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.
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Card/Dining Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber walnut & travertine marble card / dining table. A beautiful octagonal form table designed and produced by Harvey Probber in the 1950s. It features s...
Travertine
Harvey Probber Extendable Dining Table, Mahogany & Brass, Mid-Century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Antwerp, BE
Harvey Probber; United States; Wooden Table; dining table; US; Mahogany; Brass; Extendable Table; Mid-Century Modern; 1950s; Woodworking; ...
Brass
Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut and Travetine Half Crescent Moon Coffee Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber mid century walnut and Travertine half crescent moon coffee table This coffee table measures: 47.5 wide x 22 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture can be...
Travertine
Mid-Century Modern Two-Drawer Cocktail Table in Walnut and Brass, Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and refined cocktail table was designed by Harvey Probber and handmade in Fall River, Massachusetts circa 1960. Probber believed that "aging gracefully" represented the ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Low Console, TV or Media Table Mahogany Brass
By Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber minimalist designed low two tier console, TV, Audio or Media table shown in original dark mahogany finish with four round brass legs. Currently fini...
Brass
Vintage Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern writing desk by Harvey Probber. This desk features walnut construction, ample leg room, and three drawers for storage of files and odds and ends. A beautiful vinta...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Harvey Probber Walnut with Black Marble Cocktail Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Harvey Probber Walnut with Black Marble Cocktail Table Elevate your home decor with this timeless piece.
Marble
$2,250Sale Price|25% Off
H 15.5 in W 44 in D 44 in
Mid Century Walnut Burl Coffee Table by Milo Baughman
By Paul Evans, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning walnut burl coffee table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. This coffee table makes a statement and will be a real centerpiece. Matching cube side table also available i...
Glass, Burl
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak construction with finished back. Clean & ready to use condition. No drawer keys present but ...
Teak
$3,164
H 16.54 in Dm 31.11 in
MID CENTURY MODERN BRASS & SILVERED GLASS SHELL MOUNTED TWO TiER COFFEE TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1950’s Mid-Century Modern Maison Jansen Paris Style coffee table with Shell mount...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Square Walnut Coffee Table by Bassett
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage modern coffee table features unique raised edges and tapered legs. Sleek design with stretchers between each leg ensuring sturdiness without sacrificing style. The ...
Walnut
$4,500
H 29.25 in W 102 in D 42 in
Harvey Probber Style Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Harvey Probber
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning Mid-Century Modern drop leaf extension dining table In the manner of Harvey Probber USA, 1960s Gorgeous figured wa...
Brass
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
Wood, Walnut
$4,500Sale Price|33% Off
H 29 in W 98 in D 40 in
Harvey Probber Midcentury Saber Leg Extension Dining Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by Harvey Probber featuring two 16 inch extending leaves for a total of 98 inches. The iconic table has sabre formed legs with a dram...
Hardwood
Harvey Probber Walnut And Travertine Marble Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern table designed by Harvey Probber which could be used as a coffee table or gaming table. Walnut top with a travertine marble insert and an ebonized wooden base.
Marble
Huge Harvey Probber Walnut and Terrazzo Marble Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Harvey Probber which could be used as a coffee table or gaming table. Walnut top with a terrazzo insert and an ebonized wooden base with brass feet.
Brass
$2,595
H 24.5 in W 50 in D 50 in
Harvey Probber Mid Century Round Ebonized Walnut Terrazzo and Brass Dining Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber mid century round ebonized walnut, terrazzo, and brass dining table The table measures: 50 wide x 50 deep x 24.5 high, with a chair clearance of 23.25 inches Repair...
Brass
Sculptural Walnut and Terrazzo Coffee Table by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic sculptural coffee table by American design master Harvey Probber. A substantial terrazzo stone top resists even the toughest coffee stains while Persian inspired cutouts help ...
Terrazzo, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Octagonal Travertine and Marble Coffee Table by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Lynn, MA
Large coffee table by Harvey Probber. Ebonized wooden base with travertine and marble top with a octagonal brass centered inlay.
Travertine
Sold
H 29.5 in W 136 in D 42 in
Harvey Probber Model 1287 Mid Century Modern Pedestal Dining Table c. 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Denville, NJ
We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives at our warehouse to streamline operations and focus on restoration for current orders. This also enables us to maintain a...
Rosewood
Rosewood Dining Table by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Harvey Probber dining table with rosewood top, mahogany legs and chrome stretchers. Measurements include three 16" leaves.
Rosewood
Harvey Probber Enameled Top Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare enameled copper top table designed by Harvey Probber.
Enamel
Sold
H 18.25 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Harvey Probber Side Tables in Blue Enameled Copper and Mahogany 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful and rare set of three side tables designed by Harvey Probber 1960s. Tables are constructed of solid mahogany with enamel tops and are in very good original condition. The...
Enamel
Harvey Probber Hexagon Travertine Side Table
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern hexagon travertine side table by Harvey Probber. Travertine marble top on walnut base with arched legs and hexagon shape. Iconic Harvey Probber design and style. I...
Travertine
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Desk
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern desk featuring three hidden drawers for storage or files, and a sled leg on one side giving this desk a one of a kind design. Please confirm item location NY or NJ ...
Wood
Sold
H 15 in W 76 in D 18 in
Coffee Table in Travertine and Brass by Harvey Probber, as Good as it Gets
By Harvey Probber
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rectangular coffee / cocktail table designed by Harvey Probber. This the best version of this table that we have ever seen. Stunning travertine top with brass inlay. Mahogany, brass ...
Travertine, Brass, Steel
Sold
H 22.5 in W 29 in D 28.5 in
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Occasional Rosewood Table / Cabinet
By Harvey Probber
Located in Miami, FL
Original Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern octagonal occasional rosewood table or cabinet. The interior features an open storage space with one to...
Chrome
Harvey Probber Travertine & Walnut Coffee Table circa 1964
By Harvey Probber
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Harvey Probber Triangle Shaped Travertine Top w/ Walnut and Brass Base. circa 1964.
Travertine, Brass
Exceptional Scarce Sculptural Coffee Table by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Exceptional and scarce early 1950s sculptural coffee table by Harvey Probber. Made of oak and glass. The base has been restored. These tables were made for a short period of time which is why they don't surface often. They were offered in various finishes; walnut, whitewash & ebony. This table was recently featured in Dakota Johnson...
Glass, Wood, Oak
Sold
H 29.13 in W 80 in D 44 in
Harvey Probber Sculptural Floating Dining Table in Rosewood, Brass and Mahogany
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning all original Harvey Probber dining table in Brazilian rosewood with brass stretchers and feet, and mahogany base/ legs. Comes with 2 additional leaves. Each leaf is 16". Tab...
Brass
Sold
H 18 in W 56 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Two-Drawer Cocktail Table in Walnut and Brass, Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and refined cocktail table was designed by Harvey Probber and handmade in Fall River, Massachusetts circa 1960. Probber believed that "aging gracefully" represented the ...
Brass