Harvey Probber Seating
American, 1922-2003
A popular designer who had his heyday from the late 1940s into the 1970s, Harvey Probber is one of the post-war American creative spirits whose work has been recently rediscovered by collectors. His designs are by-and-large simple and elegant, but his signal achievement was to pioneer one of the key innovations of mid-20th century furniture: sectional, or modular, seating.
Even as a teenager, the Brooklyn-born Probber was making sketches of furniture designs — and selling them to Manhattan furniture companies. He began working as a designer for an upholsterer once he finished high school and, apart from a few evening classes he took as an adult at Pratt Institute, he was self-taught about design and furniture making.
After wartime service — and a stint as a lounge singer — Probber founded his own company in the late 1940s. A lifelong familiarity with the needs of New York–apartment dwellers doubtless sparked his most noteworthy creation: a line of seating pieces in basic geometric shapes — wedges, squares, half-circles — that could be arranged and combined as needed. Modular furniture remained the core idea of Probber’s business throughout his career.
As a self-trained designer, Probber was never wed to any particular aesthetic. He preferred the simple lines now associated with mid-century modernism for their inherent practicality, but often used hardware to enliven the look of his pieces, or added elements — such as a ceramic insert in the center of a round dining table — that was visually interesting and could serve as a trivet. He gravitated toward bright fabrics with attractive, touchable textures that might be satin-like or nubbly. Above all, Probber insisted that the sofas, case goods and other products that came out of his Fall River, Massachusetts, factory be built to last.
“The quality of aging gracefully,” Probber once told an interviewer, is “design's fourth dimension.” This quality he realized: Probber furniture is just as useful and alluring now as it was when made — and maybe even more stylish.
Find a collection of vintage Harvey Probber side tables, sectional sofas, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
to
26
162
164
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
86
60
5
12
7
2
1
146
8
164
1
107
19
1
25
46
16
2
118
105
79
52
36
148
144
3
2
1
165
165
165
228
1,523
1,290
1,059
1,056
Creator: Harvey Probber
Pair Harvey Probber Mid Century Asian Modernist Walnut and Upholstered Stools
By Harvey Probber
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Mid-Century iconic Architectural Design Asian Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by the legendary Harvey Probber. Lacquered walnut and Clean, firm upholstery.
Measure 16...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s Mcm to Modern Harvey Probber Club Chairs Orange 1571 Tuxedo Sleigh Bases
By Harvey Probber
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Harvey Probber orange tuxedo style 1571 club chairs with black painted sleigh bases, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that they are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. They have been professionally shampooed and are in wonderful condition. There is a slight sun fading to the fabric that cannot be detected unless you remove the cushions, and we did some slight touch up to the legs. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s.
Are oranges named oranges because oranges are orange OR is orange called orange because oranges are orange??? Hmmmmmmm???? We may never know… BUT we DO know that this pair of orange club chairs by Harvey Probber is PHENOMENAL!!! Double your seating pleasure with this dynamic duo comprised of fully upholstered tuxedo style frames, deep seats hosting loose zippered foam filled seat and back cushions, fabulous black painted sleigh bases, PLUS they are wearing their original orange large weave hopsacking fabric. WOW!! They are stunning in their simplicity, extremely comfortable, and ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!! They will be fabulous in the corner of your bedroom, in the living room across from your sofa, in the sitting room with a wonderful accent table in between, or in the den facing the fireplace. They are mid-century modern with a modern feel and will blend in beautifully with many styles of décor. This pair of club chairs is ready to be your new favorite vintage pieces and make a bold statement in any room you choose!
Harvey Probber was born on September 17, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his love for furniture early and while attending high school he took a part-time job in a used furniture store and was inspired to try his hand at drawing ideas for furniture. Probber sold his first sofa design when he was just 16, for $10. After high school graduation, he accepted a job as designer for Trade Upholstery which was a small manufacturing facility. The 1940’s was the beginning of American modernism, a time characterized by young designers with talent, initiative, and a willingness to take risks with new ideas. Probber was one of an early band of pioneer designers in a field that included iconic names such as D.J. DePree of Herman Miller, Hans Knoll, Georg Tanier, and Jack Lenor Larsen. Probber established Harvey Probber, Inc., in 1945 and in the mid years of the twentieth century, Harvey Probber became one of America's leading designers. He favored exotic woods, highly polished lacquer, hand-rubbed finishes, and extravagant upholstery fabrics. In little over a decade, Harvey Probber, Inc. became one of the country’s leading contemporary furniture firms. His most significant design breakthrough was his modular seating concept. It was the first of its kind. He also introduced the “sling chair” and “nuclear furniture” which could be clustered and had interchangeable pieces. By the 1970s, Harvey Probber, Inc. had opened trade showrooms in major design centers across the country. His work was awarded two "Best of Neocon" Gold Awards from the Resources Council of the Institute of Business Designers for the Houston Chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Pair of Harvey Probber Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs, 1960's
By Harvey Probber
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Harvey Probber 1427A Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs. Featuring solid Aluminum bar construction, ergonomic slant back, attached spacious cushions, with tufted Blue, Red, Whi...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Set of Three Harvey Probber Black Camelback Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of 3 Harvey Probber black enameled wood & cream leather dining chairs. Featuring a graphic Black lacquered Wood framework, saber legs, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Harvey Probber Mid Century Modern Ebonized Cane Hiprest Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Harvey Probber Mid Century Modern Ebonized Cane Hiprest Side Chair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 33.5" H x 23.5" W x 22" D x 19" Seat height.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Harvey Probber Extra Wide Black Upholstered Slipper Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century American extra wide slipper chairs upholstered in black fabric supported by strong, squared-off tubular shaped posts and gently ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric
Set of Four Harvey Probber Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of Four Harvey Probber Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s fully restored with beautifully maintained original finish.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen pair of lounge chairs.
