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.
Harvey Probber Advent 1 Series Bookcase(s) in Oak and Walnut
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
The Advent 1 series bookcase was originally designed for Ford Motor Company before going into production for several years in the early 1970’s. It i...
Oak, Walnut
Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Regency Sheraton style open front bookcase in burl walnut Tall and thin so elegant design to this piece We can also split the pair up if you are looking for a single...
Walnut
Etagere Bookcase Shelving Unit in Walnut and Metal
Located in North York, ON
This exquisite etagere bookcase is sure to make a statement in any room with its traditional styling and modern flare. The 6 stunning walnut shelves are supported by long metal tubed...
Metal
French Empire Bookcase in Walnut
Located in Doylestown, PA
An early 19th century French provincial biblioteque in walnut, with upper case with adjustable shelves and wire-grill doors over a lower pair of paneled cabinet doors, circa 1810.
Walnut
$3,960Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 76.78 in W 44.89 in D 15.75 in
French Directoire Style Vitrine and Bookcase in Solid Oak
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Vitrine is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines. T...
Cherry, Oak
Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Regency Sheraton style open front bookcase in burl walnut Tall and thin so elegant design to this piece We can also split the pair up if you are looking for a single...
Walnut
Giuseppe Rivadossi Bookcase in Oak
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, bookcase, oak, glass, Italy, 1975. An exceptional library by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi, featuring a high level of craftsmanship in woo...
Glass, Oak
Scandinavian Oak Bookcase
Located in Brescia, IT
Bookcase with shelving and cabinet, 1950s/60s. Original vintage cabinet from Scandinavia consisting of two parts. The upper part is a bookcase equipped with adjustable height shelvi...
Oak
Ernesto Valabrega Small Bookcase in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Valabrega, bookcase, oak, Italy, 1930s This bookcase shows the characteristics of Ernesto Valabrega's designs. The dynamic engraved wood, gives the piece real character. A n...
Oak
Linear Bookcase in Espresso Walnut by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Linear Bookcase The Linear Bookcase is a sculptural interpretation of mid-century modern shelving, defined by clean architectural lines, balanced proportions, and an emphasis on nega...
Brass
Bernini Italian Bookcases in Walnut and Glass
By Bernini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bernini, bookcases, walnut, glass, metal, brass, Italy, 1970s Pair of Italian Bernini bookcases from the 1970s, made in walnut with glass doors. The design is tall and straightforwa...
Metal, Brass
Traditional Oak Bookcase
Located in Bradenton, FL
A traditional wooden bookcase made of oak with oak veneers. The solid oak frame supports four oak veneered shelves behind two glass doors. The doors open with round brass mushroom kn...
Glass, Oak
Contemporary Bookcase Lacquered, Veneer Oak/Walnut
Located in New York, NY
Modular bookcase that is available in various sizes. It consists of shelves, back panels and fronts in the shape of a cross. The back panels and the shelves can be either wood veneer...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 60 in W 60 in D 14 in
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Rosewood and Brass Bookcase Cabinet, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern bookcase cabinet By Harvey Probber USA, 1960s Beautiful rosewood, with brass trim and brass finished steel hairpin legs. Measures: 60"W x 14"D x 60"...
Brass
Sold
H 81 in W 26.13 in D 13.5 in
Harvey Probber Rosewood and Ebonized Wood Lighted Bookcase or Display Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern lighted wall unit, bookcase, or display cabinet By Harvey Probber USA, 1960s Stunning Brazilian rosewood, with...
Oak, Rosewood
Sold
H 74 in W 71.25 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber Rosewood and Brass Breakfront Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern breakfront bookcase, sideboard, or bar cabinet By Harvey Probber USA, 1950s Rosewood, with brass trim. Mea...
Brass
Sold
H 81 in W 52 in D 13.5 in
Harvey Probber "Trophy Cabinet" in Mahogany and Brazilian Rosewood, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Illuminated "Trophy Cabinet" (Model #1156) in mahogany with Brazilian rosewood doors and glass shelves designed by Harvey Probber, American 1950’s. This...
Glass, Mahogany, Rosewood
Harvey Probber Bookshelf or Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harvey Probber Bookshelf/Cabinet
Pair of Harvey Probber Display & Storage Cabinets
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of tall open display cases or shelving and storage units by Harvey Probber. Ebonized oak and rosewood doors. Open glass shelves are il...
Rosewood, Glass