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.
Steelcase Adjustable Desk Lamp, Modern Style, Plastic & Metal, 1980
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.
Metal
$1,970
H 25.6 in Dm 15.95 in
Modern Vintage Mushroom Metal Plastic Grey Table Lamp RAAK Netherlands, 1980s
By RAAK
Located in Vienna, AT
This vintage table lamp by RAAK, Netherlands, 1980s, was made of stainless steel, brown plastic and plexiglass. The table lamp shows an on/off switch. The vintage condition is good. ...
Metal
1980s Red & Black Metal Desk Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfectly straddling the line between mid-century modernism and postmodernism, this desk lamp has red enameled metal base and shade, black metal stem, and a black cord with on/off sw...
Metal
$1,192Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 13.78 in W 29.53 in D 4.34 in
Brazilian Wood, Adjustable Desk Lamp, brass details, Mid Century Modern Style
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Inspired by the Brazilian Mid-century Modern style, this Articulable wood black and brass desk lamp, 3 axes smooth movement, was awarded at the A’Design Awards 2019. With its geometrical rational form, this lamp expresses the beauty of Brazilian raw materials. With the spherical Brazilian massive wood reflector turned in Brazilian wood and warm massive brass unique detail sculpted from brass billet, this object is perfect for use in the Home Office or office desk. Brushed brass and aluminum structure with black paint. Brass details and counterweight. Levigated gray granite base. OPTION: A full black version is also available on-demand ( please see the last pictures - prices and production lead time only upon request). Lamp Provided and installed: 1 x DICHROIC MR16 15° ECO 7W (=35W) 350lumens Bi-voltage (110v-220v) IRC: >80 Lifetime use (L70): 25.000h GU10 pin base. - provided as a one-time courtesy. GU10 Socket/pin base also suitable with: GE Basic 3-Pack 50 W Equivalent Dimmable Warm White Mr16 LED GU10 pin Base 120V Light Fixture Light Bulbs and other MR16 bulbs...
Stone, Brass
Vintage 1980s Italian Desk Lamp by Veneta Lumi, Metal, Post-Modern
By Veneta Lumi
Located in Montréal, CA
A sculptural black desk lamp by Veneta Lumi, produced in Italy in the 1980s. Defined by its elegant, continuous arc, the lamp creates a fluid line from base to shade—both functional ...
Metal
$955
H 26.78 in Dm 15.36 in
Large Adjustable Articulated Desk Lamp in Stilnovo Style Mid-Century Modern
By Stilnovo
Located in Rome, IT
Adjustable articulated desk lamp in Stilnovo style, in black metal and brass. Dimensions: shorter arm 22 cm; longer arm 46 cm; cup diameter 39 cm.
Metal, Brass
$107
H 20.08 in W 4.34 in D 15.75 in
Italian Modern White and Black Metal Adjustable Table Lamp, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white and black metal adjustable table lamp, 1980s Very simple and thin table lamp in white metal with black details and a dome-shaped base...
Metal
$150Sale Price|50% Off
H 10.5 in W 11 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Post Modern Desk Lamp ... 1980s Adjustable Folding Task Light, Modular
Located in Chicago, IL
Folding post modern desk lamp made of high-impact plastic. Most likely by Marksman Brown, made in Taiwan. Marked Model #3870. 13 watt bulb, incl...
Plastic
$670
H 22 in W 33 in D 8 in
Adjustable Post Modern Halogen Desk Lamp by Holtkotter Made in Germany c. 1980's
By Holtkoetter
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post-Modern style desk lamp by noted German maker Holtkotter, circa 1980's. The lamp features several adjustments, including a swivel and tilt point at the base, as well...
Brass
$3,044
H 23.63 in W 13.78 in D 16.15 in
Stilnovo Space Age Adjustable Table Lamp, Metal, Plastic and Rubber, Italy 1970s
By Stilnovo
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Unusual and alluring 'space age' table lamp manufactured by Stilnovo in the 1970s. Thanks to a rubber ring between the support base and the lampshade, this lamp can be adjusted in ev...
Metal
$171Sale Price|20% Off
H 17.33 in W 10.63 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Metal and Plastic Table Lamp with Irregular Structure, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Mid-Century Modern metal and plastic table lamp with irregular structure, 1980s Metal table lamp with round metal base, irregular metal structure and Directional white plastic lampsh...
Metal
Postmodern IKEA Table Lamp, Metal & Plastic, Memphis Style, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table lamp from Ikea from the 1980s. Made in Italy. Colored table lamp in Memphis style, made in Italy. Its postmodern design and color scheme are striking. Graphic eleme...
Metal
Italian Adjustable White Metal Table Lamp, 1980s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A beautiful table lamp made in the 1980s in Italy. It has a white full metal body.
Metal