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 of Harvey Probber Slat Back Wood and Caned Seat Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century side / desk chairs with wooden frames with four vertical back slats and a caned seat. (HARVEY PROBBER)(PRICED AS PAIR)
Wood
Harvey Probber Mid Century Gondola Slipper Side Chair
By Harvey Probber, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Vintage Harvey Probber Mid Century Gondola Slipper Side Chair. Require reupholstery. Would be best to refinish.
Wood
Set of Eight Sabre Leg Dining Chairs by Harvey Probber, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Harvey Probber. The chairs are constructed with solid mahogany and in good original condition.
Mahogany
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
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, ...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Fabric, Wood
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...
Leather, Wood, Upholstery, Ebony
$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 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 ...
Fabric
Harvey Probber American Mid-Century Purple Velour and Brass Slipper Chair
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
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...
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
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)
Metal, Aluminum
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
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...
Brass
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...
Metal, Brass
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
$2,600 / set
H 34.75 in W 18 in D 18 in
Set of Four Mid Century Dining Chairs Attributed to Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Stylish set of Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, attributed to Harvey Probber. These chairs are solid walnut, with metallic vinyl upholstered seats, wood finish, and upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Curvaceous Harvey Probber Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Curvaceous modern lounge chairs, designed by Harvey Probber, American, circa 1960s. They are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be refinished in your choice...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,500Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 32 in W 18 in D 22 in
Set of 3 Early 19th Century Sabre Leg Klismos Form Side Chairs
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Three sabre leg Klismos form side chairs of European beech and mahogany with seats upholstered in suede. Denmark, circa 1820.
Suede, Beech, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Lounge Chair 1955
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber Lounge Chair (1955) This classic lounge chair by Harvey Probber features gently used mohair upholstery, providing luxurious comfort and style. It includes a loose cush...
Mohair, Walnut
Set of 6 Sabre Leg Dining Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare and Iconic set of 6 Mid Century Sabre Leg Dining Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. There are 2 arm chairs and 4 side chairs. These chairs are authentic, classic ...
Walnut
Harvey Probber Style Chaise Lounge, Mid-Century Modern
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber, Edward Wormley
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid century modern chaise lounge newly upholstered in Kravet velvet. A piece most likely by Harvey Probber, although we have been unable to confirm. The frame is in very...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
6 Harvey Probber Cane Back Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six original Harvey Probber dining chairs from the collection of a 35 year employee in Fall River, MA. Nearly in New Old Stock (NOS) condition. Minimalist design with loose cu...
Cane
Harvey Probber Lounge Chair and Ottoman c. 1970's
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Chic low slung upholstered lounge chair and ottoman designed by Harvey Probber, circa 1970's. The upholstered elements sit on recessed wood plinth bases. Both the chair and matching...
Upholstery
$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30 in W 21.5 in D 24 in
Set of Six Harvey Probber Style Dining Chairs 4 Side 2 Arm
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Squared bright chrome frames, original, but worn green fabric upholstery. Set consistes of four side chairs, and two arm, or captains, chairs. Dimensions in listing are for Arm chair...
Chrome
Pair of Harvey Probber Arch Back Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of high arch back side chairs in dark mahogany with beige upholstery.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.5 in W 20.5 in D 19.5 in
Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed
By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Offered here is a set of six Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' (model #6140) dining chairs, including two armchairs and four side chairs, that has become one of the most sought-after Ameri...
Wood, Fabric
Two Occasional Chairs Attributed to Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exact match in dimensions, however different fabric on each chair. Both chairs show some cosmetic wear to fabric, usable as is or we also offer upholstery services. Measures: Seat h...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Harvey Probber Leather Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of cantilevered Harvey Probber leather lounge chairs c.1960s, USA. The leather chairs feature stainless steel chrome frames and tufted seat...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Pair of Harvey Probber Side Chairs in Bouclé
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Harvey Probber side or lounge chairs. The chairs have mahogany and caned frames, splayed legs with a cushioned seat done in Bouclé. Mid-Century Modern.
Bouclé, Cane, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Arm Chair
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber arm chair model 1055. Harvey Probber Saber Leg arm chair. This chair is newly refinished and reupholstered in Noblilis Pairs V...
Velvet, Mahogany
Set of Six Harvey Probber X-Base Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six, Mid-Century Modern, dining chairs by Harvey Probber feature black lacquered, slat mahogany, intersecting, X-bases that look fantastic from all angles. The cushions are re...
Brass
Sold
H 38 in W 19.5 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber "Classic" Dining Side Chairs Model 1055 in Ebonized Mahogany
By Harvey Probber
Located in Southampton, NJ
An elegant set of 3 original model 1055 “Classic” Harvey Probber cane back dining side chair’s. Considered one of Harvey Probber’s most i...
Mahogany
Walnut Chair Designed by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Stamford, CT
Walnut chair designed by Harvey Probber. Newly upholstered. Measures: Seat height 18.5".
Walnut
Sold
H 35.13 in W 19.75 in D 21 in
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Harvey Probber. The chairs feature sleek solid mahogany frames with curved caned seat backs. Very similar to designs by Pau...
Cane, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Sculptural Pair of Chairs, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Curved Back Side Chairs" model no. 1053 with ebonized mahogany frames by Harvey Probber, American, 1950s. Newly finished and upholstere...
Fabric, Foam, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Elegant Pair of Side Chairs, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Curved Back Side Chairs" model no. 1053 with ebonized mahogany frames by Harvey Probber, American, 1950s. Newly finished and upholstere...
Velvet, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern X-Base Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by iconic designer Harvey Probber. The chairs feature solid mahogany frames, brass accents, and a unique X-base design. The gre...
Brass
Harvey Probber Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of Harvey Probber side chairs in ebonized mahogany with taupe leather seat cushion.
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six Harvey Probber Dining Chairs with New Linen Upholstery
By Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of six newly upholstered Harvey Probber tapered saber leg dining chairs.
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany