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.
$450 / item
H 29.8 in W 19 in D 20.8 in
1960s Steelcase Model No. 1278 Stacking Dining Side Chair in Yellow
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 1278 Dining Stacking Side Chair, initially produced by Steelcase in the 1960s. Steelcase filed for a US patent on this model in 1967, and it was awarded in 1969. Thes...
Aluminum
Yellow vintage dining chair
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Yellow vintage dining chair in very good original condition.
Chrome
$343
H 31.7 in W 17.33 in D 18.9 in
Italian mid-century modern Chair in light yellow laminate and black metal, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Chair in light yellow laminate and black metal, 1960s Chair with rounded seat and squared back in light yellow laminate and black profile. The structure is...
Metal
$450 / item
H 29.8 in W 19 in D 20.8 in
1960s Steelcase Model No. 1278 Dining Stacking Chair in Mustard Yellow
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 1278 Dining Stacking Side Chair, initially produced by Steelcase in the 1960s. Steelcase filed for a US patent on this model in 1967, and it was awarded in 1969. Thes...
Aluminum
1970's Chrome and Yellow Vinyl Steelcase Armchair
By Steelcase
Located in Alhambra, CA
Incredible vintage 70's Steelcase tanker armchair with a chrome frame. Cushions and armrests are newly upholstered in black and lemon yellow vinyl. ...
Chrome
$1,000
H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 22.84 in
Kneuzzargenstull Chair with yellow seat by Max Bill dining chair side chair
By Max Bill
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Born Winterthur, Switzerland; died 1994. Max Bill's name is often associated with concrete art and environmental design, but he was, so to speak, a Swiss 'un...
Wood, Plywood
Outline Dining Chair, Harald Mustard Yellow
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Outline Dining Chair by Formiing, Harald Mustard Yellow Fabric: Harald 443 Customization: Available in wide range of fabrics and colors. CAT 1: Remix CAT 2: Steelcut, Re-wool CAT ...
Cotton
Italian Dining Chair in Metal and Yellow Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chair, yellow leatherette, metal, Italy, 1970s Comfortable Italian dining chair in yellow leatherette. The eye-catching colored upholstery emphasizes the round shaped seat a...
Metal
$3,286 / set
H 29.53 in W 17.92 in D 19.3 in
1971, Rodney Kinsman, Set of Rare Yellow Omstak Stacking Chairs
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal, Chrome
Saffron Yellow Ribs Chair by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow Ribs Chair by OTTO Studio Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 61 x W 57 x H 90 cm. Seat Height: 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and metal. Weight: 9 kg. Available...
Metal, Other