Comfortable and stylish.
Category
1960s American Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Aluminum
$6,900 / set
Set of Four Elegant Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of elegant, high back dining chairs by Harvey Probber. Finished in black lacquer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Harvey Probber Dark Wood, Caning, and Striped Upholstery Armchair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century armchair with a curved dark wood frame, caned sides and back, and a multi-colored striped seat cushion, resting on four tapered wooden legs. (HARVEY PROBBER)(Similar chair...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Pair Armless Lounge / Slipper Chairs with Brass Frames by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare pair of Harvey Probber lounge chairs with brass frames. All original brass feet are intact. The original blue upholstery shows wear, stains and imperfections and is priced acc...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Gondola Chairs by Harvey Probber Restored
By Harvey Probber
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of Gondola chairs by Harvey Probber. Totally refinished and reupholstered. Black and white Grey tweed style fabric. In e...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Fabric
Harvey Probber Mid Century Red X Chairs - Pair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century Red X Chairs - Pair
Each chair measures: 20 wide x 21 deep x 36.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 20.25 inches
All pieces of furnitur...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$5,195 / set
Harvey Probber 'Gondola' Wood and Striped Upholstery Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 'Gondola' form chair with a curved dark stained wooden frame and muted pink, green, and beige vertically striped upholstered seat and back, resting on four taper...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Harvey Probber Bright Yellow Fabric Upholstered Ebonized Lounge
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century lounge / armchairs with bright yellow fabric upholstery with removable back and seat cushions, one square, and one circular matching throw pillow, restin...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Ebony
Harvey Probber Painted Black Wood "Scissor" Lounging Deck Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American painted black wood X-base "Scissor" lounging deck chair with a 3-plank curved back plus embedded brass rod support at top. (HARVEY PROBBER)
Wear to finish and l...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Brass
Harvey Probber Wood, Caning, and Paisley Fabric Upholstered Hoop Lounge Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century hoop form lounge armchair with a curved ebonized wooden frame, caned back, seat, and sides, and a multicolored paisley patterned fabric upholstered seat and back...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Ebony
Harvey Probber Tiffany Blue Leather and Mahogany Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber side chair, or desk chair, with Tiffany blue leather seats and bleached mahogany frames. V shaped cane back and tapered legs.
Category
1950s American Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Harvey Probber model 1055 Sculptural Dining or Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning pair of Harvey Probber model 1055 side chairs. Missoni style upholstery on the comfortable padded back and seat. The frame is constructed of solid walnut or mahogany. These ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Harvey Probber High Back Chairs Wormley Estate Weston ct
By Harvey Probber
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Harvey Probber high back wing chairs, important with very few made and from the Edward Wormley estate in Weston ct. Edward Wormley (American, December 31, 1907–November 3, 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Foam, Fabric, Walnut
Harvey Probber Shaped Walnut and Geometric Brown Upholstered Lounge Armchair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century lounge armchair with a shaped walnut frame with two wooden armrests, and seat and back cushions upholstered in a geometric patterned fabric in neutral browns and...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Harvey Probber Set of Three Armchairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Highland, IN
These light, lithe and elegant armchairs by Harvey Probber are scaled perfectly to serve as part of a larger seating group or on their own as occasional chairs. Their proportions and profile make them beautiful from every angle and their intermediate seat height makes them ideal as conversational chairs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
$9,000 / set
Rare Pair of Off White Boucle Lounge Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Off white boucle and polished aluminum lounge chairs by Harvey Probber.
Newly recovered in a beautiful boucle fabric.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Harvey Probber Slipper Chairs on Brass Bases
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of beautifully restored lounge chairs designed by Harvey Probber. Sculpted seats with tailored buttons and polished brass base.
Category
1960s Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Brass
$16,000 / set
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of curved lounge chairs on ebonized wooden bases designed by Harvey Probber. Newer upholstery in very good condition.
