Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

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.

Creator: Arthur Umanoff

Set of 4 Restored Wrought Iron & Birch Chairs by Arthur Umanoff, USA, c. 1960s

$5,195

Set of 4 Restored Wrought Iron & Birch Chairs by Arthur Umanoff, USA, c. 1960s

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Deland, FL

This striking set of four Mid-Century Modern chairs, attributed to or inspired by the designs of Arthur Umanoff, blends industrial elegance with organic warmth. Comprising two armch...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Swivel Bar Stools-A Set of 4

$3,850 / set

Arthur Umanoff Swivel Bar Stools-A Set of 4

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Cumberland, RI

Arthur Umanoff Swivel bar stools-A set of 4 In stock and ready to ship Bar height stools with Vinyl Seating Perfect for indo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Gothic Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Bar Counter Swiveling Stools by Arthur Umanoff

$1,495 / set

H 43.5 in W 19 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Bar Counter Swiveling Stools by Arthur Umanoff

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous set of 4 Granada bar stools in all original finish and condition. Designed by Arthur Umanoff for The Scott Boyeur Collection in the early 1960s. In...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern

$1,200 / set

H 14.5 in Dm 17 in

Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Wonderful pair of Arthur Umanoff stacking stools from the 1964 Grenada Collection for Boyuer Scott, Shaver Howard collections. This pair is in wonderful vintage condition with a love...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Three Vintage Modern Arthur Umanoff Style Swivel Bar Stools

$2,100 / set

H 41.25 in W 16.75 in D 17 in

Three Vintage Modern Arthur Umanoff Style Swivel Bar Stools

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A striking midcentury set of three bar stools that boast slatted wood seats and backrests. The sturdy iron rod base tapers down to splayed feet showing quality construction. A conven...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Set of 3 Arthur Umanoff "Grenada" Stools

$1,200 / set

H 36 in W 17 in D 17 in

Set of 3 Arthur Umanoff "Grenada" Stools

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Three swivel stools with a strong iron frame desgined by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard's "Grenada" collection. Decorative scrolled seat back and round footrest. Measures: Adjusts ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron, Metal, Chrome

Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools, Set of 4

$1,700 / set

H 17.25 in Dm 14.25 in

Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools, Set of 4

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Doylestown, PA

Great set of 4 vintage midcentury Arthur Umanoff wrought iron stools in red faux leather. Unique, statement stools with heavy scroll...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Hollywood Regency Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pr. Mid Century Wrought Iron and Bent Plywood Arm Dining Chars After Umanoff

$975 / set

H 29 in W 18 in D 15.5 in

Pr. Mid Century Wrought Iron and Bent Plywood Arm Dining Chars After Umanoff

By Paul McCobb, Arthur Umanoff

Located in New York, NY

Chic architectural pair of mid century dining height arm chairs, having wrought iron frames with formed plywood seats and backs. Both chairs are structurally sound and sturdy, both s...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of Four Bar Height Wood Slat Stools by Arthur Umanoff

$895 / set

H 43 in W 17 in D 13 in

Set of Four Bar Height Wood Slat Stools by Arthur Umanoff

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in New York, NY

Unusual set off bar height stools designed by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950's. The stools feature slatted backs and seats with solid wrought iron frames, on dowel form legs with exposed...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of Four American MCM Iron & Wicker Counter / Barstools by Arthur Umanoff

$2,200 / set

H 24 in W 20 in D 14 in

Set of Four American MCM Iron & Wicker Counter / Barstools by Arthur Umanoff

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in San Diego, CA

Set of four American MCM / BOHO iron and wicker counter / barstools by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950s. The set is in good to fair vintage condition and each stool measures 20"W x 14"D ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Bohemian Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Style Vintage Basket Chair

$240Sale Price|20% Off

H 31 in W 23 in D 24 in

Arthur Umanoff Style Vintage Basket Chair

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Waxahachie, TX

Got conflicting information on this one. 1950s Danish or Arthur Umanoff (style?) Either way, it's a badass accent chair. Wicker basket seat with rattan arms and supports. Minor areas...

