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.
Mid Century Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs or Slipper Chairs by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A contemporary matching pair of swivel lounge chairs produced by Bernhardt. These feature polished stainless swivel bases in a bronze color Naugahyde upholstery.
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Danish Modern Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair in Brown Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A great vintage Scandinavian lounge chair and ottoman set circa 1970's. The set features a swiveling base chair, reclining mechanism,...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Ekornes Stressless Brown Leather Recliner or Lounge & Ottoman Medium
By Ekornes Stressless
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Scandinavian style recliner or adjustable lounge and ottoman by Ekornes, their Stressless brand. With teak-plywood wood bases and metal frames and genuine leather upholstery, this is a comfortable brown color leather recliner on a round teak-plywood base that swivels 360 degrees. Ottoman is upholstered in same brown leather and teak-plywood base as recliner. Signed in many locations on the chair and ottoman. Made in Norway, in the late 20th Century. A very comfortable chair and ottoman...
Steel
Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood & Brown Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Norwegian made designer lounge chair & ottoman set circa 1972. It features rosewood stained solid wood chair frames with chocolate brown leather upholstery. Price includes the set ...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dialogue HBF Swivel Lounge Chair in White Leather
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by the Classic design aesthetic of the mid-20th century, the dialogue chair provides an intuitive and purposeful solution for casual conference...
Steel
Ekornes Stressless Adjustable Sandstone Leather Recliner Ottoman Norway Medium
By Ekornes Stressless
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Scandinavian style recliner and ottoman by Ekornes, their Stressless brand. With teak wood bases and metal frame and genuine leather upho...
Metal
De Sede DS-278 Lounge Chair in Cafe Brown Leather Upholstery by Christian Werner
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A relaxing miracle for all desires. Low- or high-backed chairs with a slender star base, as dining chairs or lounge chairs, for uplifting seating comfort with the highest esthetic st...
Leather
BOB ANDERSON JILL COGNAC BROWN LEATHER JILL LOUNGE ARMCHAiR & OTTOMAN FOOTSTOOL
By Bob Anderson
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super contemporary, hand made in Italy, Bob Anderson, Jill Swivel lounge ar...
Chrome
Bruno Mathsson Jetson Lounge Chair with Tan full grain, Dakota leather
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bruno Mathsson Jetson lounge chair with full grain tan aniline Dakota leather. Frame in chromed steel. Made by DUX.
Steel
De Sede DS-278 Lounge Chair in Nougat Leather Upholstery by Christian Werner
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A relaxing miracle for all desires. Low- or high-backed chairs with a slender star base, as dining chairs or lounge chairs, for uplifting seating comfort with the highest esthetic st...
Leather
Organic Margem Swivel Chair in Upholstered Leather, Handmade by Stylish Club
By Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Margem Swivel Chair seizes the gentle rhythm of flowing water, its organic form shaped in soft curves that invite contemplation. Upholstered in luxurious leather, it transforms a...
Metal
Otto Zapf Executive Lounge Chair by Knoll in Original Chocolate Brown Leather
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Stamford, CT
While modular design is commonplace today, it was still a novel concept when German designer Otto Zapf began working with Knoll in 1973. His work combined a systems-based approach wi...
Leather
