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.
Steelcase Coalesse Modern Leather and Chrome Bar Stools, Pair
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of contemporary or Modern "Switch" bar stools By Coalesse for Steelcase USA, 2010 Leather upholstered seats and backs, with chrome frames. Measures: 16.5"W x 20"D...
Chrome
Steelcase Coalesse Modern Leather and Chrome Bar Stools, Set of Six
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six contemporary or Modern "Switch" bar stools By Coalesse for Steelcase USA, 2010 Leather upholstered seats and backs, with chrome frames. Measures: 16.5"W x 2...
Chrome
Steelcase Coalesse Modern Leather and Chrome Bar Stools, Set of Four
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four contemporary or Modern "Switch" bar stools By Coalesse for Steelcase USA, 2010 Leather upholstered seats and backs, with chrome frames. Measures: 16.5"W x ...
Chrome
Steelcase Coalesse Modern Leather and Chrome Bar Stools, Set of Eight
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight contemporary or Modern "Switch" bar stools By Coalesse for Steelcase USA, 2010 Leather upholstered seats and backs, with chrome frames. Measures: 16.5"W x...
Chrome
Steelcase Coalesse Modern Leather and Chrome Bar Stools, Set of Ten
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of ten contemporary or Modern "Switch" bar stools By Coalesse for Steelcase USA, 2010 Leather upholstered seats and backs, with chrome frames. Measures: 16.5"W x 2...
Chrome
David Rowland 40/4 Black and Chrome Side Chair
By David Rowland
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish vintage 40/4 black and chrome stacking side chair Designed by David Rowland USA, 1977 Chrome, with black powder-coated steel Measures: 20"W x 17.5"D x 30"H. Seat height...
Steel, Chrome
Savor Royce Metal Chrome Bar Stool Caress Taupe Leather Century Furniture F
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Savor Royce Metal Chrome Bar Stool Caress Taupe Leather Century Furniture F. Item features a heavy steel construction, polished chrome finish, taupe leather upholstery, clean moderni...
Steel
Century Furniture Savor Royce Chrome Bar Stool Caress Taupe Leather (E)
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Century Furniture Savor Royce Chrome Bar Stool Caress Taupe Leather (E). Item features heavy steel construction, polished chrome finish, taupe leather upholstery, clean modernist lin...
Chrome
Cast Aluminum Bar Stool with Fresh Leather Upholstery
Located in Alhambra, CA
Elegant McM "futuristic" bar stool, made of cast aluminum and newly upholstered stormy-brown leather cushions. Shelby Williams "Gazelle" chair inspired design. We also have another m...
Aluminum
Contemporary Squared Barstool with Low Back, Lacquered Legs, & Metallic Accents
Located in New York, NY
This barstool combines elegance and functionality with its thoughtfully crafted design. The legs feature a sleek lacquered finish, enhancing its modern aesthetic, while the backrest ...
Metal
Barstool in Custom Metallic Finishes and Leather Colors
Located in New York, NY
This Barstool provide a very sober and comfortable experience as the metal structure aligned with the upholstered back and seat will make sure that geometrical shapes are very adapta...
Metal
Counter Height Stool in Custom Metallic Finishes and Leather Colors
Located in New York, NY
This counter stool provide a very sober and comfortable experience as the metal structure aligned with the upholstered back and seat will make sure that geometrical shapes are very a...
Metal
