A popular designer who had his heyday from the late 1940s into the 1970s, Harvey Probber is one of the post-war American creative spirits whose work has been recently rediscovered by collectors. His designs are by-and-large simple and elegant, but his signal achievement was to pioneer one of the key innovations of mid-20th century furniture: sectional, or modular, seating.
Even as a teenager, the Brooklyn-born Probber was making sketches of furniture designs — and selling them to Manhattan furniture companies. He began working as a designer for an upholsterer once he finished high school and, apart from a few evening classes he took as an adult at Pratt Institute, he was self-taught about design and furniture making.
After wartime service — and a stint as a lounge singer — Probber founded his own company in the late 1940s. A lifelong familiarity with the needs of New York–apartment dwellers doubtless sparked his most noteworthy creation: a line of seating pieces in basic geometric shapes — wedges, squares, half-circles — that could be arranged and combined as needed. Modular furniture remained the core idea of Probber’s business throughout his career.
As a self-trained designer, Probber was never wed to any particular aesthetic. He preferred the simple lines now associated with mid-century modernism for their inherent practicality, but often used hardware to enliven the look of his pieces, or added elements — such as a ceramic insert in the center of a round dining table — that was visually interesting and could serve as a trivet. He gravitated toward bright fabrics with attractive, touchable textures that might be satin-like or nubbly. Above all, Probber insisted that the sofas, case goods and other products that came out of his Fall River, Massachusetts, factory be built to last.
“The quality of aging gracefully,” Probber once told an interviewer, is “design's fourth dimension.” This quality he realized: Probber furniture is just as useful and alluring now as it was when made — and maybe even more stylish.
Find a collection of vintage Harvey Probber side tables, sectional sofas, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and refined pair of stools were designed by the legendary Harvey Probber and handmade in Fall River, Massachusetts circa 1960. Probber believed that "aging gracefully" r...
Walnut
$4,000Sale Price|42% Off
Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Leather, Signed, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Harvey Probber 'Knights' bench, model number 1173, with arched base and slatted seat in steam-bent mahogany with brass accents, and finished with a channel-tufted cushion. Bras...
Brass
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Harvey Probber Knights Bench ca' 1950's
By Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic "Knights" bench by Harvey Probber ca' 1950's. Mahogany slats with brass supports and an original suede cushion. In very good restored condition, cushion is not attached.
Brass
$12,000 / set
Pair of Knights Benches, by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Greensboro, NC
Pair of "Knights" benches by Harvey Probber. Lacquered mahogany with brass rail details. Very good to excellent condition, with minimal crazing to lacquer, see photos for detail.
Brass
Harvey Probber Artisan Collection Mid Century Rattan Over Steel Stools - Pair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Artisan Collection Mid Century Rattan Over Steel Stools - Pair Each stool measures: 26.5 wide x 16.25 deep x 20.25 high, with a seat height of 15.5 inches Excellent ...
Steel
$4,496Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair Harvey Probber Mid Century Asian Modernist Walnut and Upholstered Stools
By Harvey Probber
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Mid-Century iconic Architectural Design Asian Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by the legendary Harvey Probber. Lacquered walnut and Clean, firm upholstery. Measure 16...
Upholstery, Walnut
$6,100 / set
Set of Three Harvey Probber Stools
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Set of three Harvey Probber stools. Has square walnut legs on casters. Off-white and rust embroidered floral cushioned seats. Mid Century Modern.
Fabric, Walnut
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare luxurious upholstered bench with mahogany legs with solid brass accents. Cataloged as PUB 70 ½ which is the largest version of the model. The bench is robust, heavy and well mad...
Brass
Italian 1950's Maple Wood Stool/Bench with Mongolian Sheepskin
Located in New York, NY
An elegantly appointed Italian 1950's maple wood stool or bench with gracefully tapered and angled legs; the top newly upholstered in a luxurious creamy/white long haired Mongolian s...
Sheepskin, Maple
Pair of Spanish Stools in Wood and Leatherette, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful pair of wooden Spanish colonial stools with trimming details. Spain, 1950s. These stools are supported on trestle bases with lyre legs. The tops wear the original upholste...
Brass
$1,976Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15 in W 17 in D 17 in
Trio of Square Upholstered Stools in Emerald Velvet and Pecan Probber Style
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This trio of stools have been lovingly reupholstered in a wonderful emerald velvet that enhances the beauty of the pecan wood base. These stools have casters that you can keep or I'l...
Velvet
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 115 in D 35 in
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Rattan Stool, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia. Made of rattan. Cleared. Good original condition.
