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 Wine Rack for Shaver Howard, c.1954
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Arthur Umanoff Iron & Leather Wine Rack for Shaver Howard, c.1954.
Iron
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Wrought Iron and Butcher Block Thirty Bottle Tower Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Wrought iron and butcher block thirty bottle wine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950s. The tower unit measures 14"W x 11"D x 66"H and is made of wrought iron with two wood butcher b...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Cocktail Dry Bar or Server for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St. Louis, MO
Midcentury Arthur Umanoff bar for Raymor. Wrought iron base, oak slats, rush and Formica top. Overall nice original condition, oak restored, wrought iron base repainted, top in very ...
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
$1,426
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A black wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. It can hold up to 39 bottles and includes a woven basket type shelf and a laminated shelf to hold glasses, serve drinks or even showcase you favorite bottles and bar utensils...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Bar by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fantastic mid-century bar in great condition by American designer Arthur Umanoff. These vintage bars from the 1950s have a classic MCM charm and sophistication. The iconic design...
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Slat Dry Bar for Shaver Howard, 1950's
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Features Umanoff's signature vertical wood slatting and a minimalist black iron base that eliminates "utilitarian bulkiness". Designed for both style and utility, it includes a dura...
Wrought 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
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Francisco, CA
Arthur Umanoff design wine rack for Raymor. Holding 24 bottles made of with a solid steel frame and natural leather adjustable straps. In very good original condition.
Steel
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
$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
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Bar Wrought Iron Wood Slat
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage 1950s-60s wood slat, rope and wrought iron bar. Features white laminate top with multiple shelves in the back and side. Vintage condition, slight curvature to the top, shows some wear throughout and white rubber edging is missing a few bits in the back, see photos. Great addition to your Mid-Century Modern home...
Iron
Wrought Iron Ten Bottle Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool and hard to find vintage wrought iron ten bottle wine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950s. The tower unit measures 12.5"W x 9"D x 27"H and is made of wrought iron with a ...
Iron
Mid Century Modern Iron Bar with Raffia and 3 Stools by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Arthur Umanoff 4 PC set which includes the large, 60 inch bar with shelving and 3 original bar stools. This set is in great original condition with no issues at all. Wood, R...
Iron
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
3-Piece Umanoff Bar and Stool Set
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Very chic and stylish bar and stool set comprised of 2 stools and a round bar. The bar has a mesh enclosed storage space, which has a curved sliding ...
Iron
Vintage Iron Wine rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
outstanding iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. features a shelf and cane wrapped basket shelf with 45 circular spaces to hole wine bottles.
Iron
$2,111
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Orange wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. It can hold up to 39 bottles and includes a woven basket type shelf and a laminated shelf to hold glasses, serve drinks or even showcase you favorite bottles and bar utensils...
Iron
$2,841 / set
Set of Two Arthur Umanoff Wine Racks
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Set of two wrought iron wine racks by Arthur Umanoff. Rare orange and black lacquered metal. Original lacquer on both. Each racks can hold up to 39 bottles and include a woven basket type shelf and a laminated shelf to hold glasses, serve drinks or even showcase your favorite bottles and bar utensils. Manufactured for the Howard Shavers...
Iron
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
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
$29,900
H 68.75 in W 107.5 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Bar Cabinet by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian two-part cocktail bar cabinet with an elevated top made of hand crafted polished Rosewood and Walnut, designed most likely by Osvaldo Borsani in ...
Metal, Brass
Italian Dry Bar Cocktail Cabinet
Located in Hanover, MA
Late 1940's/early 1950's Italian dry bar, martini cabinet with inlaid fruit wood marquetry, tapering rectangular top and drop front attributed to Osvaldo Borsani.. Inside back has be...
Wood
Milo Baughman Style Burl Cabinet or Dry Bar
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Milo Baughman style two door cabinet or dry bar featuring burl olive wood doors supported by a cast aluminum floating base and a stained walnut case. Fitted interior consists of a si...
Aluminum
$2,591
H 47.25 in W 30.71 in D 16.54 in L 47.25 in
Art Deco Bird's-Eye Maple Cocktail Cabinet, Dry Bar, English, c 1930s
Located in Devon, England
This hugely stylish Art Deco cocktail drinks cabinet is a fantastic piece of Art Deco furniture and it's internal features prove to be an incredibly appealing feature. The beautifull...
Mirror, Bakelite, Birdseye Maple
$8,995
H 46 in W 29 in D 14.5 in
French Art Deco burr walnut cocktail cabinet / Dry Bar Server France 1930’s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an 1930’s Art Deco burr walnut cocktail cabinet / Dry Bar Server. The exterior showcases richly figured burr walnut, while the hinged upper section opens to reveal a beautif...
Walnut, Burl
$4,595 / set
H 40.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Iron Bar with Raffia and 3 Stools by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Arthur Umanoff 4 PC set which includes the large, 60 inch bar with shelving and 3 original bar stools. This set is in great original condition with no issues at all. Wood, R...
Iron
$1,595
H 43.25 in W 43.2 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Bar Cart Cocktail Cabinet Dry Bar by Meredew
By Meredew
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid Century Modern Vintage cabinet by Meredew is a beautiful piece that can have a variety of uses, perfectly suited for any discerning collector or entertainer. Featuring great...
