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 Executive Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
Harvey Probber executive credenza with four drawers, one file drawer and two open cabinets in solid walnut with mahogany edges and legs. Finished o...
Walnut, Mahogany
$1,760Sale Price|44% Off
Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bleached Mahogany Credenza by Harvey Probber. This credenza is in good vintage condition and has a patina commensurate with its age. Four white accent drawers can be revealed by sl...
Brass
Minimalist 1960s Harvey Probber Credenza with Calacatta Marble Top
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Well proportioned credenza designed by Harvey Probber with Minimalist polished solid flat bar aluminum base and rectangular block hardware. The calacatta gold marble top has a really...
Marble, Aluminum
Harvey Probber Mahogany Credenza With sliding Rosewood Doors and Drawers
By Harvey Probber
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large 6 foot five inch long mahogany cabinet housing two rosewood sliding doors alongside four graduated drawers. One door holds adjustable shelv...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern hutch featured in rich rosewood grain, Lucite base, four drawers, spacious storage space, and brass trimming. Please confirm the item location (NY or NJ).
Wood
Harvey Probber Mid Century Brass and Mahogany Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century Brass and Mahogany Credenza This credenza measures: 42 wide x 17.75 deep x 36.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Brass
Harvey Probber Wall Mount Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful four-drawer / sliding door wall mount credenza designed by Harvey Probber. The doors slide open to reveal an adjustable shelf and two sli...
Brass
Espresso Harvey Probber Sliding Doors Compartment 12 Drawers Credenza Dresser
By Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Espresso Harvey Probber Sliding Doors Compartment 12 Drawers Credenza Dresser MINT.
Mahogany
Exquisite Mid-Century Modern Marble-Top Sideboard by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This handsome vintage modern sideboard features plenty of room for storage within its hefty drawers and large hidden compartment with a shelf....
Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Burl Harvey Probber Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic burl wood credenza by Harvey Probber. This cabinet has four drawers and two burled front sliding doors revealing two adjustable shelves.
Brass
Architectural Harvey Probber Sideboard Credenza Cabinet / Edward Wormley Dunbar
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Architectural Harvey Probber Sideboard Credenza Cabinet More photos available upon request Requires restoration to original finish Manner of Dunbar
Wood
Harvey Probber Rosewood and Ebonized Mahogany Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Denton, TX
Harvey Probber rosewood and ebonized mahogany twelve-drawer dresser recently restored.
Mahogany, Rosewood
$14,800Sale Price|20% Off
Scrumptious Harvey Probber Enameled Door Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Cabinet or dresser featuring inset high-fired enamel-on-copper doors with a richly colored floral decorative motif. Dark mahogany case with brass pulls and sabots; white-lacquered in...
Brass, Enamel
Black Credenza w/ Brass Stretchers by Harvey Probber.
By Harvey Probber
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautifully restored Harvey Probber credenza. Black case and interior with oak sliding doors and polished brass cross stretches. This is a stunning credenza. Could be used in the din...
Brass
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Harvey Probber Bleached Ribbon Mahogany Long Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber long, low credenza or sideboard with four ascending height drawers and pair of shelved cabinets measuring 16.5" wide x 21" high. Sleek conical brass pulls and dark mah...
Brass
Harvey Probber Pair of Ebonized and Etched Brass Doors Cabinets Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic pair of Harvey Probber cabinets. Quite versatile as they could be used independently or side by side. The one with the doors measures 42” long, 18.25” deep and 32.5” hig...
Brass
Harvey Probber Black Lacquer Mahogany Brass Hardware and Legs 4 Drawer Chest
By Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black lacquer mahogany brass hardware bachelor chest compact dresser by Harvey Probber.
Brass
Harvey Probber Pair of Ebonized and Etched Brass Doors Cabinets Credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic pair of Harvey Probber cabinets. Quite versatile as they could be used independently or side by side. The one with the doors measures 42” long, 18.25” deep and 32.5” hig...
Brass
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Signed Harvey Probber Wall Mounted Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wall-mounted credenza by Harvey Probber, American, 1950s. “Harvey Probber” label inside the top drawer on right side. This piece measures 22.5"t x 77.25"l x 18"d.
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Walnut 2-Door Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Diminutive credenza from the early 1950s. Walnut top is new veneer replacing worn Formica. Leather pulls a signature Florence Knoll design mark. Two sliding doors open to reveal two ...
Steel
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.75 in W 70.5 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber Bleached Ribbon Mahogany Long Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber long, low credenza or sideboard with four ascending height drawers and pair of shelved cabinets measuring 16.5" wide x 21" high. Sleek conical brass pulls and dark mah...
Brass
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Jatoba Wood Credenza
By Ico Parisi
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern Jatoba wood Ico Parisi cabinet A spectacular bespoke trumeau designed by Ico Parisi and very likely produced by Ariberto Colombo, by special order only. Very few p...
Brass
On Hold|$1,757
H 31.89 in W 38.98 in D 15.75 in
Cabinet Credenza Sideboard with Sliding Door by Ico Parisi for MiM, Italy 1960s
By MIM Roma
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning small sideboard with sliding doors in wood and aluminum designed by Ico Parisi and produced by MiM Roma in Italy during the 1960s. The sideboard is signed inside. In amazin...
