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Steelcase Lighting

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.

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Creator: Steelcase
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Steelcase lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Steelcase lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Gordon & Jane Martz, Tony Paul, and Ron Rezek.
Questions About Steelcase Lighting
  • 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 ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Steelcase headquarters is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Peter Martin Wege established the furniture company there in 1912. The organization built its current headquarters in the city in 1989. Find a wide range of Steelcase furniture from some of the world's top sellers 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 ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To find out what model your Steelcase is, look for its serial number. If you’re researching a vintage Steelcase chair, for example, you can usually locate it at the bottom of the chair’s seat. The first three characters in the serial number correspond to the Steelcase model number. Once you have this number, you can use trusted online resources to find out the model’s name. Explore a selection of Steelcase chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, Steelcase chairs are generally considered to be good. In online reviews, many people report that the brand's chairs are durable and capable of holding up to the effects of daily use. Many individuals also tout the adjustability of Steelcase office chairs and describe them as comfortable to use. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Steelcase chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    To tell if a Steelcase chair is real, look for the serial number. You will usually find it located on a label on the underside of the seat. Once you have the number, contact Steelcase customer service to confirm that the chair is authentic. If you have difficulty locating the serial number, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you with authentication. Find a diverse assortment of Steelcase chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    To tell what model your Steelcase chair is, turn it over and examine the underside of the seat. There, you will typically find the Steelcase name and a long number. The first three digits of this number correspond to your chair's model number. You can use trusted online resources to find out the model name based on this number. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Steelcase chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Yes, Steelcase makes good office chairs, according to many people who own and love them. Online reviewers rave about the comfortable cushioning and padding that the chairs provide and describe how their adjustability makes it possible to customize the chairs to suit your height and posture. In addition, users often say that the chairs are durable and capable of holding up to regular use in workplaces. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Steelcase office chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between Steelcase Grade A and Grade B is condition. A previously owned chair that has been inspected by Steelcase and found to be in like-new condition receives the Grade A designation. On the other hand, a piece that has minor issues, such as scuffs on the frame, receives a Grade B classification. Shop a collection of Steelcase chairs on 1stDibs.