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Harvey Probber Benches

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.

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Creator: Harvey Probber
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench

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...

Category

20th Century American Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960
Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960

Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960

By Harvey Probber

Located in High Point, NC

A large mahogany and brass bench designed and produced by Harvey Probber, USA, c. 1960 Provenance: A Tommi Parzinger Furnished Home, Westfield NJ Moderate scratches on surface. Mi...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960
Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960

Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960

By Harvey Probber

Located in High Point, NC

A large mahogany and brass bench designed and produced by Harvey Probber, USA, c. 1960. Provenance: A Tommi Parzinger Furnished Home, Westfield NJ Minor tabletop surface scratches ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by Harvey Probber
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by Harvey Probber

Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by Harvey Probber

By Harvey Probber

Located in New York, NY

This elegant and refined pair of stools were designed by the legendary Harvey Probber and handmade in Fall River, Massachusetts circa 1960. Probber believed that "aging gracefully" r...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Walnut

Harvey Probber Bench in Holly Hunt Upholstery with Brass Trim
Harvey Probber Bench in Holly Hunt Upholstery with Brass Trim

Harvey Probber Bench in Holly Hunt Upholstery with Brass Trim

By Harvey Probber

Located in Dallas, TX

Discover a hard-to-find shorter bench by Harvey Probber, designed for those who appreciate rare mid-century modern furnishings. Unlike most, which are 57", this one is a compact 37" ...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench

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...

Category

20th Century American Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Architectural Modern Parsons Bench Harvey Probber
Vintage Architectural Modern Parsons Bench Harvey Probber

Vintage Architectural Modern Parsons Bench Harvey Probber

By Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman, Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

An Original Harvey Probber Vintage Parsons Bench. A nice, well crafted solid parsons form with soft inside corners to legs. Original brown fabric. This item is best purchased with...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Wood

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench, 1960
Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench, 1960

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench, 1960

By Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

Beautiful brass frame bench by Harvey Probber circa 1960s. Fully restored, and reupholstered

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Bench by Michael Michalsky, 1960s
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Bench by Michael Michalsky, 1960s

Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Bench by Michael Michalsky, 1960s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Berlin, DE

A two-seater bench, originally designed by Harvey Probber, has been redesigned by Michael Michalsky upholstered with patented leather (vernice leather) by La Gazarara. The wooden fra...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Harvey Probber “Series 70” Solid Oak Bench, Circa 1940s
Harvey Probber “Series 70” Solid Oak Bench, Circa 1940s

Harvey Probber “Series 70” Solid Oak Bench, Circa 1940s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Very rare Mid Century Modern, plinth base, solid oak bench designed by Harvey Probber for his ‘series 70’ line. Believe this to be a prototype and one of the earliest iterations of...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Harvey Probber Knights Bench ca' 1950's
Harvey Probber Knights Bench ca' 1950's

Harvey Probber Knights Bench ca' 1950's

By Harvey Probber

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A classic "Knights" bench by Harvey Probber ca' 1950's. Mahogany slats with brass supports and an original suede cushion. In very good restored condition, cushion is not attached.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Leather, Signed, 1950s
Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Leather, Signed, 1950s

Harvey Probber Knights Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Leather, Signed, 1950s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Brooklyn, NY

1950s Harvey Probber 'Knights' bench, model number 1173, with arched base and slatted seat in steam-bent mahogany with brass accents, and finished with a channel-tufted cushion. Bras...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Vintage Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench / Edward Wormley Dunbar
Vintage Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench / Edward Wormley Dunbar

Vintage Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench / Edward Wormley Dunbar

By Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Uncommon Architectural Harvey Probber Petite Bench. Additional images available upon request. Leather is the original upholstery. Most likely will require either reupholst...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Wood

Harvey Probber, Custom Bench, Alder, Hickory, USA, 1962
Harvey Probber, Custom Bench, Alder, Hickory, USA, 1962

Harvey Probber, Custom Bench, Alder, Hickory, USA, 1962

By Harvey Probber

Located in High Point, NC

A custom alder and hickory bench designed and produced by Harvey Probber for his own residence in Eastcliff, Rye, New York, USA, c. 1962. Wood top presents with very light areas of ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Wood

Large Harvey Probber Bench Mahogany and Brass Bench
Large Harvey Probber Bench Mahogany and Brass Bench

Large Harvey Probber Bench Mahogany and Brass Bench

By Harvey Probber

Located in Middlesex, NJ

Large Harvey Probber Bench Mahogany and Brass Bench

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Large Harvey Probber Bench in Mohair Upholstery with Brass Trim
Large Harvey Probber Bench in Mohair Upholstery with Brass Trim

