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Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

American, 1923-1985

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.

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Creator: Arthur Umanoff
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Sculpted Magazine Rack for Washington Woodcraft
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Solid Walnut Spindled Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
This mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s offers both style and functionality. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures approximately...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Giant Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff in Walnut
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A striking example of Arthur Umanoff’s mid-century modern craftsmanship, this handsome “Big Boy” magazine rack stands just under 31” and features the designer’s signature architectur...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Chrome Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff Postmodern
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Stylish and practical, this Chrome Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff is a perfect example of postmodern design. The sleek, open framework showcases Umanoff's knack for blending form an...
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20th Century Unknown Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Chrome

American Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
A solid walnut magazine rack from the late 1950s by Arthur Umanoff. Formed by two intersecting planes, the rack cradles books or periodicals at a slight angle in a wooden frame defin...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Restored Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack Surfboard Coffee Table
By Grete Jalk, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Arthur Umanoff designed the mother of all magazine racks, or perhaps the most innovative coffee table of all time. This solid walnut coffee table has been delicately restored. Th...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Spindle Magazine Rack Stand by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage magazine holder designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft, circa 1960s. This organizing rack is constructed of solid walnut and is perfect for displaying light read...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umanoff Teak Wood Mid Century Danish Modern Compass Book Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff Teak Wood Mid Century Danish Modern Compass Book Magazine Rack. Item features Mid 20th Century Measurements: 22" H x 16.5" W x 18" D.
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Ebonized Walnut Magazine Holder by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern magazine holder was realized by the esteemed American designer Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960. The piece offers two open rectilinear ends connected by a rectangular base and two atomic concave cross bars at the top- all in ebonized walnut. Connecting the top and bottom horizontal supports are an array of handcarved totem like forms- that appear inspired by Oceanic...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff for American Woodcraft
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff for American Woodcraft, circa 1950s. This sturdy rectangular magazine rack is finely crafted and all original with carved tri...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern magazine or book rack designed by the prolific designer Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s. Featuring distinctive staves and practical handles on eith...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft has sculptural spindles that create visual movement as your perspective on the piece changes. 18.5"H X ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Wrought Iron and Leather Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, 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 ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Iron

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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Lucite and Chrome Magazine Rack
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Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
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Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
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1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Mid-Century Italian Brass & Walnut Magazine Rack
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Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Spindle Magazine Rack Stand by Arthur Umanoff
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Vintage magazine holder designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft, circa 1960s. This organizing rack is constructed of solid walnut and is perfect for displaying light read...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

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Restored Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack Surfboard Coffee Table
By Grete Jalk, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Arthur Umanoff designed the mother of all magazine racks, or perhaps the most innovative coffee table of all time. This solid walnut coffee table has been delicately restored. Th...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome magazine rack by Jacques Adnet. Made of iron and brass. Excellent vintage condition. Star detail on both sides and closed fist on top. Great piece!
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1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Brass, Iron

Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
$2,800
H 17 in W 12 in D 7 in
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
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1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Arthur Umanoff Bowl
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
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Unique Midcentury Walnut Magazine Rack
Located in San Diego, CA
Very unique midcentury walnut / brass / cat gut strings magazine rack, circa 1960s. The piece may be a one off piece as I have not been able to find any information on it. It is very...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Brass

Unique Midcentury Walnut Magazine Rack
Unique Midcentury Walnut Magazine Rack
$500 Sale Price
23% Off
H 14.5 in W 21 in D 11 in
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
1 Arthur Umanoff Bowl, more Umanoff pieces available.
Category

1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Wood

Arthur Umanoff Bowl
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
$280
H 5 in W 12.38 in D 7.63 in
Dior Bowl or Magazine Rack in Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century decorative round bowl, centerpiece or magazine rack in a stunning tortoiseshell effect lucite with a brass rim. This stylish object was produced in Italy during...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Brass

Arthur Umanoff Teak and Brass Floor Lamp, Magazine Rack, 1960's
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Sculptural Arthur Umanoff attributed teak and brass floor lamp with storage. Featuring a turned Teak wishbone form,versatile oval rimmed (14H) Magazine S...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Brass

Previously Available Items
American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 21"W x 8.25"D x 14.75"H. Great California design on th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umamoff Large Size Walnut Magazine Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Big Boy Size Arthur Umanoff Magazine Holder in Walnut. Larger of the 2 sizes made this guy can hold a lot! Cool mid-century design that with lift up any space and function as well!
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

1960s Arthur Umanoff Cane Wrapped Iron Magazine Holder in a Salmon Lacquer
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s welded cane wrapped iron magazine holder painted in a salmon lacquer. Double arched form with cross bars running within the arch resting on a round base. Arthur Umanoff was a N...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Iron

Mid-Century Modern Umanoff Iron Steel Leather Strap 21 Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for the wine rack alone. The chair and other accessories are NOT included. Iconic Mid-Century Modern leather strap and wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. The ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Metal

MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century walnut magazine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff. Oval with vertical spindles around the sides. Elegant tapered shape. A wonderful mid century minimalist design and func...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Wood

MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
H 14.25 in W 20.75 in D 8 in
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Wrapped Cane and Iron Magazine Holder by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Wrapped cane and iron magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. Original orange enamel finish. A sturdy and functional piece.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

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
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1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Iron

Arthur Umanoff Magazine Rack Side Table
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare form by the designer Arthur Umanoff a magazine rack side table with slat wood top and bottom, paper rope cording a fixed to a iron frame. Angled and well crafted to hold some ...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

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Iron

Arthur Umanoff Magazine Rack Side Table
Arthur Umanoff Magazine Rack Side Table
H 23.13 in W 18.75 in D 15 in
Mid Century Solid Walnut Spindle Magazine Rack Stand by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage magazine holder designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft, circa 1960s. This organizing rack is constructed of solid walnut a...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umanoff magazine racks and stands for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Umanoff magazine racks and stands are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Arthur Umanoff magazine racks and stands, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original magazine racks and stands by Arthur Umanoff were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider magazine racks and stands by Charles Hollis Jones, Tony Paul, and Edward Wormley. Prices for Arthur Umanoff magazine racks and stands can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $450 and can go as high as $2,795, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $649.

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