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Steelcase Armchairs

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
Pair Modern Chrome Cantilever Chairs Oatmeal Hopsacking Steelcase Model 421 482
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage pair of modern chrome cantilever chairs with original oatmeal hopsacking and black plastic armrests by Steelcase labeled Model #421-482. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are some small scratches on the chrome and two of the buttons on each seat have been replaced using fabric salvaged from bottom of chair. Buttons are a slightly different size, but you must examine closely to tell. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1981. Spectacular Style and Stunningly Steelcase!! Their tag is labeled Model # 421-482 and they are comprised of a gorgeous chrome cantilever frame with black plastic armrests, and they wear their original oatmeal colored hopsacking fabric with button detail on the seat back and cushion. Super stylish and super comfortable!! They are the perfect pair of accent chairs whether you have a modern aesthetic, industrial, modern country, rustic, Art Deco, or Hollywood Regency décor. They could be used in a living room setting, your master bedroom, home office, entry, or as host and hostess chairs in your dining room. Or mix them with your modern country or mountain home décor and use them in as extra seating or at a game table in the family room. They are going to be an incredible addition to any space in your home! Steelcase was founded as the Metal Office Furniture Company in 1912 by Peter M. Wege in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Metal Office Furniture Company's first products included fireproof metal safes and four-drawer filing cabinets which Wege invented and manufactured for the Macey Company. In 1914, the company received its first product patent for "The Victor," a fireproof steel wastebasket. The Victor gained popularity due to its light weight achieved through a patented process of bending flat steel at right angles to create boxes, and its ability to prevent fires at a time when smoking was common indoors, particularly in the workplace. In 1915, the company began manufacturing and distributing steel desks and in 1937, the company collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright on office furniture. The partnership lasted two years and resulted in some of the first modern workstations. The company officially changed its name to Steelcase, Inc. in 1954 and became known as the leader of the furniture industry in the late 1960s due to the volume of its sales and in 1973, the company debuted the Series 9000 furniture line. Steelcase merged three of its subsidiaries, Brayton International, Metro Furniture...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Modern Pair Off-White and Chrome Accent or Dining Armchairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of modern chrome accent or dining armchairs with an off-white gaberdine-like fabric upholstery. They are in wonderful original condition. The chrome has been cleaned and polished and is gleaming. The fabric is in awesome condition. The back of one chair had come loose and was reattached by our experienced staff. Please see photos, circa 1986. The perfect pair. The perfect pair of fabulous accent chairs! This handsome set was made by Steelcase, circa 1986. They probably began life in an office or lobby, but their sleek modern styling will be oh so awesome in a home setting just about anywhere. Imagine them as extra seating in your living room or flanking a door in an entry. They would also be fabulous as the host and hostess chair at your dining table mixed with just about any design style. Or place them at a small table for two...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Suite de 5 fauteuils avec accoudoirs Steelcase Strafor en métal chromé et tissu
By Steelcase
Located in BESANÇON, FR
5 fauteuils avec accoudoirs Steelcase Strafor des années 70, structure et piétement en métal chromé, coque plastique et assise en tissu de laine blanc écru d’origine de grande qualit...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Industrial Style Chrome & Gray Armchairs by Steelcase set 4
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome set of four chrome frame and gray fabric armchairs with walnut armrests by Steelcase. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have si...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Modern Steelcase Chrome Tube Cantilever Base & Gray Faux Leather Chairs set of 4
By Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage modern Steelcase chrome tube cantilever base original gray faux leather or vinyl seats and rounded backs, set of 4. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Small nick on upper back of one chair. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, November 19, 1992. What an Excellent Ensemble of seating!!! This is a very handsome vintage set of 4 Steelcase chairs comprised of a wonderful cantilever chrome tube base and arms with lovely black plastic arm rests. They have clean, sleek, classic lines with rounded seat backs and contoured seats upholstered in their original gray faux leather or vinyl fabric. We say these chairs are mostly modern, but they would definitely blend in beautifully with Art Deco, mid-century modern, Bauhaus, and other styles. They are extremely comfortable, bursting with impeccable style, and will look wonderful surrounding any dining, office, game, or conference table!! They would also be stunning extra seating scattered about in your living or family room! This set of four is definitely superb Steelcase seating!! Steelcase was founded as the Metal Office Furniture Company in 1912 by Peter M. Wege in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Metal Office Furniture Company's first products included fireproof metal safes and four-drawer filing cabinets which Wege invented and manufactured for the Macey Company. In 1914, the company received its first product patent for "The Victor," a fireproof steel wastebasket. The Victor gained popularity due to its light weight achieved through a patented process of bending flat steel at right angles to create boxes, and its ability to prevent fires at a time when smoking was common indoors, particularly in the workplace. In 1915, the company began manufacturing and distributing steel desks and in 1937, the company collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright on office furniture. The partnership lasted two years and resulted in some of the first modern workstations. The company officially changed its name to Steelcase, Inc. in 1954 and became known as the leader of the furniture industry in the late 1960s due to the volume of its sales and in 1973, the company debuted the Series 9000 furniture line. Steelcase merged three of its subsidiaries, Brayton International, Metro Furniture...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Coalesce Steelcase Beige Leather Model 1510 Switch Guest Arm Chair (B) - a Pair
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Coalesce Steelcase Beige Leather Model 1510 Switch Guest Arm Chair (B) - a Pair. Item features a metal frame, original label, very nice pair, quality craftsmanship, sleek sculptural ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Coalesce Steelcase Beige Leather Model 1510 Switch Guest Arm Chair (A) - a Pair
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Coalesce Steelcase Beige Leather Model 1510 Switch Guest Arm Chair (A) - a Pair. Item features metal frames, original label, very nice pair, quality craftsmanship, sleek sculptural f...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Steelcase Armchairs

Materials

Metal

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Steelcase armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Steelcase armchairs 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 armchairs, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Steelcase were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Bernhardt, Drexel, and Stow & Davis. Prices for Steelcase armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,100 and can go as high as $9,450, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,823.
Questions About Steelcase Armchairs
  • 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 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 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 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 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.
  • 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.

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