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.
Large Custom Mid-Century Modern 2 Piece Sectional Attributed to Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
A fabulous mid-century modern sectional attributed to Harvey Probber likely from the Nuclear Sert series. It is a pioneering example of modular furniture. This unit is in 2 pieces....
Upholstery, Wood
Black Leather Leather 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa by Harvey Probber, 1970s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Thirteen-section black leather 'Cubo' sofa designed by Harvey Probber. The Cubo sectional is comprised of five sections with attached back cushions, one...
Leather
Large Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Two-Piece Sectional Sofa, Labeled
By Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern 1950s Harvey Probber two-piece sectional sofa with mahogany tapered legs. Sofa has original fabric, it needs to be reupholstered and foam replaced. There is ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa in STOCK
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. MADE IN ITALY UPHOLSTERED in St Germain Fabric by Metaphores, Color: Fondant M2L is the exclusive licensee to produce and distribute Har...
Velvet
$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent 9-Piece Harvey Probber Caramel Brown Leather 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Harvey Probber caramel brown leather 'Cubo' sectional sofa nine sections of Harvey Probber designed 'CUBO' modular seating. Set includes six seating units and three ottomans. The sec...
Leather, Wood
Four Piece Cubo Sectional Sofa by Harvey Probber, circa 1972
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the iconic 4 Piece Cubo Sectional by Harvey Probber, originally designed in 1972. This stunning piece exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, making it a must-have a...
Chrome
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
Harvey Probber Deep Tufted Sectional from the Nuclear Sert Series Early 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
This two-piece Harvey Probber Nuclear Sert sectional sofa is one of his earliest designs and was fabricated in the early 1950s. This is a beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
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 & Jack Lenor Larsen Happiness Sectional Sofa, Lacquer Red 1968
By Harvey Probber, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Harvey Probber & Jack Lenor Larsen Happiness corner sectional sofa, lacquer red, 1968-1972. Gorgeous low slung modern sectional seating set of three. This is a truly extraordinary, museum-worthy set. Certain Larsen designs have captured the public’s imagination and are recognized as “signature” pieces. According to company records, the Happiness design was inspired by a Chinese robe and Ming Dynasty embroideries in the collection of the Henry Art Gallery of the University of Washington, where Larsen did his undergraduate work. It was introduced with four colorways – amethyst quartz, Ming gold...
Textile, Wool, Mohair
Handsome Harvey Probber 2-Piece Nuclear Sert Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Harvey Probber 2-piece Nuclear Sert series sofa sectional. This piece will need to be re-upholstered-fabric is worn and dated and foam is hardeni...
Upholstery, Walnut
Danish Three Piece Sectional "Dane" by Sofa Company
By COR
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful contemporary seat-scape modules 'Dane' by Sofa Company, Denmark, designed and produced in 2020 with 'Danny Dusty Blue' upholstery. The set consists of two corner modules an...
Upholstery
Harvey Probber Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in San Francisco, CA
A three-seat sofa by Harvey Probber. Curved front. Loose cushions on the seat, back and sides. Sofa sits on 6 wooden feet.
Wood
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 115 in D 35 in
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
Fantastic Six-Piece Sectional Sofa by Preview
By Preview
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic six-piece Preview sectional sofa. This set will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for right? Great for that smaller space or add to a sect...
Upholstery
$4,750 / set
H 27 in W 115 in D 85.5 in
1970s Georg Thams L-Shaped Sectional Sofa, Brown Leather, Wenge Base
By Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Georg Thams
Located in Los Angeles, CA
L-shaped sectional sofa designed by Georg Thams for Vejen Polstermobelfabrik embodies the refined sensibility of 1970s Danish Modern design. Drawing inspiration from the luxurious ae...
Leather, Wood, Wenge
Monumental Vintage 12 Piece Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
They don’t make them like this anymore! This spectacular monumental modular sofa consists of six regular and four rounded corner pieces, plus two rolling ottomans. Designed to form a...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$5,850 / set
H 27.5 in W 124.5 in D 63.25 in
1970s De Sede Style Green Tufted Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A truly fun and inviting 1970s De Sede style green tufted leather modular sectional sofa. This versatile piece offers exceptional flexibility in arranging a lounge space, composed of...