Metal, Aluminum
Rosewood Tambour Door Credenza by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Danish modern rosewood tambour door credenza with center dovetailed drawer section and adjustable shelf on each side.
Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood
Teak Credenza by Nils Jonsson for Troeds Bjärnum, Sweden, 1960s
By Nils Jonsson, Troeds Bjarnum 1
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Produced by Troeds Bjärnum of Sweden during the firm's most celebrated decade, this teak credenza exemplifies the restrained precision that defined Swedish modernism at its peak. The...
Teak
$4,700
H 29.75 in W 51.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Mirror and Chrome Four Door Cabinet or Credenza
By Ello Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek minimalist cabinet by Ello Furniture circa 1970's. It features mirror polished chrome sides, mirrored doors, mirrored top, and tons of storage. Clean and ready to use.
Chrome
1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll Associates Inc. circa 1950s. This exceptional piece showcases a gorgeous walnut frame supported by fo...
Chrome
$3,035
H 30.32 in W 54.34 in D 16.93 in
Danish Rosewood Sideboard made by Hundevad & Co with sliding doors , 1960s
By Hundevad & Co., Carlo Jensen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design sideboard Designed by Carlo Jensen and made by Hundevad & Co. Finished in a beautiful palissander veneer this cabinet comes with great construction finesse and qual...
Rosewood
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 31 in W 83 in D 19 in
Mid Century Harvey Probber long Rosewood 9 drawer dresser credenza
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A gorgeous Mid Century Harvey Probber rosewood 9 drawer dresser or credenza with ebonized trim and carved handles. The dresser has lots of storage with nine drawers. Very clean insid...
Brass
Danish Modern Rosewood 4-Drawer 2-Door Sideboard Credenza
Located in Kensington, MD
Refined lines and proportions are the defining feature of this incredible credenza in rosewood. Four graduated drawers on the left. Two doors opening to cabinet storage on the right....
Rosewood
$1,495
H 31 in W 67.1 in D 19.5 in
1950's Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Mahogany & Brass Credenza or Lowboy Dresser
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co., Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Chester, PA
1950's Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Credenza or Lowboy Dresser with interesting large scale brass and black enamel drawer pulls and vertical brass ...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Sold
H 38 in W 77.25 in D 19 in
Exquisite & Rare Harvey Probber Credenza Dresser w. Arpad Rasti Enameled Doors
By Arpad Rosti, Harvey Probber
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning and rare collaboration between Harvey Probber and Arpad Rosti. This piece has been completely refinished to perfection including the matte white drawer fronts of the interio...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Sold
H 33 in W 77 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber Mid Century Modern Credenza - Black Lacquer - Mahogany - Brass
By Harvey Probber
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage credenza by Harvey Probber, circa 1950s. Black lacquer and mahogany with brass accents. All original. Good condition with minor losses and wear.
Brass
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Credenza, Mahogany & Brass, 1960
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harvey Probber Credenza with 2 vinyl and brass sliding doors and pull out drawers. Formica Top is very convincing! In fact I will admit I thought it was wood when I bought the piec...
Brass
Sold
H 33.5 in W 77.25 in D 18.5 in
Harvey Probber Dresser, Credenza or Sideboard, c 1960, Refinished, Signed
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classy and sophisticated dresser, which would also work great as a sideboard or credenza, was crafted by Harvey Probber, circa 1960, just completed restoration, and is signed wi...
Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 71.25 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Mahogany and Brass Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern low sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Harvey Probber USA, 1950s Beautiful mahogany, with brass trim, and rosewood and brass hardware. Measures:...
Brass
Sold
H 27.5 in W 114.25 in D 18.5 in
Harvery Probber Post Modern 3pc Lacquered Credenza with Custom Mirrored Base
By Harvey Probber
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Harvey Probber post modern 3pc lacquered credenza. This is a super unique and rare piece of furniture from one of the 20th Century's greatest designers in Harvey Probber. This cust...
Wood
Harvey Probber Mahogany and Brass Credenza Storage Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large scale credenza or chest, designed by Harvey Probber, American, circa 1960s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a credenza, media center, or bar in a living area,...
Brass
Stunning Midcentury Harvey Probber Credenza Sideboard Audio Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Incredibly crafted Harvey Probber Stunning Midcentury credenza, sideboard or audio cabinet. Retains the metal tag inside top drawer. Beautiful bleached walnut wood with 4 ebonized interior...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 77.25 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer and Rosewood Credenza Sideboard
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Handsome credenza with a classic look designed by Harvey Probber. This high quality cabinet is made of mahogany and has a black lacquer satin finish, rosewood doors, and metal pulls ...
Lacquer, Mahogany, Rosewood
Harvey Probber Sideboard, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Raleigh, NC
A striking vintage sideboard fully restored. This piece offers shelves and drawers concealed by cane front doors, with additional storage featuring original brass pulls. In excelle...
Brass
Harvey Probber Mahogany and Cane Front Credenza, Circa 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Peabody, MA
Mahogany sideboard with cane door fronts by Harvey Probber, made in Fall River, Mass., ca. 1950s.
Brass
Harvey Probber Cane Sliding Door Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in Seattle, WA
Free standing sliding door mahogany cabinet with inset caned doors by Harvey Probber, American, 1950s. Small hole in the cut on the back corner of the middle compartment.
Cane, Mahogany