Rattan
Montgomery Woven Leather Bench 60in
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Montgomery Bench by Crump and Kwash Solid wood frame / handwoven vegetable tanned leather seat / no VOC oil finish Dimensions: 18 H x 16 D x 60 ...
Leather, Maple, Oak, Walnut
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 18.5 in W 17 in D 16 in
Stylish Set of Three Harvey Probber Style Stool Bench, Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish set of three Harvey Probber style stools with original fabric. The dark finish is also original and shows only light wear.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,200 / set
H 14.5 in Dm 17 in
Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful pair of Arthur Umanoff stacking stools from the 1964 Grenada Collection for Boyuer Scott, Shaver Howard collections. This pair is in wonderful vintage condition with a love...
Iron
$2,666 / item
H 18.12 in W 20.08 in D 14.97 in
Charlotte Perriand LC9 Stool, Rattan & Steel, Mid-Century Modern
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1927. Relaunched by Cassina in 1973/2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Designed by Charlotte Perriand and part of the LC collection by...
Steel
$6,000 / set
H 15.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Square Stools with Cream Upholstered Seat
Located in New York, NY
An Italian pair of walnut square stools with block feet and a thick upholstered seat in Italian cream cotton. Italy, circa 1960 Size: 15 1/2" high x 16" square
Fabric, Walnut
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 18.5 in W 73 in D 19.5 in
Handsome X-Long Bench Harvey Probber style Walnut Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome X-long Harvey Probber style walnut bench. The original striped woven fabric still looks quite nice with only light signs of use. This piece me...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Modernist Stools with Metal Bases and Upholstered Seats, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and sculptural pair of modernist stools, Europe, circa 1970s. Each stool features a tripod-style metal base with tapered legs, supporting a circular disc element that transit...
Metal
$2,650 / set
H 17.5 in Dm 19 in
Fantastic Pair Harvey Probber style Triangular Walnut Base Stools Mid-Century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic pair of Harvey Probber style pyramid walnut base stools. They retain their original purple woven wool fabric in nice vintage condition. These measure 17.5"t x 19" in diam...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Architectural Modern Parsons Bench Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber, Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
An Original Harvey Probber Vintage Parsons Bench. A nice, well crafted solid parsons form with soft inside corners to legs. Original brown fabric. This item is best purchased with...
Wood
Jean Pierre Bernard, Side Tables, Steel, Haitian, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of two steel side tables / end tables, produced by Jean Pierre Bernard. Haiti, 1960s. Acquired by Harvey Probber Furniture.
Metal
Harvey Probber Cane Stool
By Harvey Probber
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A great example from Probber's Artisan Collection. This stool is a prototype of a design. We like to use it as a side table.
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 26 in D 16 in
Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany and Brass with Provenance, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Harvey Probber 'Knights' bench, model number 1173, with arched base and slatted seat in steam-bent mahogany finished with brass accents. A timeless design, this example comes f...
Brass
Harvey Probber Knights Bench / Stool
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany "Knights bench" by Harvey Probber.
Mahogany
Pair of Ottoman Stools by Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish pair of stools designed by Harvey Probber. Both are in good original condition, the upholstered tops show cosmetic wear, usable as is or we can provide custom reupho...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of "Knights" Benches by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Pair of "Knights" benches by American designer Harvey Probber. Intricate frame of lacquered wood with brass details.
Brass
Harvey Probber Brass X-Base Stool or Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in North Miami, FL
This Classic vintage brass X-frame base bench by Harvey Probber has been polished and reupholstered.
Brass
Harvey Probber Cubo Ottomans on Chrome Bases
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Harvey Probber Cubo ottomans on chrome bases. Fully restored and reupholstered in grey velvet.
Chrome
Harvey Probber Stool
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Mahogany stool on casters. Original upholstery.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Stools by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of stools by Harvey Probber, square form with quarter-rounded legs. Original tufted upholstery. Price is for the pair.
Upholstery, Wood
Harvey Probber Knights Benches
By Harvey Probber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Harvey Probber bench's.
Brass
Knight's Bench by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rare iconic Harvey Probber knight's bench. Mid Century 1950's stool made of bent mahogany and polished brass fitting. Original condition, some wear consistent with use and age. Ha...
Brass
Harvey Probber Brass Leg Stool
By Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Midcentury brass leg stool by Harvey Probber
Pair of Harvey Probber Stools
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Probber for Probber Inc. Benches, pair, reupholstered with Knoll Rivington (Lion) Bases with mahogany wood with ceruse finish
Fabric, Wood
Harvey Probber Long Stool Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Wayne, NJ
Harvey Probber long bench