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.
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
Seldom Seen 4-piece Modernist Sectional Sofa "CUBO" Fire engine red !
By Harvey Probber
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom Seen 4-piece Modernist Sectional Sofa "CUBO" Fire engine red !Can be used in a variety of configurations.. Sofa (4-seater) love-seat a chair.. 4 chairs.. Wonderful original co...
Wool, Walnut
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Sofa with Ebonized Base and Sunburst Fabric
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century sofa with orange, yellow, and gold sunburst patterned upholstery, resting on an ebonized wooden sled base. (HARVEY PROBBER) Scuffing...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Ebony
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Slipper Chair, Purple Velour, Brass Legs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
"American Mid-Century slipper chair with crushed purple velour upholstery resting on four brass legs with stretchers connecting the front and back legs, ending in circular feet. (HAR...
Metal, Brass
Harvey Probber Knights Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A "Knights Bench" in original orange lacquer with brass stretchers. Designed by Harvey Probber.
Lacquer
Purple 1960s Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Purple
By Harvey Probber
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Purple 1960s Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Purple A striking and rare lounge chair designed by Harvey Probber in the 1960s, showcasing the timeless appeal of Mid-...
Chrome
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare luxurious upholstered bench with mahogany legs with solid brass accents. Cataloged as PUB 70 ½ which is the largest version of the model. The bench is robust, heavy and well mad...
Brass
$2,500Sale Price|26% Off
Brass Framed Biscuit Tufted Ottoman in Original Black Leather by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Square, brass-framed ottoman on casters with its original biscuit tufted, black leather upholstery, designed by Harvey Probber. A scarcely seen example of this form in all original c...
Brass
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.
Mahogany
$3,300 / set
Harvey Probber Set of Eight Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Harvey Probber. Four side chairs and two throne chairs. Side chairs: 38 1/4" h x 20 1/4" w x 21 3/4" d Armchairs: 39 1/8" h x 23 7/8" w x 26" d...
Wood
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 le...
Leather, Wood
Harvey Probber Gondola Side Chair, Curved Wood Frame, Mid-Century
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...
Fabric, Wood
$9,500Sale Price|32% Off
Black Leather FK-883 Three-Seat Sofa by Preben Fabricius & Jorgen Kastholm
By Jørgen Kastholm, Harvey Probber, Preben Fabricius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here's a rarely seen yet documented design - this circa 1970s 'FK-883' sofa in black leather by Preben Fabricius & Jorgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill International and distributed b...
Steel
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Slipper Chair with Aluminum Frame
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)
Metal, Aluminum
$4,247 / set
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...
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...
Brass
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...
Brass
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Harvey Probber Bronze Base Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Harvey Probber. Mint green upholstery with a button tufted back and two detached seat cushions on a bronze anodized base. Size: 7.5ft.
Metal
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Cube Armchair, Textured Black Fabric, USA
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).
Upholstery, Fabric
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Cube Lounge Chair in Blue Fabric
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...
Fabric, Upholstery
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...
Foam, Fabric, Walnut
Harvey Probber Mahogany Knights Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful knights bench model 1173 by Harvey Probber with a bent mahogany slatted seat, an arched base, and brass rods. 26" wide x 17" deep x 20 1/2" high. Excellent condition.
Brass
$3,000
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 ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Lounge Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful set of two rare Harvey Probber lounge chairs newly upholstered in a high-quality fabric by Holly Hunt. A beautiful neutral woven fabric with a soft texture. Mahogany bas...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Black Leather Harvey Probber Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
If you're looking for a set of classic barrel chairs that'll stand the test of time, consider Harvey Probber, Model 303A swiveling chairs. The chair's solid-body design is perfectly ...
Wood, Leather
$16,000 / set
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.
Brass
$6,100 / set
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.
Fabric, Walnut
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...
Steel
1960s Pair of Harvey Probber Cube Swivel Lounge Chairs in Tufted White Leather
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Cube Swivel Lounge Chairs, designed by Harvey Probber for his namesake company in the late 1950s. This pair dates to the 1960s, and the listed price includes the pa...
Chrome
X Chair by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An "X" base slat chair with upholstered leather seat and back pillow.
Brass
Pair of Harvey Probber / Milo Baughman Side Chairs with Cast Brass Handles
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Harvey Probber side chairs with elegant cast brass handles. In the manner of Milo Baughman
Upholstery
Harvey Probber Scissor Form Chair, Ebonized Wood & Black Leather
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...
Leather, Wood, Upholstery, Ebony
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...
Steel, Bronze