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.
Vintage Taverneau by Arthur Umanoff Serving Tray 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Offered is a 1960s Taverneau wood oblong tray platter designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor via his studio, Pantalcraft, made in Haiti. From his biography "All of Umanoff’s designs ...
Rattan, Wood
$9,050Sale Price / set|24% Off
Arthur Umanoff Iron Room Dividers w 140 Leather Wine Bottle Holders, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ultimate entertaining piece, this Arthur Umanoff four section wine rack system and room divider which also incorporates an artful array of one hundred forty leather wine bottle holders, two wicker baskets, ten butcher block wooden shelves, and all contained within four individual black iron frames, this magnificent room divider or wall unit is the ideal companion to any entertainment home or creative studio. Designed in 1954 by Arthur Umanoff and produced in low quantities by Shaver Howard throughout the late 1950s, this collector's item works equally wonderfully as a room divider or against a wall, it can be placed together in one continuous unit, angled for a corner, or separated - the four individual sections can be scattered throughout a room, home or office. Consider the many ways you can use this fantastic Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard room divider wall unit. Whether placed to divide a room or against a wall, this sizable piece can hold a large collection of wine, up to 140 bottles in the leather bottle holders that are have style similarities as designs from Jacques Adnet, 2 wicker baskets in the style of Franco Albini can hold drink accessories, glassware and tools, and the 10 wooden butcher block shelves can hold bottles of liquor, trays with condiments and mixers, recipe books...
Iron
Vintage Taverneau and Rattan Deviled Egg Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern deviled egg tray (model #531) in taverneau wood with rattan-wrapped handles designed by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft as part of a line of wooden serveware that w...
Rattan, Wood
Arthur Umanoff "Chatter Platter" Snack Tray
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
Arthur Umanoff's designs often embrace playfulness and whimsy and this plastic serving tray is a great example. From his "Chatter Platter" line of "literals" (a famous 1970s design t...
Plastic
Vintage Arthur Umanoff Tall Black Wrought Iron 67-Bottle Wine Rack, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Monrovia, CA
Original vintage Arthur Umanoff tall black wrought iron wine rack holds 67 bottles - Mid-Century Modern. Arthur Umanoff tall wrought iron wine rack that holds 67 bottles of your f...
Iron
$3,800 / item
Arthur Umanoff 40 Bottle Wine Rack, 1950s USA
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic Arthur Umanoff wine rack in iron, leather and wood block. Holds 40 bottles in the leather slings held in place by iron bars and metal grommets. Four additional wood shelves...
Iron
Vintage Arthur Umanoff Iron and Leather Four-Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century American Modern wine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard composed of eight saddle-leather strap holders and wrought iron frame. Very good, original, vintage shape wi...
Iron
Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff, Professionally Restored, Like New
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kansas City, MO
Freestanding wrought iron wine rack / holder designed by Arthur Umanoff, 1960s. Professionally restored and powder coated in a black satin finish. The only evidence of any wear are t...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Reed, Wood
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Wrought iron and leather strapped wine rack.
Wrought Iron
Small Arthur Umanoff Wine Bottle Holder for Shaver Howard
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St. Louis, MO
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, butcher block top, 9 bottle wine holder with iron frame and bottle supports. Often attributed to Paul McCobb, this piece was designed by Arthur Uman...
Iron
MCM Taverneau Wood & Wicker Handled Oblong Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM taverneau wood and wicker handle oblong tray by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s. The tray is in good vintage condition and measures 21.25"W x 6"D x 1"H. The piece is m...
Wicker, Wood
$2,800 / set
Arthur Umanoff Bar and Pair of Matching Stools
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome bar by Arthur Umanoff. Wood slats, iron frame and formica top. Slight bowing on sides. Matching Umanoff iron and wood slat bar stools with...
Iron
Vintage Iron and Leather Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century American Modern wine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard composed of eight saddle-leather strap holders and wrought iron frame. All original condition, appearing to ...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Wrought Iron Seven-Bottle Wine Holder by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arthur Umanoff wine rack (1950s USA) in painted wrought iron. Tabletop version, accommodating 7 bottles. Very good, vintage condition with light, age-commensurate wear and a couple o...
Wrought Iron
Taverneau Wood Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft, circa 1960
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Taverneau Wood Serving Tray with Wicker Handle, Oblong Shape by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft Haiti, circa 1960 "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade mineral oil" ...
Hardwood
21 Bottle Wine Rack w/ Butcher Block Top by Arthur Umanoff, USA, c. 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an instantly recognizable wine rack designed by the influential Arthur Umanoff. Constructed from a solid wrought iron base this architecturally stunning piece boasts a so...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff 39 Bottle Wrought Iron Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff for Raymoor, black painted wrought iron free standing wine rack that holds 39 bottles. Minor wear to paint.
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Sectioned Wood Serving Tray
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a three sectioned wood surfboard tray wrapped cane detail. USA circa the 1950s. Arthur Umanoff for Raymor label present. Dimensions: 19.88' L x 6" W x .88" ...
Cane, Wood
Arthur Umanoff Midcentury Carved Wood Salad Set, Bowls and Serving Utensils
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
Arthur Umanoff Midcentury Carved Wood Salad Set, Bowls and Serving Utensils Offered for sale is a rare midcentury modern Arthur Umanoff hand-carved salad...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff 30 Bottle Wine Rack for Shaver Howard
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff tall 30 bottle wine rack with two butcher block shelves for Shaver Howard. Butcher block tops were sanded and tung oil applied , leather straps were cleaned, treated with leather conditioner and are solid, some have wine stains...
