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.
Modern Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse Bob Round Glass Top Occasional Coffee Table
By Steelcase, Pearson Lloyd, Coalesse
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Modern beauty and elegant design of the Bob occasional Table fits seamlessly into any environment and among Mid-Century classic design. Appropriate for home and workplace interi...
Aluminum
Modern Chris Adamick for Allsteel Parallel Rectangular White Top Coffee Table
By Allsteel
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The modern functionality of the Parallel table adapts to a variety of spaces. It's well-designed and well-crafted, a combination of efficiency, stabilit...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Style Geiger Metal Series Round Clear Glass Top Coffee Table
By Poul Kjærholm, Geiger International
Located in Secaucus, NJ
High-End quality Metal Series round occasional table by Geiger International, the beautifully Modern Minimalistic design with simple clean lines and elegant materials make this table flow with grace in any period or style environment and among Mid-Century classic design, offering beauty and function for decades to come. In the style of Poul Kjaerholm. Specification: Top is 1/2" thick clear glass Brushed Metal Base Four Adjustable Metal Gliders...
Metal
Contemporary Anthony Garrett for Geiger Garrett Classic Square Coffee Table
By Geiger International
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous Garrett classic table offer a contemporary yet timeless design that make it a natural in a host of applications, Expertly crafted with highest quality materials and workma...
Metal, Chrome
1980's Custom Made Brushed Stainless Steel & Clear Glass Rectangular Side Table
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning and elegant 1980s custom-made brushed stainless steel & clear glass rectangular side occasional table, can be used as a coffee table. Attributed to the Berbeda collection de...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Minimalist Nicos Zographos Round Glass and Stainless-Steel Coffee Table
By Nicos Zographos
Located in Secaucus, NJ
A stunning Minimalist round glass and stainless steel coffee table designed by Nicos Zographos in 1960 and remains a current timeless and elegant design today. Zographos' signature ...
Stainless Steel
Modern Square Glass Coffee Table
Located in Nyack, NY
This elegant coffee table features a clear plate glass top elegantly framed by a distinctive asymmetric pinwheel base. Crafted entirely from solid Ash or Walnut, it showcases oversiz...
Ash, Walnut
Modern Square Glass Coffee Table
Located in Nyack, NY
This elegant coffee table features a clear plate glass top elegantly framed by a distinctive asymmetric pinwheel base. Crafted entirely from solid Ash or Walnut, it showcases oversiz...
Ash, Walnut
Modern Square Glass Coffee Table
Located in Nyack, NY
This elegant coffee table features a clear plate glass top elegantly framed by a distinctive asymmetric pinwheel base. Crafted entirely from solid Ash or Walnut, it showcases oversiz...
Ash, Walnut
Modern Square Glass Coffee Table
Located in Nyack, NY
This elegant coffee table features a clear plate glass top elegantly framed by a distinctive asymmetric pinwheel base. Crafted entirely from solid Ash or Walnut, it showcases oversiz...
Ash, Walnut
S578/SL - High Coffee Table
By CPRN HOMOOD
Located in Ponsacco, IT
A stylish side table featuring a glass top with saddle leather-bound edges and a sleek metal base. The transparent glass surface highlight the elegant saddle leather detailing around...
Metal
Premium Glass Lounge Table - Smoked
Located in Lentate Sul Seveso, IT
Noor Lounge Table by Lebanto – Elegant Glass Design in Smoked finish The Noor Lounge Table by Lebanto is a sleek and modern statement piece, crafted from premium glass with your cho...
Glass