Large Harvey Probber Bench in Mohair Upholstery with Brass Trim

By Harvey Probber

Located in Dallas, TX

A hard to find extra long bench by Harvey Probber. Most are only 57". This one is 71.5" wide. We have reupholstered in a yellow/mustard mohair. The bras...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber, Custom Bench, Alder, Hickory, USA, 1962
Harvey Probber, Custom Bench, Alder, Hickory, USA, 1962

Harvey Probber, Custom Bench, Alder, Hickory, USA, 1962

By Harvey Probber

Located in High Point, NC

A custom alder and hickory bench designed and produced by Harvey Probber for his own residence in Eastcliff, Rye, New York, USA, c. 1962. Wood top presents with light areas of wear ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Wood

Harvey Probber Mahogany Knights Bench
Harvey Probber Mahogany Knights Bench

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Knights Bench
Harvey Probber Knights Bench

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.

Category

1950s Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Lacquer

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Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Stools by Franco Albini
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Previously Available Items
Harvey Probber Leather & Brass Bench
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H 18 in W 57 in D 18 in

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Harvey Probber button tufted leather mahogany and solid brass bench circa mid 1950’s. Newly upholstered and finished.

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Two Vintage Harvey Probber Benches
Two Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

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H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in

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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 Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench in Boucle, 1950
Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench in Boucle, 1950

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench in Boucle, 1950

By Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

Harvey Probber brass frame bench in Boucle, 1950. Reupholstered in cream nubby boucle.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

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Brass

Harvey Probber 'Knights' Mid Century 1950’s Bench Ottoman
Harvey Probber 'Knights' Mid Century 1950’s Bench Ottoman

Harvey Probber 'Knights' Mid Century 1950’s Bench Ottoman

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Located in Phoenix, AZ

Harvey Probber 'Knights' bench in striped African mahogany, brass and a new white Turkish bouclé upholstery. This unique piece has been newly refinished and upholstered.

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Materials

Brass

Elegant Harvey Probber Bench in Brass Mahogany and Knoll boucle Fabric
Elegant Harvey Probber Bench in Brass Mahogany and Knoll boucle Fabric

Elegant Harvey Probber Bench in Brass Mahogany and Knoll boucle Fabric

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Located in St.Petersburg, FL

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

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Brass

1950s Harvey Probber Pair Brass Floating Benches
1950s Harvey Probber Pair Brass Floating Benches

1950s Harvey Probber Pair Brass Floating Benches

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Located in New York, NY

Pair of 1950s Harvey Probber tufted benches. The benches have floating brass stretchers, mahogany legs and the original fabric. As a reference, th...

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1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Travertine Tabes by Harvey Probber
Pair of Travertine Tabes by Harvey Probber

Pair of Travertine Tabes by Harvey Probber

By Harvey Probber

Located in Dallas, TX

A matching pair of travertine top tables with mahogany bases and brass stretchers / feet. Designed by Harvey Probber.

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1950s Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Travertine

Harvey Probber Bench with Floating Brass Stretcher, 1950s
Harvey Probber Bench with Floating Brass Stretcher, 1950s

Harvey Probber Bench with Floating Brass Stretcher, 1950s

By Harvey Probber

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Beautiful bench model PUB-57 with dark mahogany legs, upholstered seat, floating brass stretcher all around and sabots by Harvey Probber, American 1950's. Newly upholstered in leathe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Terrazzo and Walnut Coffee Table on Brass Casters
Harvey Probber Terrazzo and Walnut Coffee Table on Brass Casters

Harvey Probber Terrazzo and Walnut Coffee Table on Brass Casters

By Harvey Probber

Located in Hanover, MA

Harvey Probber designed sculptural walnut base cocktail table with a thick terrazzo top shaped somewhere between a surfboard and a cartouche. The terrazzo top is affixed the walnut...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Lush Green Mohair
Harvey Probber Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Lush Green Mohair

Harvey Probber Bench in Mahogany, Brass and Lush Green Mohair

By Harvey Probber

Located in Dallas, TX

Fully restored an iconic bench by Harvey Probber. Floating brass stretcher and brass sabots have been polished to their original luster. Mahogany wood frame and a plush mohair fabric.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench in White Boucle, 1950
Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench in White Boucle, 1950

Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench in White Boucle, 1950

By Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

Harvey Probber brass frame bench in white boucle, 1950. Brass and mahogany frames. Fully restored and reupholstered in white boucle.

Category

1950s American Vintage Harvey Probber Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Harvey Probber benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Harvey Probber benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Harvey Probber benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Harvey Probber were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Dunbar, Milo Baughman, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Harvey Probber benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,200 and can go as high as $14,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.