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 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
$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
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Leather Wine Rack for Shaver Howard, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Arthur Umanoff wine rack produced for Shaver Howard, circa 1950s. The heavy cast iron frame takes a tall tower form, with tan leather saddle straps looped across the upper a...
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
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
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
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
$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
$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
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
$250
H 9.5 in W 3.75 in D 9 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tortoise Bamboo and Wicker 6 Bottle Wine Rack
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A handmade Mid-Century Modern wine rack created from bentwood bamboo and wicker. Two layers of bamboo are carefully woven together creating a space for 6 bottle so wine (or other bev...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
19th Century German Carved Oak Eight-Bottle Counter Wine Rack
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar, wet bar, or kitchen counter with this handsome antique German wine rack, crafted circa 1890. Built of solid oak, the freestanding piece rests on a trestle-form base and features two slanted tiers designed to cradle eight bottles. Each scalloped cradle is fitted with a hand-forged iron nail at the end, a practical and decorative detail that secures the bottles in place while adding to the rustic character. The sides are cut in a traditional silhouette with arched feet and shaped cresting, showcasing honest hand craftsmanship and subtle carved details. The wood surface presents a warm, time-softened patina with visible grain and natural wear that enhance its authenticity. This antique wine rack...
Oak
$1,879
H 45 in W 22 in D 15.5 in
Great French Wrought Iron Wine Rack Storage Locker by Rigidex Holding 50 Bottles
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and practical, Industrial style wine rack. If you are a wine enthousiast and you like the timeless, industrial style then we may have the ideal wine cabinet for you. This ...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff 39 Bottle Wine Rack with Round Top
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
Ready to hold 39 wine bottles, this iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff has a delightful curved top echoing the round shape of the bottle holders and a terrific graphic quality.
Iron
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
Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron 1960s Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
This great looking wine rack is a work of art designed by the talented Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard in the 1960s. The rack holds 67 bottles and it’s entirely crafted of bent and ...
Wrought Iron
Midcentury "Hill" Wine Rack by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this beautifully sculpted wine rack by Master Craftsman Dean Santner. Santner designs are part of the American Modern Craft movement along side Wendell Cast...
Wood
French Riviera Bottle Rack in Curved Bamboo and Wicker, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century French Riviera style wine rack in curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This charming and unique piece was designed in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing conditi...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
1970s Twelve Bottle Wine Rack Wood Scandinavian Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Scandinavian Style 12 Bottle Wine Rack appears as Teak Wood 16 x 12 x 8 Preowned vintage condition Clean precise joints. Refer to images present
Wood
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
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Wrought iron and leather strapped wine rack.
Wrought Iron
Aldo Tura Brown Goatskin Brass Stand Ice Bucket, 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful ice bucket by Aldo Tura in brown parchment and a glass inlay, in excellent vintage condition. Along with artists like Piero Fornasetti and Carlo Bugatti, Aldo Tura (1909-19...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 19 in D 11 in
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 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
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 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 design clean.
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage wrought iron wine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. This piece accommodates up to seven bottles and offers additional storage display for the kitchen countertop...
Iron
Iron and Leather Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four bottle wine rack made of black iron frame and brown saddle leather straps with brass detailing. Made by Arthur Umanoff.
Iron
Sold
H 9.38 in W 9.38 in D 9.38 in
Arthur Umanoff Four Bottle Wine Rack 1960s Saddle Leather Strap Black Iron
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Arthur Umanoff Modern Vintage Wine Rack Black Iron Strap Leather 1960s. 4 Bottle Wine Rack Iron frame with original saddle leather straps. Unmarked, attribution de...
Iron