Iron
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Black Cast Iron Mid Century Modern Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage heavy cast iron wine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, circa 1950's. This piece accommodates up to 17 bottles with plenty of vintage patina. A great accessor...
Iron
$2,200 / item
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous iron and leather wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. Solid iron frame with two butcher block shelves. Saddle leather straps hold 30 bottles. Lower shelf can hold an additional nine...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Butcher Block Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arthur Umanoff wine rack, c.1950s, USA. The rack features a wrought iron frame with leather strapping to store up to twelve wine bottles. The top of the rack is finished with a thick...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Seventeen-Bottle Wine Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Arthur Umanoff wine rack in painted wrought iron. Can be used as a tabletop or floor rack, accommodating 17 bottles. Pictured with this wine rack is the smaller, 7-bottle hold...
Wrought Iron
Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand carved and finished serving tray made of Taverneau, an uncommon Haitian wood with a rattan wrapped handle. Designed and by Arthur Umanoff, produced...
Rattan, Wood
$325
H 0.92 in W 18.75 in D 3.4 in
Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand carved rectangular wood tray features Modernist shape and graphic wood grain patterns with the natural tonal range. The handle is wrapped with reed or cane. Minimal shap...
Reed, Wood
Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury teak serving tray or platter from Denmark, circa 1960s. The platter is 12" in diameter and .5" high. The piece is in very good...
Teak
$325
H 0.75 in W 13 in D 11.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Reed, Wood
$485
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in
Auböck White Wine Bottle Holder, Midcentury, Brass and Leather, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Minimalistic Auböck white or rosé wine bottle holder in solid brass with leather handle, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. This pourer was designe...
Brass
$708
H 2.37 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970 Gorgeous serving tray or basket, in the shape of a shell, made of Lucite, rattan and brass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Braided rattan is cast within the Lucite acrylic material. Beautiful workmanship. The brass part is kept in original vintage version, with the patina from that time. Since the shape is as a shell, the tray inside...
Brass
Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
By Silva, Wiggers
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage teak serving trays 1960s set of 4. Danish Mid-Century Modern teak trays. This set consists of: A large oval tray by Silva, ...
Glass, Teak
Rattan and Brass Italian Centerpiece Tray Basket, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern brass and rattan round tray basket or centerpiece. It has a brass trim covering the top and brass handles at both sides. Handcraft...
Brass
19th Century German Carved Oak Eight-Bottle Counter Wine Rack
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar, a wet bar or a kitchen counter with this elegant antique wine rack display. Hand carved in Germany, circa 1890 and standing o...
Oak
$180
H 1.13 in W 21.75 in D 14.13 in
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.
Wood
Vintage MCM Teak Serving Tray with Rails by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM teak serving tray with rails by Dansk, circa 1980s. This piece is well crafted in solid teak wood and built in rail styled handles. The piece has pegged detail construct...
Teak
19th Century French Vineyard Wine Rack
Located in Forney, TX
Rustic French country vineyard or winery two-person wooden wine bottle carrier. Hand-crafted in France in the late 19th century, primitive solid wood frame, dual handle, fitted with patinated metal grid form bottle holder. Monumental sixty bottle capacity. This wonderful and rare industrial antique, circa 1890, was used to transport large quantities, up to sixty bottles, per trip. Repurposed, it can be used many different ways, including as a bottle rack, wine cellar, functional display stand, farmhouse harvest decor, outdoors as yard art, or a truly unique garden vine...
Metal
$140
H 1 in W 16.88 in D 10.25 in
Beautiful Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.
Wood
Arthur Umanoff Bar Cart, 1950s USA
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a pop of fun to your next night entertaining with this classic bar cart by Arthur Umanoff. Featuring an aged iron frame with rush trim and slatted wood. Four contrasting blue and...
Iron
Sold
H 9.5 in W 9.5 in D 10 in
Solid Iron and Leather Four Bottle Capacity Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant design in this 1950s wine rack four bottle capacity, designed by Arthur Umanoff, leather straps holds each bottle nice simple clean ...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Leather Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Mateo, CA
Classic iron and leather wine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff. This small cube shape holds four bottles. One rivet is missing.
Iron
Vintage Arthur Umanoff Iron and Leather Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern Arthur Umanoff wine rack for Shaver Howard in iron and original saddle leather. Holds up to four bottles with plenty of vintage patina. A great accessory for any m...
Iron
Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff This free standing 67 bottle rack was Manufactured by Shaver Howard It Measures: 72" H x 17” W x 12 3/8” D
Iron
Sold
H 13.75 in W 13.75 in D 10 in
Arthur Umanoff Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron and Leather Table Top Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern wrought iron and leather table top wine rack By Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard USA, Circa 1950s Measures:...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Birch Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Mateo, CA
Small four bottle iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. This has a oiled cutting board style top.
Iron
Mid Century Modern Standing Wrought Iron Wine Rack By Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall, Mid-Century Modern, free-standing, wrought iron, wine rack by Arthur Umanoff for shaver howard offers stylish wine storage for 67 bottle capacity.
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic bar cart by Arthur Umanoff. Aged iron frame with rush trim and slatted wood. Four blue and orange Masonite sliding doors flank both sides of c...
Iron
Sold
H 66.25 in W 26.75 in D 11 in
Mid-Century Modern Leather and Iron Wine Rack Room Divider by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage tall wine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, circa 1950s. This piece is constructed of heavy cast black iron and tan leather sad...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff 48 Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Denton, TX
Combination of iron and leather wine display that holds 48 bottles.
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Leather and Iron Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage tall wine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, circa 1950s. This piece is constructed of heavy cast black iron and tan leather sad...
Iron