Category
1960s Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric
$12,000 / set
Harvey Probber Aluminum and Beige Fabric Upholstered Slipper / Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century slipper / side chair with a polished aluminum frame and a beige fabric upholstered seat and back. (HARVEY PROBBER)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Pair of Harvey Probber Beige Zig-Zag Textured Upholstery and Brass Slipper Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century slipper / side chairs with zig-zag textured beige button tufted fabric upholstered seats and backs, resting on a brass square tube stretcher base with le...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Metal, Brass
Harvey Probber Tall Back Orange Fabric Upholstered Arm / Lounge Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century arm / lounge chair with a tall back and button tufted textured orange upholstery, resting on four tapered wooden legs. (HARVEY PROBBER)
light staining to uphols...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Harvey Probber Peacock Blue 'Gondola' Mahogany Pull Up Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century 'Gondola' pull up / side chairs with curved mahogany frames and peacock blue upholstered seat backs and cushions, ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Scissor Form Ebonized Wood and Black Leather Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century scissor form dining / side chair with an ebonized wooden frame with a narrow back comprised of three vertical slats, with a black leather upholstered seat and sm...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood, Upholstery, Ebony
Large Lounge Chair on Walnut Frame Base by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice large Harvey Probber lounge chairs on walnut base. Good upholstery condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Harvey Probber Cube Form Black Textured Fabric Upholstered Lounge / Armchair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century cube form lounge / armchair with textured black fabric upholstery and a matching removable back cushion. (HARVEY PROBBER)(Available in black: DUF0509A).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Fabric
Harvey Probber Cube Form Blue Textured Fabric Upholstered Lounge / Armchair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century cube form lounge / armchair with textured royal blue fabric upholstery and a matching removable back cushion. (HARVEY PROBBER)(Available in black: DUF0509B)
Wea...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery
Harvey Probber 'Gondola' Mahogany and Gold Woven Upholstery Pull Up Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 'Gondola' pull up / side chair with a curved light mahogany frame and gold woven fabric upholstered seat back and cushion, resting on four tapered mahogany dowel...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Pair of Harvey Probber Floral Print 'Gondola' Mahogany Pull Up Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century 'Gondola' pull up / side chairs with curved light mahogany frames and beige, brown, green, and blue floral print f...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Harvey Probber 'Gondola' Mahogany and Striped Upholstery Pull Up Side Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 'Gondola' pull up / side chair with a curved mahogany frame and blue and beige and pink striped fabric upholstered seat backs and cushions, resting on four taper...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Pair of Mid-Century Harvey Probber Slipper Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of modern lounge chairs by Harvey Probber feature tufted vinyl seat backs with wide slipper seats. Cantilevered heavy chrome frame mak...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Chrome
$3,150 Sale Price / set
43% Off
1977 Pair of Harvey Probber Cube Swivel Lounge Chairs in Woven Latania Palm Cane
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Rattan Cube Swivel Chairs, designed by Harvey Probber for his Artisan Collection in 1977. The listed price includes the pair of two chairs as shown. Probber visited...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Steel, Bronze
Marvelous Pair Harvey Probber Swivel Barrel Back Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous pair of Harvey Probber barrel back club chairs on wooden swivel platform bases. We love the original small round back cushion. Chairs looks to have been reupholstered in ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$5,200 Sale Price
20% Off
X Chair by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An "X" base slat chair with upholstered leather seat and back pillow.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Brass
Set of Three Harvey Probber Stools
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Set of three Harvey Probber stools. Has square walnut legs on casters. Off-white and rust embroidered floral cushioned seats. Mid Century Modern.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
$6,100 / set
Harvey Probber Armchairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Highland, IN
These light, lithe and elegant armchairs by Harvey Probber are scaled perfectly to serve as part of a larger seating group or on their own as occasional ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,000
Set of Six Harvey Probber Ebonized X-Base Dining Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Set of six X-base dining chairs by Harvey Probber. Brass hardware contrasts and compliments the dark ebonized mahogany. Cushions are in nice vintage condition and are easily reuphols...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Brass
Sleek Modern Harvey Probber Six Flat Bar Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Absolutely stunning, sleek design by Harvey Probber model no. 1427A, circa 1960's. These chairs combine mid-century details with a modern silhouette to create an eye-catching accent around your dining table. These square-seat chairs with their clean lines and seamless polished aluminum frames adding the perfect balance to the chair's dark blue color are just some of the unique highlights of this design. The seats are wrapped in velvet for a luxe look and is filled with foam for just the right amount of support as you sit. Whether you are looking for a punctuation mark on your already compelling decor or wanting drama.....these are for you.
Harvey Probber was the Godfather of Modern Modular Seating...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Steel
Two Vintage Harvey Probber Benches
By Harvey Probber
Located in Doraville, GA
A pair of vintage benches designed by Harvey Probber for his own manufacturing company in 1955, the benches are in his catalog and are model nu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
$1,900 / set
Harvey Probber seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Harvey Probber seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Harvey Probber seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Harvey Probber were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Charles Eames, Selig, and George Nelson. Prices for Harvey Probber seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $750 and can go as high as $35,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,800.
Creators Similar to Harvey Probber
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Harvey Probber Furniture
Harvey Probber Tables
Harvey Probber Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Harvey Probber Lighting
Harvey Probber Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Harvey Probber Side Tables
Harvey Probber End Tables
Harvey Probber Credenzas
Harvey Probber Dressers
Harvey Probber Dining Room Tables
Harvey Probber Bedroom Furniture
Harvey Probber Cabinets
Harvey Probber Tables