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, Bar Cart, Iron, Birch, Rush, Formica, USA, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron, birch, rush and white formica bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff and produced by Raymor, USA, c. 1950s. Light to moderate discoloration present throughout w...
Iron
Rare Arthur Umanoff Bar Serving Cart, 1970s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
STUNNING ARTHUR UMANOFF BAR CART, 1970 Painted steel, oak, wheels. Produced by David Morgan, USA A fantastically functional California Modern design piece that exemplifies Umanoff’s singular architectural aesthetic. Has a drawer, two trays and six bottle cubbies accessible from either side. Constructed of oak with an enameled steel frame, chrome handle, swiveling caster and bicycle wheels with solid rubber tires. 40" H x 39" W x 20" D. Condition Overall very good condition. Occasional minor surface wear. We currently have this bar cart paired with a a Lou Hodges desk...
Iron, Steel
Bar Cart by Arthur Umanoff, 1950s USA
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing bar cart by Arthur Umanoff. Featuring an aged iron frame with rush trim and slatted wood. Four green Masonite sliding doors with leather handles flank both sides of the cart,...
Iron
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Bar Cart with a Surfboard Top by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful design for a indoor outdoor, (poolside), iron bar cart with an surfboard shaped oak top. Top was refinished and varnished. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Plenty of storage below with two wide shelves.
Wrought Iron
Arthur Umanoff Bar Cart with Wine Rack and Butcher Block
By Paul McCobb, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful example of Arthur Umanoff's bar cart with leather strap wine rack. Butcher blocks need to be sanded down. Cart includes the origina...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Wine Rack Bar Cart with Butcher Block & Iron Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and unique, a bar cart with built in wine rack constructed from leather (about half of the leather straps were professionally replaced) and sits below the upper level which ...
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
Italian Design Mid-Century Bar Cart, 1950s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare 1950s Italian desgin serving bar cart. Made of beech wood equipped with two glass shelves and brass wheels for convenient movement. Perfect for serving drinks to your guests. Vi...
Glass, Beech
Brass Bar Cart with Aged Mirror and Leather
By Loyzaga
Located in Mexico, Ciudad de México
The Vendôme Bar Cart is perfect to style any room. That's why it remains one of our bestselling pieces. It is made by our craftsmen in brass, with age mirror and leather making it ...
Brass
$1,932
H 26.19 in W 32.29 in D 16.54 in
Serving Bar Cart Brass and Smoked Glass Romeo Rega Style, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Rome, IT
This vintage brass and smoked glass serving cart features unique midcentury design, combining simple lines and plenty of room for storage or service. In the style of to the Italian d...
Metal, Brass
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
$4,377
H 27.17 in W 18.12 in D 25.99 in
Small Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart & Magazine Rack by Cesare Lacca - Italy
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Girona, Girona
Small bar cart and magazine rack, stained solid mahogany, French polish. Removable tray, polished brass hardware and wheels. Design: Cesare Lacca It...
Brass
$7,139
H 35.44 in W 57.49 in D 25.99 in
Red Wine Bar Cart, Lacquered Glossy finish, Marble Top, Italian Design
By ULTRAMOBILI
Located in Pesaro, IT
Red Wine Bar Cart, Lacquered Glossy finish, Marble Top, Italian Design DESIGNER: ULTRAMOBILI // MATERIALS: Wine Red Lacquered Wood base, Black Marquinia Marble top // ORIGIN: Italy,...
Marble
$4,050
H 30.25 in W 40 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Brass
$1,875
H 25.4 in W 30.32 in D 18.71 in
Chrome, Brass, Smoked Glass and Mirror Bar Cart/Serving Table, Italy, 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Attributable to Fontana Arte Superb linear service trolley. On two levels. One in smoked glass, the other is a smoked mirror. The frame is tubular in brass and chrome, rectangular ...
Brass, Chrome
Danish Bamboo and Rattan Bar Cart by Elvin Geertsen, 1950s.
By Elvin Geertsen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Bamboo and Rattan Bar Cart by Elvin Geertsen, 1950s. Early Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern does also include furniture made from bamboo, rattan and cane like this charming tw...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
$1,133Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 36.62 in D 18.51 in
Mid-Century Wooden Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Catania, CT
Sophisticated Italian bar cart designed by Cesare Lacca, crafted in the 1950s. The structure is made of beautifully shaped wood, showcasing Lacca’s signature organic lines and elegan...
