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Steelcase

American

The Michigan-based furniture maker Steelcase has a long and distinguished history, but collectors focus on its vintage office furniture and desk chairs from the 1950s to the ’70s, when, along with such companies as Knoll and Herman Miller, the firm helped define the aesthetics of American mid-century modernism.

Steelcase was founded in Grand Rapids in 1912 as the Metal Office Furniture Company, promoting steel desks and other furnishings as safer, fireproof alternatives to wooden pieces at a time when smoking in the workplace was common. Boston’s first skyscraper — the 32-story Customs House — was furnished by the company in 1915. Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect and furniture designer whose work had a profound influence on the shape of modern life, turned to the firm in 1937 to fabricate the enameled metal chairs and desks for his Johnson Wax Headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.

In the 1950s, when Steelcase formally adopted the name it still uses today, the company developed a sleek and functional style employing rectilinear chrome frames for glass-topped tables and upholstered seating pieces. The look is similar to that of the minimal, Bauhaus-inspired designs of Florence Knoll, another icon of furniture design who helped shape the ethos of the postwar business world

By the 1970s, Steelcase had enlivened its styling, offering such pieces as chairs and side tables designed by Gardner Leaver, with circular bases and curving supports. As you will see on these pages, Steelcase designs offer a perfect foundation for a modernist decor, with a touch of flair.

Find vintage Steelcase furniture on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$3,026
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
Post Modern Office Desk Side Dining Chair by Steelcase
By Charles Pollock, Steelcase
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural, ergonomic design office, side desk, dining chairs by Steelcase. The chairs feature yellow tweed continuous seats and backs, with dark gray plastic shells, on chro...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase

Materials

Chrome

1980s Modular Ganging ELYSÉE Sofa Unit Sectional by Steelcase
By Steelcase, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Bensalem, PA
Great six piece Steelcase modular sectional sofa
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase

Materials

Upholstery

Steelcase Task or Desk Lamp
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Steelcase Desk or Task Adjustable Lamp. In original working condition. Has a great 70's or early 80's look. Can adjust up and down.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Steelcase

Materials

Metal

Steelcase Task or Desk Lamp
Steelcase Task or Desk Lamp
H 24 in W 22 in D 8 in
1990s Blue Steelcase Rolling Office Executive Desk Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Steelcase Office Chair Vintage Rolling Office Desk Armchair Grand Rapids MI 33.5 h x 23.25 w x 23 d x seat 17.25 Unrestored original vintage Refe...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase

Materials

Steel

Ripple Bench by Laurinda Spear
By Steelcase, Laurinda Spear
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s in excellent, restored condition with new green mohair upholstery
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Steelcase

Materials

Mohair

Ripple Bench by Laurinda Spear
Ripple Bench by Laurinda Spear
H 19 in W 96 in D 20 in
Set of 4 Modern Scoop Stools by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 4 Scoop stools by Steelcase. These stylish stools provide space saving while the durable polypropylene construction ensures many years of durability...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase

Materials

Metal

Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern Stackable Chrome Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Condition Dimensions: 32.25”H x 19.50”W x 24.50”D Seat Height 17.25" Materials: Plastic Resin, Polished Chrome
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century Office Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four armchairs by Steelcase Furniture. Polished chrome frames are sturdy and modern. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Steelcase

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century Office Chairs by Steelcase
Mid-century Office Chairs by Steelcase
H 32 in W 22.75 in D 23 in
Browse all Furniture from Steelcase
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Creators Similar to Steelcase

Steelcase furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Steelcase furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Steelcase furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 60 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 3 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Steelcase were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Bernhardt, Lawrence Peabody, and Richard Schultz. Prices for Steelcase furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $100 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,775.
Questions About Steelcase
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    There are a few reasons why Steelcase is so expensive. Steelcase was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1912 as the Metal Office Furniture Company, promoting steel desks and other furnishings as safer, fireproof alternatives to wooden pieces at a time when smoking in the workplace was common. The company invests heavily in research and development to continue to make advancements in ergonomic design that make its furniture more durable and comfortable. Steelcase also uses quality materials that cost more to source. Plus, demand for Steelcase tends to be high, contributing to high price points. Explore a selection of Steelcase furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Coalesse is a Steelcase company. Known for producing contemporary furniture for the workplace, the brand offers seating, desks, workstations and other furnishings. Coalesse debuted at the NeoCon World's Trade Fair in Chicago, Illinois, in June 2008 and has its headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Coalesse furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Steelcase is a publicly traded company that manufactures furniture. It has its headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Peter Wege founded it as the Metal Office Furniture Company in 1912. Today, Steelcase produces furnishings under a few brand names, including Steelcase, AMQ, Coalesse, Orangebox and Viccarbe. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Steelcase furniture.

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