod...
Upholstery, Wood
Steelcase Bench in the manner of Florence Knoll
By Steelcase, Florence Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome and useful piece by Steelcase, this bench is very similar to the design by Florence Knoll. It features a chromed steel base supporting two upholstered seats. Newly restore...
Steel
Nicos Zographos BE3 Bench/ Daybed
By Nicos Zographos
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful, understated design is classic Zographos. Manufactured by Zographos Designs Limited, the stainless steel base has radiused corners and supports a tufted dark warm gray...
Steel