Leather
$4,800
H 31 in W 116 in D 49 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Curved Sectional Sofa after Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern sofa in a hexagonal form circa 1970's. It features a two section design with low profile feet. Fabric is original and needs recovering...
Fabric
Mid Century Modern Style Four Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Mid Century Modern style four piece sectional sofa with 2 contoured end units and 2 curved center units that offers ample seating. The sectional with button tufted backs, foam fill...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Carsons 5 Piece Post Modern Modular Sectional Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Lutz, FL
Being offered AS-IS for reupholstery. 5 piece Carsons of High Point post modern modular sectional in white wave upholstery. Frames are solid and in great condition, upholster to your...
Fabric, Wood
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Harvey Probber Curved Sofa Piece was commissioned for a Long Island, NY estate.
Upholstery
$2,995
H 31.5 in W 122 in D 39 in
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 31 in D 31 in
Harvey Probber 9-Seat Deep Tuft Sectional Sofa with Chrome Plinth Base - 1970s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Harvey Probber once said, “Design has a fourth dimension — the intangible quality of aging gracefully.” The evidence of this statement is clearly seen in the qualities of this rare ...
Metal
Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa, circa 1955
By Harvey Probber
Located in Raleigh, NC
An extraordinary 1950s two piece sectional from Harvey Probber. Fully restored with new foam and upholstery. This magnificent sofa sits atop walnut legs with brass sabots. Clearly ha...
Upholstery
Harvey Probber “Cubo” Minimalist Sectional
By Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An iconic sectional by Harvey Probber consisting of 4 seating pieces total. (3 seating surfaces with back, and 1 ottoman). Pieces can be configured in a number of ways. Also included...
Upholstery
4 - Piece Harvey Probber 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Buffalo, NY
4 - Piece Harvey Probber 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa "Cubo" seating system is made of modules that move into any arrangement to suit your style or space. Forms a 128" long sofa if desired...The modules are simple geometric shapes of 32" squares with 16" seat height.Nice original condition,, minor fading to 2 modular sections...
Metal
Harvey Probber Cubo Sectional Sofa, 1960
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Cubo sofa by Harvey Probber. This large sofa set consists of 3 large sofas, which each contain 3 sections, a total of 9 sections. Fully restored and reu...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Harvey Probber Iconic Architectural Angle Sofa in Wool Upholstery
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning two-part sofa by Harvey Probber, expertly reupholstered in rich, tight weave wool that enhances its clean lines. This iconic architectural angle sofa boasts timeless mid-c...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 24.5 in W 128 in D 32 in
1972 Harvey Probber Mid Century Modern 6 Piece Brown Cubo Tufted Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A RARE Harvey Probber 1972 "Cubo" sectional sofa. A timeless design from an incredible designer in Harvey Probber. Probber designed this iconic sofa in 1972 taking inspiration from t...
Fabric
Sold
H 24.5 in W 31 in D 31 in
NEW Harvey Probber Black Raf Simons Velvet Deep Tuft Black Modular Sofa in STOCK
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. M2L is the exclusive licensee to produce and distribute Harvey Probber designs. Manufactured in 2022 by M...
Velvet
Harvey Probber "Cubo" Sectional Leather Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harvey Probber "Cubo" sofa circa 1970s, USA. The sectional sofa features seven modular seating elements, six with backrests and one ottoman. The sofa can be orientated in multiple wa...
Leather, Wood
Harvey Probber 8 Piece Cubo Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping quote to your location. Harvey Probber eight piece Cubo sectional sofa. Appears to have wool blend ...
Wool
Harvey Probber Six Pieces Deep Tuft Modular Sofa in Stock
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. SIZE ADVERTISED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL MODULE 4 armless modules 2 arms modules UPHOLSTERED IN Pollack Geneva 4206/02 Smoke M2L is the exc...
Fabric
Sold
H 26 in W 93 in D 33 in
Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa in Cognac Leather 1970s Modular Deep Tuft Series
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
This three-piece Harvey Probber sectional seating arrangement includes a three-seater sofa, a two-seater settee, and an armless lounge chair in the original Cognac Leather. This is the sexiest and most iconic design from Probber, who is often credited for inventing the custom order sectional sofa. The mirrored chrome base reflects the floor giving the sofa the illusion that it is floating. Very Similar in Style to the B&B italia Mario Bellini designed Camaleonda Sofa. The Deep Tuft Sofa...
Chrome