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.
$1,600Sale Price / set|43% Off
Harvey Probber Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Harvey Probber
Located in Esperance, NY
This is a fantastic set of four mid-century Harvey Probber chairs, featuring two captain chairs and two armless chairs. Armless chairs measurements are: 38” H 19.75” W 18.25” D
Mahogany
$19,000 / set
1950s Harvey Probber Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
1950s Harvey Probber dining chairs. Nicely designed chairs with curved backs, splayed legs and newly fabric covered cushioned seats. Mahogany frames.
Fabric, Mahogany
$3,600 / set
6 Harvey Probber Cane Back Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six original Harvey Probber dining chairs from the collection of a 35 year employee in Fall River, MA. Nearly in New Old Stock (NOS) condition. Minimalist design with loose cu...
Cane
Set of Eight Sabre Leg Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Harvey Probber. The chairs are constructed with solid mahogany and in good original condition.
Mahogany
$24,000 / set
Twelve Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of twelve mahogany slatted x-base dining chairs designed by Harvey Probber. We are willing to break up the set. If interested in a smaller set please inquire.
Mahogany
Harvey Probber Gazelle Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Gazelle Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 17.75 wide x 32 deep x 39.25 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each ca...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Set of Three Harvey Probber Black Camelback Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of 3 Harvey Probber black enameled wood & cream leather dining chairs. Featuring a graphic Black lacquered Wood framework, saber le...
Leather, Wood
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set Four Bleached & Bent Mahogany Dining Chairs Marketed by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of four bleached mahogany frame and bent plywood back dining chairs with new textured black chenille upholstery. Made in West Germany and sold through Harvey Probber, Fall River ...
Chenille, Mahogany, Walnut
Set of Four Elegant Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of elegant, high back dining chairs by Harvey Probber. Finished in black lacquer.
Mahogany
Set of six Harvey Probber slatted dining X chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Ferndale, MI
Seldom seen as a set of six Harvey Probber slatted chairs with X profile . Frames are fresh from the refinisher . Upholstery has been left as is original allowing client to choose ...
Brass
Set of Six Harvey Probber Ebonized X-Base Dining Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Set of six X-base dining chairs by Harvey Probber. Brass hardware contrasts and compliments the dark ebonized mahogany. Cushions are in nice vintage condition and are easily reuphols...
Brass
$3,300 / set
Harvey Probber Set of Eight Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Harvey Probber. Four side chairs and two throne chairs. Side chairs: 38 1/4" h x 20 1/4" w x 21 3/4" d Armchairs: 39 1/8" h x 23 7/8" w x 26" d...
Wood
Sleek Modern Harvey Probber Six Flat Bar Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Absolutely stunning, sleek design by Harvey Probber model no. 1427A, circa 1960's. These chairs combine mid-century details with a modern silhouette to create an eye-catching accent around your dining table. These square-seat chairs with their clean lines and seamless polished aluminum frames adding the perfect balance to the chair's dark blue color are just some of the unique highlights of this design. The seats are wrapped in velvet for a luxe look and is filled with foam for just the right amount of support as you sit. Whether you are looking for a punctuation mark on your already compelling decor or wanting drama.....these are for you. Harvey Probber was the Godfather of Modern Modular Seating...
Steel
Harvey Probber Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in San Francisco, CA
A three-seat sofa by Harvey Probber. Curved front. Loose cushions on the seat, back and sides. Sofa sits on 6 wooden feet.
Wood
$2,600 / set
H 34.75 in W 18 in D 18 in
Set of Four Mid Century Dining Chairs Attributed to Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Stylish set of Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, attributed to Harvey Probber. These chairs are solid walnut, with metallic vinyl upholstered seats, wood finish, and upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Walnut
4 French 1950s Dining / Side Beech Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
4 French 1950s beechwood and vinyl upholstered side chairs. Price is per chair.
Beech
$11,463 / set
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 18.12 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Kai Kristiansen eight restored customizable model 42 teak dining chairs Set of eight fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs Schous Møbelfabrik. The ch...
Teak
Six Mid-Century Cane Back Dining Room Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of vintage-modern dining room chairs featuring upholstered seats and cane back. Matching dining room table sold separately. Please con...
Cane, Walnut
Set of 6 Erno Fabry Cane Back Dining Chairs
By Erno Fabry
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Erno Fabry walnut and cane back dining chairs. The chairs are walnut with caned backs. Seats are blue velvet. There are two ...