Teak
$14,837
H 37.01 in W 20.08 in D 17.72 in
Rising Drink Cabinet, Cocktail Bar, Dry Bar, Folding Bar, Pop Up Bar
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This English cocktail cabinet is particularly unusual and elegant. Made of magnificent honey color golden walnut, from 1920's ,I t features on its front, 1 fake cupboard, I fake drawer and 1 real double drawer. . Its top section pops up to reveal a full set of glasses and decanters . And when it closes down, it closes very softly by itself automatically thanks to its elaborate inside mechanism. It features a divided hinged top opening to a rising platform all fitted with a complete set of cut crystal glasses 4 cut crystal decanters. ... When it is open, there are 2 glass top inside its opening lid that you can use for service. Its bottom drawer opens in 2 times and is also fitted with matching glasses. It is a real surprise cabinet as from its exterior ,one can't imagine what is inside but when it opens, it is breathtaking with its rising platform full of different size cut crystal glasses... It is a top quality dry bar with solid brass hardware. This metamorphic cabinet...
Crystal
$2,250
H 42 in W 41.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Slat Dry Bar for Shaver Howard, 1950's
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Features Umanoff's signature vertical wood slatting and a minimalist black iron base that eliminates "utilitarian bulkiness". Designed for both style and utility, it includes a dura...
Wrought Iron
$4,995
H 28.5 in W 55.5 in D 19.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Credenza by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Arthur Umanoff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional vintage burl wood credenza designed by American designer Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham, circa 1970s. Widely recognized for his refined approach to mid-century design, ...
Lacquer, Burl
Art Deco Walnut Cocktail Cabinet, Dry Bar
Located in Devon, England
Gorgeous and original 1930s Art Deco cocktail cabinet in figured walnut. This cabinet really is stunning, featuring a storage area for bottles at the bottom and glasses etc. at the t...
Metal
$2,450
H 66 in W 14 in D 11.13 in
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
Mid Century Modern Burl Credenza by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exceptional 1970s Burl Wood Credenza by Arthur Umanoff for Dillingham This remarkable credenza showcases Arthur Umanoff's distinctive design aesthetic for Dillingham, dating to appr...
Burl
Arthur Umanoff Bar Cart for Raymor, 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Coronado, CA
A charming and highly functional bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff and manufactured by Raymor in the 1960s. This wonderful example features a black lacquered steel frame with birch...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Dry Bar Console, 1950's and Stool
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early dry bar by Arthur Umanoff made of birch and wrought iron. This bar has a white laminate top. and plenty of storage space in the back with many shelves. This bar comes with a ba...
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Esperance, NY
This stunning Arthur Umanoff bar cart combines wrought iron and wood, showcasing a fantastic 1960s aesthetic. It features a beautiful blend of wood, metal, and rush materials, making...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 63.25 in W 25.5 in D 10.75 in
Large Arthur Umanoff Welded Steel & Leather 60-Bottle Wine Rack, 1950s, USA
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made by Arthur Umanoff, this wine rack is one of the largest available, holding a massive 60 bottles. This USA made piece is made well enough to easily hold this weight ...
Steel
Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Serving Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Serving Bar Cart. Original colors. Designed in the 50s. Iron frame and wood.
Metal
Mid Century Counter Dry Bar with Original Stools by Umanoff c. 1950/60's
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Original 6 pc. bar and stools, designed by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950/60's. This cool set includes the freestanding curved counter bar, four swivel stools, and the bartenders stool. ...
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Iron Bar for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare mid century modern cocktail bar by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. Circa 1950s. Classic fifties design featuring vintage wood slat, ra...
Iron
Sold
H 66.5 in W 14 in D 11 in
Arthur Umanoff Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron and Leather 48-Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern 48-bottle wine rack By Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. USA, 1950s Wrought iron frame, with leather straps. Measures: 14"W x 11"D x 66.5"H...
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this very unique bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. The original tag is missing.
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Bar
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great Umanoff bar. This bar has plenty of space on top to mix your drinks as well ample to store glasses and bottle in the back of the bar. There is a metal grid pattern in the front...
Steel
Midcentury Case Piece by Arthur Umanoff
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-century Arthur Umanoff credenza, cabinet, or bar featuring slat wood top and lower sliding door cabinet on iron frame. Playful colored doors with sharp and dynamic lines make thi...
Steel
Freestanding Wrought Iron Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arched wrought iron wine rack accommodating 39 wine bottles designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard and distributed by Raymor. Graceful form and intriguing visual effect from a...
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Leather & Iron Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Iron and leather wine rack. the leather straps can hold 40 bottles. has three wood butcher block shelves and a wicker basket shelf. can serve as a ro...
Wrought Iron
1950s Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart designed by Arthur Umanoff. Aged iron frame with rush trim and slatted wood. Reversible Masonite sliding drawers appear on both sides. Both sides are able...
Iron
Unusual Rope and Iron Bar and Single Stool Designed by Arthur Uminoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual ,,seldom seen,, Home Bar with (1) matching stool designed by Arthur Umanoff. Please note. (2) slat wood stools pictured are not included ! This version rarely shows up on the...
Iron