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.
Expertly Restored- Arthur Umanoff Vintage Spindle Side Table with Magazine Shelf
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 precis...
Wood, Walnut
Umanoff Side Table, H45 - Solid Walnut / Brass - by Arthur Umanoff for Audo
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
As relevant today as it was when first designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s, the reissued Umanoff Side Table balances walnut and brass on its rounded top and tripod-inspired frame...
Brass
Umanoff Side Table, H60 - Solid Walnut / Brass - by Arthur Umanoff for Audo
By Arthur Umanoff, Audo
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
As relevant today as it was when first designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s, the reissued Umanoff Side Table balances walnut and brass on its rounded top and tripod-inspired frame...
Brass
Arthur Umanoff Washington Woodcraft Solid Walnut Side Table Mid Century 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A solid walnut side table from the late 1950s/early 1960s by Arthur Umanoff and made by Washington Woodcraft of New Jersey. A simple and iconic design, the table has a round top with...
Walnut
Pair of Umanoff Side Tables, H60-Solid Walnut / Brass-by Arthur Umanoff for Audo
By Audo, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
As relevant today as it was when first designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s, the reissued Umanoff Side Table balances walnut and brass on its rounded top and tripod-inspired frame...
Brass
Arthur Umanoff Mid-Century Spindle Side Table With Magazine Shelf
By Washington Woodcraft, Arthur Umanoff
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 precis...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1964 Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Side Table with Glass Top
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Stamford, CT
Small wrought iron side table from the Grenada collection designed by Arthur Umanoff and manufactured by Boyuer Scott Company.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Umanoff Side Tables, Solid Walnut/ Brass-by Arthur Umanoff for Audo, H45
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
As relevant today as it was when first designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s, the reissued Umanoff Side Table balances walnut and brass on its rounded top and tripod-inspired frame...
Brass
Mid-Century American Modern Birch and Iron Accent Table by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard accent / occasional table (ca. 1950s, USA). Composed of a round slatted birch top supported by three slightly splayed wrought iron legs retaining the...
Wrought Iron
Drexel, Side Tables, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Drexel
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut side tables designed and produced by Drexel, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.0"H x 16.0"W x 16.0"D All ite...
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
Mid Century Modern Walnut Tiny Circular Walnut Side Table 1950s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage tiny side table or flower stand from walnut and solid beech in smoothly brown color 1950s Austria. A charming side table or flower stand with three (3) fee...
Walnut
Solid Walnut Rectangular Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair solid walnut rectangular side tables. Measure 17.75" in width x 11.75" in depth x 18" in height. Very good vintage condition.
Hardwood
Mid Century Modern Dining Room Table in Walnut by Arthur Umanoff
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A clean line dining table by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960's. It features beautiful walnut wood construction. It comes with one 18 inch leaves not...
Walnut
$351
H 27.96 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
1960s Mid-Century Czech Oak Side Table with Woven Magazine Shelf
Located in Praha, CZ
A refined and highly functional mid-century modern side or coffee table manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. Boasting a clean geometric silhouette, this piece is crafted ...
Oak, Wood
$1,721
H 25.6 in Dm 27.56 in
Mid-Century Side Table with Rush Shelf, Unknown Designer, Denmark, c. 1960s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Rare side table by unknown designer, Denmark, c. 1960s. Features a rush shelf and tapered legs. Normal wear consistent with age and use. Marks, scratches
Rush, Oak
Amy, Solid Walnut Side Table / Stool
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a solid walnut side table or small stool. The profile is asymmetrical and architectural while celebrating the natural wood elements. ...
Walnut
Side Table in Solid American Walnut by Hinterland Design
By Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
Hand Carved White Ash Stool with Copper Plated Ring Support A place where the forest meets the sea, the 'Findhorn' collection of tables and stools contain details from both. Through...
Brass, Steel
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table This side table measures: 23.75 wide x 29 deep x 19.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to...
Wood
$1,896
H 21.86 in W 43.31 in D 24.81 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Walnut Brass Coffee Table Side Table 1950s Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage coffee table bean like. designed and made in Vienna, circa 1950. A charming coffee table or side table from pressboard and walnut veneers. The solid walnut...
Walnut
Mid Century Walnut With Marquetry Round Side Table, 1950s
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Beautiful early 20th-century round side table featuring an ornate marquetry top with floral and geometric inlay work. The circular top displays a refined combination of light and dar...
Hardwood, Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Nesting Side Table Set Triangular Mid-Century Modern
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Arthur Umanoff nesting side table set, a mid-century modern classic originally designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s. Often referred to as "guitar pick" t...
Walnut, Laminate
Sold
H 20.5 in W 22.25 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Vintage Arthur Umanoff Spindle Side Table w/ Magazine Shelf
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 precis...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 20.75 in W 22.5 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Arthur Umanoff Spindle End Table w/ Magazine Shelf
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern magazine table by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft exemplifies both form and function. The solid walnut construction features Umano...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 20.75 in W 22.5 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Arthur Umanoff Spindle Side Table w/ Magazine Shelf
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 precis...
Wood, Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Modern Black Top Wooden Spindle Side End Table
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An Arthur Umanoff spindle table. A lovely little mid century modern piece that can be used as a side or end table. This piece features a black table to...
Wood
Sold
H 16 in W 18.5 in D 17.5 in
Set of 3 Black and Walnut Arthur Umanoff Guitar Pick Triangular Nesting Tables
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Set of three Mid-Century Modern nesting tables by Arthur Umanoff. The tables are guitar-pick shaped with black laminate tops inset to solid walnut wood frames. The vintage 1950s triangular tables...
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Spindle Base Walnut Side table
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Iconic side table by Arthur Umanoff, and produced by Umanoff himself. In natural walnut, beautifully joined and sculpted The perfect eye catching side table, easily moved throughout the interior...
Walnut
Pair of Rare Hexagon Spindle Side Tables in Wood by Arthur Umanoff 1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Troy, MI
Pair Rare Arthur Umanoff Hexagon Spindle Cage Side Tables Pair of side tables designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft 1960s Hexagon form with carved walnut spindles and...
Wood, Laminate, Walnut
Sold
H 20.75 in W 22.5 in D 18 in
Arthur Umanoff Sculpted Walnut Side Table with Magazine Rack for Washington Wood
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...
Wood, Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Round Walnut Side Table for Washington Woodcraft
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simply constructed side table from the late 1950s by Arthur Umanoff for New Jersey-based Washington Woodcraft. The table has a round, bull-nosed surface of solid walnut supported by ...
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Triangular Side Table
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arthur Umanoff triangular side table in walnut with original orange surface. Solid turned walnut legs can unscrew for easy storage and shipment. ...
Walnut
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Spindle Side Table with Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern magazine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft in the United States in 1964. This sleek and versatile side table design features a solid walnut wood structu...
Walnut