Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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.
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
1990s Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Plastic
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 2000s Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Upholstery, Plastic, Polyester
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
1950s British Chesterfield Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Wood
20th Century American Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1880s Victorian Antique Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Plastic
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
2010s Italian Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1970s American Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1970s Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Upholstery, Plastic, Polyester
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
20th Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Steelcase office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Steelcase
- Why is Steelcase so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024There are a few reasons why Steelcase is so expensive. Steelcase was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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. The company invests heavily in research and development to continue to make advancements in ergonomic design that make its furniture more durable and comfortable. Steelcase also uses quality materials that cost more to source. Plus, demand for Steelcase tends to be high, contributing to high price points. Explore a selection of Steelcase furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where is Steelcase headquarters?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Steelcase headquarters is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Peter Martin Wege established the furniture company there in 1912. The organization built its current headquarters in the city in 1989. Find a wide range of Steelcase furniture from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Coalesse a Steelcase company?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, Coalesse is a Steelcase company. Known for producing contemporary furniture for the workplace, the brand offers seating, desks, workstations and other furnishings. Coalesse debuted at the NeoCon World's Trade Fair in Chicago, Illinois, in June 2008 and has its headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Coalesse furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Steelcase is a publicly traded company that manufactures furniture. It has its headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Peter Wege founded it as the Metal Office Furniture Company in 1912. Today, Steelcase produces furnishings under a few brand names, including Steelcase, AMQ, Coalesse, Orangebox and Viccarbe. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Steelcase furniture.
- Are Steelcase chairs any good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, Steelcase chairs are generally considered to be good. In online reviews, many people report that the brand's chairs are durable and capable of holding up to the effects of daily use. Many individuals also tout the adjustability of Steelcase office chairs and describe them as comfortable to use. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Steelcase chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024To tell if a Steelcase chair is real, look for the serial number. You will usually find it located on a label on the underside of the seat. Once you have the number, contact Steelcase customer service to confirm that the chair is authentic. If you have difficulty locating the serial number, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you with authentication. Find a diverse assortment of Steelcase chairs on 1stDibs.