Category

1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wicker

Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools

$4,500 / set

H 15.75 in W 59.75 in D 14.88 in

Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arthur Umanoff slatted birch bench/coffee table with iron legs concealing three nesting stools with rush seats (ca. 1950s, USA). Compact piece, ideal for smaller rooms with space li...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Mid Century Modern Iron with Maple and Raffia Bar Stools Arthur Umanoff

$450 / item

H 41 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in

Pair of Mid Century Modern Iron with Maple and Raffia Bar Stools Arthur Umanoff

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Set of Two bar stools with maple slatted seats, raffia backs on a hand welded iron frame, painted black. Seats swivel for comfort. Priced individually at 450 ea. Original plastic fee...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Bar Stools Set of Four

$3,200 / set

H 42 in W 17 in D 17 in

Arthur Umanoff Bar Stools Set of Four

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Highland, IN

This clean set of four Umanoff bar stools feature seats and backs of wood slats with swivel function supported by iron bases. 42"h X 17"w X 17"d seat: 30"

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items

Arthur Umanoff, Swinging Chair, Iron, Walnut, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 28.75 in W 23.25 in D 21.75 in

Arthur Umanoff, Swinging Chair, Iron, Walnut, USA, 1950s

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in High Point, NC

A swinging black-painted iron and walnut side chair designed by Arthur Umanoff in 1953 and produced by The Elton Company, USA, 1950s. Seat height: 15.75"

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Swivel Office Chair

Sold

H 37 in W 24 in D 25.25 in

Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Swivel Office Chair

By Madison Furniture, Arthur Umanoff

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid century desk chair designed by Arthur Umanoff for Madison Furniture Company. This comfortable chair is finished in black vinyl with sculpted walnut armrests. Rolls on a heavy dut...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard and Raymor

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H 27.75 in W 25.25 in D 25 in

Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard and Raymor

By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An exceptional example of museum-quality American modern design; 1950s lounge chair by Arthur Umanoff, manufactured by Shaver Howard and distributed Raymor. Made of iron, paper-cord ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard & Raymor

Sold

H 27.75 in W 25.25 in D 25 in

Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard & Raymor

By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An exceptional example of museum-quality American Modern design; 1950s lounge chair by Arthur Umanoff, manufactured by Shaver Howard and distributed Raymor. Made of iron, paper-cord ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Pair of Arthur Umanoff Mayan Sun Wrought Iron Sunburst Armchairs Curule Yellow

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H 34 in W 19.5 in D 23 in

Pair of Arthur Umanoff Mayan Sun Wrought Iron Sunburst Armchairs Curule Yellow

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern, 1960s wrought iron directors chairs with sun backs from the Mayan Collection by Arthur Umanoff. This wonderful...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff Chairs

Sold

H 28 in W 25 in D 24.5 in

Arthur Umanoff Chairs

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Rare set of lounge chairs by Arthur Umanoff. Fantastic sculptural shape and patina.

Category

1950s American Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Berlin Iron

Arthur Umanoff Dining Chairs for Shaver Howard

Sold

H 38.25 in W 19.5 in D 21.25 in

Arthur Umanoff Dining Chairs for Shaver Howard

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Designer: Arthur Umanoff. Manufacturer: Howard Shaver. Period and model: Mid-Century Modern. Specifications: Iron, Fabric. Condition: These Ar...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Four Arthur Umanoff Four G-22 Iron and Velvet Chairs for Shaver Howard

Sold

H 42 in W 17 in D 17 in

Four Arthur Umanoff Four G-22 Iron and Velvet Chairs for Shaver Howard

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a fully restored set of four high back chairs designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard in 1969. Metal has been refinished and seats h...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Steel Chairs For Shaver - Howard

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H 39 in W 24 in D 26 in

Arthur Umanoff Steel Chairs For Shaver - Howard

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Rochester, NY

A set of four mid 20th century Arthur Umanoff tall scallop back steel chairs manufactured by Shaver - Howard - North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. They are all original as found, each ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Arthur Umanoff Suede & Walnut Arm Chair

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Arthur Umanoff Suede & Walnut Arm Chair

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Arthur Umanoff suede and walnut arm chair circa mid 1960's. This example has a cut out back and elegantly tapered walnut legs and arms. The upholstery has recently been done in a sag...

Category

1960s American Vintage Arthur Umanoff Armchairs

Materials

Suede, Wood

Arthur Umanoff armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Umanoff armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original armchairs by Arthur Umanoff were created in the mid-century modern style in sweden during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Nässjö Stolfabrik, Alf Svensson, and Bengt Ruda. Prices for Arthur Umanoff armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,300 and can go as high as $3,300, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,300.