Walnut, Cane
$8,500 / set
H 36 in W 20 in D 22 in
Set of Six Harvey Probber Ebonized X-Base Dining Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Set of six X-base dining chairs by Harvey Probber. Brass hardware contrasts and compliments the dark ebonized mahogany. Cushions are in nice vintage condition and are easily reuphols...
Brass
Set of 6 Sabre Leg Dining Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare and Iconic set of 6 Mid Century Sabre Leg Dining Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. There are 2 arm chairs and 4 side chairs. These chairs are authentic, classic ...
Walnut
$2,675 / item
H 40.5 in W 23 in D 21.5 in
CraftAssociates Dining Chair, Milo Baughman Cane Back Dining Chair, Oval
By Craft Associates, Milo Baughman
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dining Chair, Milo Baughman Cane Back Dining Chair, Oval The Milo Baughman Oval Cane Back White Oak Arm Chair for Craft Associates...
Sheepskin, Wood, Oak
$5,800 / set
H 37.75 in W 16.5 in D 23.5 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Ebonized Mahogany, Italy
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Austin, TX
Set of six dining chairs from Italy attributed to Carlo di Carli. They are made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with a French polish. The original vinyl is in good co...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,192Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 37.5 in W 20.5 in D 19.5 in
Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed
By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Offered here is a set of six Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' (model #6140) dining chairs, including two armchairs and four side chairs, that has become one of the most sought-after Ameri...
Wood, Fabric
Set of 6 Fine French 1950s-1960s Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of six fine French Mid-Century sculptural solid oak side chairs.
Oak
Set of Nine Harvey Probber D43 Rattan Wicker Cantilever Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A chic set of nine mid-century modern cantilevered "D43" bucket dining chairs designed by Harvey Probber. The frames are crafted out of woven rattan wicker over a chrome-plated stee...
Steel, Chrome
Pair Harvey Probber Wicker D43 Chairs Designed by Hans Konecke
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
These incredibly stylish and versatile D43 dining chairs are made of woven wicker on tubular chromed steel in a cantilevered nod to the Bauhaus. Harvey Probber imported these to the ...
Chrome
Sold
H 38 in W 19.5 in D 19 in
Set Of Eight Mid-Century Modern Highback Dining Chairs By Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous set of eight Mid-Century Modern dining side chairs were designed by Harvey Probber circa 1950s. The dining chairs are comprised of ebonized mahogany frames with refined...
Velvet, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.5 in W 19.5 in D 18.5 in
Harvey Probber Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Walnut, 1962
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harvey Probber set of 6 Dining Chairs with big ample seats and caned backs. Probably reupholstered about 10 years ago. Cane is in great shape! Finish on legs were touched up at th...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set 6 Solid Walnut Harvey Probber Mid Century Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
The famous American designer Harvey Probber is known for his iconic, clean designs usually in walnut and here we have a great set 6 gorgeous chairs from him. The chairs feature beaut...
Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 21.5 in D 22 in
Set of Six Wicker and Chrome Dining Chairs att. to Fabricus Kastholm for Probber
By Harvey Probber, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of woven wicker and tubular chrome dining chairs, design attributed to Kastholm and Fabricus, for Harvey Probber Inc. made in Denmark circa 1970’s. There is some debate with...
Chrome
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs – Set of Six
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a touch of iconic mid-century style to your home with this stunning set of six Harvey Probber dining chairs. Known for his forward-thinking designs, Harvey Probber mastered the a...
Chrome
Sold
H 33.5 in W 23.5 in D 22 in
Vintage Harvey Probber Mid Century Modern Ebonized Cane Hiprest Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Harvey Probber Mid Century Modern Ebonized Cane Hiprest Side Chair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 33.5" H x 23.5" W x 22" D x 19" Seat height.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 28.25 in W 19.5 in D 20 in
Harvey Probber Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 20 deep x 28.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 18.5 inches...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Dining Chairs MCM Set of 6
By Harvey Probber
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of 6 Mid Century Mo...
Chrome
Set of Six "Gazelle" Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber, USA 1960's
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Set of Six "Gazelle" Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber, USA 1960's – a captivating blend of vintage elegance and contemporary style. These exquisite chairs exude a time...
Fabric, Wood
Harvey Probber Sculptural Set of 6 Mahogany Dining Chairs 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 6 sculptural dining chairs, 2 arm chairs and 4 sides, models 1048 & 1048A, in ebonized mahogany with upholstered seats and back by Harvey Probber, American 1950's. This is an ...
Velvet, Mahogany, Lacquer