Glass, Wood
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900 Modern Bar Cart
By Alvar Aalto
Located in North York, ON
Alvar Aalto tea trolley 900 Modern bar cart. Iconic Scandinavian modern design by Alvar Aalto. The trolley features ceramic tiles, and a ra...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
$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
$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
$920Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 20 in D 32 in
Russell Woodard Wrought Iron Bar Tea Serving Cart Mid Century Modern
By Russell Woodard
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vintage Russell Woodard Sculptura wrought iron Bar Tea Service Cart . If you are in the New Jersey, New York City Metro Area, please contact us with your delivery zipcode, as we may...
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
Arthur Umanoff, Bar Stand, Iron, Birch, Rush, Formica, USA, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron, birch, rush and white formica bar stand or bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff and produced by Raymor, USA, c. 1950s. Light staining on top. Dimensions: 27....
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
Arthur Umanoff Iron Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1960s. A scarce bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. Features black iron frame with woven rush body. Slatted maple shelf and deep well for bottles offer us...
Iron
Sold
H 32 in W 40 in D 18 in
Arthur Umanoff Rolling Server Bar Cart . Walnut & Laminate with Tambour door
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Buffalo, NY
Arthur Umanoff for Cavalier Dimension Group Rolling Server Bar Cart Walnut. Super Rare ! I really despise using that word because it is so over-used. B...
Laminate, Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Bicycle and Butcher Block Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Great looking mid-century bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff. Distinctive large pair of Rear wheels and a small front wheel for “steering.” Thick Butcher block top with oak trays an...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Bar or Serving Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Organic Modern Bar Cart, designed by Arthur Umanoff, American, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bar or serving cart in a living area, or as additi...
Metal
Arthur Umanoff Serving / Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Oakland, CA
American designer Arthur Umanoff (1923-1985) serving / bar cart, constructed of an oak butcher block top, black lacquered metal frame, chrome and rubber wheels. The cart has three drawers for the storage of objects related to bar service and three portals for wine bottles, in addition, there is a bottom storage area, middle and top tray storage for liquor and or condiments. Umanoff was known for his designs for Howard Miller and Shaver for clocks, furniture and objects for the home. Metal, wood and cord were his materials of choice. Additional information on the exact dimensions of the shelf surface area, the top shelf is 27" L x 18" W, the 2nd / Middle shelf is 15" L x 15.25" W x 12" H, the 3rd / Bottom is 28.25" L x 14.75" W x 11.75" H. Ask me about shipping rates, rates to Los Angeles are very reasonable, other areas I can get estimates...
Metal, Chrome
Arthur Umanoff Bicycle and Butcher Block Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Great looking mid-century bar cart designed by Arthur Umanoff. Distinctive large pair of Rear wheels and a small front wheel for “steering.” Thick Butcher block top with oak trays an...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bar cart by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. Hand forged iron with Raffia and Maple. Sliding doors on both sides with new leather pulls. In excellent vintage condition with minima...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Tiki Bar
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arthur Umanoff mid century Tiki Bar The bar measures: 41.75 wide x 17.5 deep x 42 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Dry Bar by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century Modern dry bar by Arthur Umanoff for most likely Elton Company, N.Y. In good original condition with a frosted 1/4"in. thick glass top to mix drinks and a white lacquered...
Steel
Arthur Umanoff Bar Cart Outdoor Barbeque Serving Trolley
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Peabody, MA
Bar cart or barbecue trolley, designed by Arthur Umanoff for David Morgan, ca. late 1960s - early 1970s. Includes staved oak work surface for carving of meat, wine bottle storage, a ...
Metal
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
Bar Cart with Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar cart or serving cart with wine rack and wooden butcher block top designed by Arthur Umanoff. This bar cart features leather straps to carry nine wine bottles, a removable ice bu...
Steel
Arthur Umanoff Butcher Block Island with Wine Rack and Pot Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arthur Umanoff kitchen island for Shaver Howard, USA, circa 1950s. This practical and stylish four-sided island features a beautifully detailed butchers block, supported by a blackened iron frame. On one side of the wooden cutting block is an attached bottle opener, the other side features a hook hanging panel. Underneath there is storage for fifteen wine bottles. The tall iron frame also features a slim wicker storage basket...
Iron