Though much of Arthur Umanoff's furniture is marked by a no-frills simplicity common in American mid-century modern design, his work is anything but one-note. Over the course of a prolific career, Umanoff designed everything from case pieces to candleholders to magazine racks to dining chairs in iron, leather, walnut, wicker and more. With furnishings for a broad range of manufacturers throughout the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s, Umanoff continued a thread of sculptural elegance and textural sensitivity through his designs.
After graduating from Pratt Institute in the early 1950s, Umanoff experimented mostly with wood furniture before landing a job at Post Modern Ltd, a New York manufacturer of wrought-iron furniture. There he produced furnishings that married wrought iron with wood and plastic, creating functional pieces free of utilitarian bulkiness.
Umanoff continued his experimentation with mixed materials through a partnership with Shaver Howard, for whom he designed wine racks in combinations of iron, leather and wicker.
When Shaver Howard bought Boyeur Scott, Umanoff conceived several furniture designs for the brand, including the 1964 Granada collection, whose curlicue iron bases, visible through glass tops, stand out as some of his most ornate and decorative work. Indeed, much of Umanoff’s oeuvre is far more simplistic, like iron-and-pine armchairs for The Elton Co. or low-backed, slatted-seat barstools with slender iron legs for Raymor.
Umanoff was fluent, too, in the more sumptuous modernism of the era: In the mid-1960s, he designed the 2405 and 4449 armchairs for Madison Furniture Industries. Popular in offices, the walnut-framed, leather-upholstered seats, which could have been mistaken for the seductive Scandinavian modern seating of the era, were reportedly the jumping-off point for Captain Kirk’s iconic seat on Star Trek.
Even as he is among the mid-century modern designers you may not know, with work across such a range of styles and manufacturers (most no longer in business), Umanoff, who died in 1985, leaves a legacy that is fascinatingly diverse and at times enticingly elusive, making his work intriguing objects for collectors.
Find vintage Arthur Umanoff bar stools, tables, benches and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Arthur Umanoff by the Boyeur Scott Furniture Co. from their Granada Collection
By Arthur Umanoff, Boyeur Scott Furniture Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Designed by Arthur Umanoff and manufactured by the Boyeur Scott Furniture Co. from their Granada Collection as chair #C102 and table #C110 all circa 1964.This set includes 3 ribbon s...
Iron
$8,500 / set
Four Lounge Chairs by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four rare Arthur Umanoff lounge chairs with wooden seats and a rush backs. Nice overall patina.
Iron
Pair of Arthur Umanoff Scroll Arm Chairs with Leather Strapping
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Wrought Iron Arthur Umanoff Scroll Arm Chairs with Leather Strapping 4 Available. Sold in Pairs on this listing Overall pretty good co...
Iron
Vintage Arthur Umanoff Scroll Arm Chairs Leather Strapping Mccobb Style
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 4 Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Scroll Arm Chairs with Leather Strapping Overall pretty good condition. Some wear to the leather strapping...
Iron
Nautilus Shell Back Arm Lounge Chair
By Lloyd Loom
Located in New York, NY
Iron and wicker Nautilus Shell back lounge chair. This chair has a wicker wrapped iron frame, the wicker wrapping show some minor loss, and the...
Wrought Iron
Patio Furniture Chair Cover
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This ships free in the Continental US! This patio furniture chair cover is a perfect fit for our Suelo® outdoor arm chair or side chair. Our furniture is solid wood and needs proper...
Polyester
Arthur Umanoff Patio Set Vintage 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming Arthur Umanoff patio set-dining table with four armchairs. Freshly powdercoated and seats reupholstered. Table measures 30" H, 42" D.
Set of Four Mid Century Woodard Sculptura Dining Arm Chairs
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Russell Woodard designed, Woodard Sculptura dining height arm chairs. Classic Mid Century Modern period garden, patio, poolside chairs, suitable for either indoor or out...
Wrought Iron
Patio Furniture Sofa Cover
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This ships free in the Continental US! This patio furniture sofa cover is a perfect fit for our Suelo® outdoor sofa. Our furniture is solid wood and needs proper care. Please care f...
Polyester
$1,800 / set
H 32.75 in W 23.25 in D 27.5 in
Pair of French 1930s Francois Carré Blue Pinwheel or Sunburst Garden Arm Chairs
By Francois Carre
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of French vintage Francois Carré powder blue "Pinwheel" or "Sunburst" garden or patio arm chairs. Handwrought iron frames with spring steel seats and backs, arms rests on splayed legs. Older paint, inquire on refinishing cost if a different color is desired. . Francois Carré, “Sunburst” Garden Chair French by design. An icon of exterior style. The “Deauville” chair...
Wrought Iron
2-Strand Pretzel Shape Arm Rattan Lounge Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 2 strand wicker/rattan club chair has rounded arm that comes with green and white wide striped canvas seat and back cushions. The side has pretzel shape x design. This lounge chair offers style and comfort for any porch or patio. The seat cushion has a wood frame at the bottom and metal support and springs, the way they used to make outdoor seat cushions...
Rattan
French Iron Scroll Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely set of 4 iron outdoor chairs from France, 1940s. Beautiful scroll iron design on arms with slated iron back and seat. Curule base with 4 legs. Striking and unique shape, perfe...
Iron
$9,500 / set
H 34.75 in W 25.5 in D 33.75 in
Pair of Mario Papperzini for Salterini Garden Lounge Chairs
By Mario Papperzini, John Salterini
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Authentic pair of Italian of mid-century modern patio and garden adjustable chain-back Amalfi lounge chairs designed by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The iconic chairs feature...
Iron
$1,650 / set
H 36.5 in W 22.75 in D 24.25 in
Brown Jordan “Florentine” Pair of Patio or Garden Arm Chairs - Hunter Green
By Richard Frinier, Brown Jordan
Located in St. Louis, MO
“Florentine” pattern one of the most sought after of the Brown Jordan designs by Richard Frinier, circa late 80s. Pair of patio or garden dining arm chairs . Round table in separat...
Aluminum
$700 / set
H 33.75 in W 20 in D 19.5 in
Pr. Vintage Wrought Iron Dining Height Arm Chairs c. 1920/60's
By Woodard Furniture Co., Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of vintage wrought iron garden, patio, or poolside, dining height arm chairs, possibly by Salterini, Woodard, Leinfelder etc, unsigned. The chairs feature a decorative ...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Ancient Temple in Lacquered Wood from the End of the 1800s
Located in Cesena, FC
Beautiful rare temple dating back to around the second half of the 1800th century in the middle of the Baroque style made of finely carved and gilded wood. Rich sculpted decoration, carving with volute curls. The perforated and gilded dome is of great value. Beautiful old patina. The structure has 8 columns...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 41 in W 16 in D 20 in
'Granada' Patio Dining Set by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver-Howard, circa 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff, The Grenada Collection by Boyuer Scott
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage 'Granada' patio dining set by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver-Howard, Inc (Boyuer Scott Furniture) features incredible wrought iron scroll work across four patio dining chairs and one patio dining table with glass top. Beautiful Palm Beach regency style in a quintessential Mid-Century Modern design. This classic Mid-Century Modern five-piece dining set includes four high-back dining chairs and one round glass top dining table which is 42" in diameter. Described in their 1969/1970 catalogue as "The Granada Collection dramatizes major furnishings with Mediterranean-inspired scroll work in black, lime green, or turquoise complemented by fabric upholstery in subtle-to-daring color choice. This Arthur Umanoff Grenada...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Glass Side Tables
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Iron Side Tables with Glass tops. Hard to find pair! We have a Sofa, two Lounge Chairs, and a round Coffee Table Available! Nice older green paint...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Mayan Dining Table and 6 Chairs for Shaver Howard Furn.
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff "Mayan" Rectangular Table with 6 Dining Chairs for Shaver Howard. Set includes 2 Armchairs and 4 Side Chairs. All with the Sun Motif Back. Table has 3 Sun Motif square...
Aluminum
Arthur Umanoff Woven Rush & Iron Stools 1950's
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Southampton, NJ
A trio of classic modern 1950's iron benches or stools designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. Beautifully maintained with intensional Indoor full sun exposure has resulted in a marve...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Grenada Metal Patio Set Table 4 Chairs Orange
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a super sexy bistro/patio set by Arthur Umanoff. Set includes a wrought iron table, with a glass top, and four matching chairs, with funky, orange fabric. I...
Metal
Arthur Umanoff Mayan Sun Design Iron Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Rochester, NY
A matched set of four Mayan sunburst back iron dining chairs by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard with all original chinese red painted surface and contoured black vinyl seats, circa ...
Iron
Sold
H 28.15 in W 23.23 in D 24.81 in
Wood Slat and Iron Low Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor US, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Berlin, DE
Mid-20th century modern two-tone painted wood slat and iron frame low lounge chair by Arthur Umanoff. For interior or patio garden.
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Sun Table and Four Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Stamford, CT
Arthur Umanoff wrought iron sun table with four sun back armchairs with ball finials. Table is 42 inches in diameter and 29.5 inches high. Glass is new. Seats need reupholstering.
Wrought Iron
Set of Four Arthur Umanoff Granada Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Redding, CT
Set of four Arthur Umanoff Granada chairs. Perfect for a garden or small porch. Newly recovered in red marine upholstery. Perfect for patio or indoor ...
Iron
Mayan Sun Two Seat Iron Bench Settees by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of Mayan Sun two-seat iron bench settees by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard in the original beautiful vibrant Chinese red factory painted finish and...
Iron
Black Outdoor Patio Set by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous high back armchair and table design by Arthur Unamoff in the 1960s. The set is constructed of steel that has been newly powder coated satin black, new 48” diameter 1/2” thi...
Steel
Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Redwood Slat and Iron Coffee/cocktail Table
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Southampton, NJ
A rare work from Arthur Umanoff's series of "Redwood for Outdoor Living" for Raymor. Described in the original advertisement as a cocktail table with magazine rack. "Many familie...
Iron