Skip to main content

Steelcase Side Chairs

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.

to
1
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
3
3
1
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
2
3
3
3
45
114
109
92
49
Creator: Steelcase
Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Steelcase
Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Steelcase

Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Steelcase

By Steelcase

Located in Lafayette, IN

Charming pair of streel-frame arm chairs built in 1965 by Steelcase Inc. Chairs feature angular, black-painted steel frames, walnut armrests and new saddle-brown vinyl embossed with a classic, western-inspired, paisley motif. With their architectural lines, unique upholstery...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Set of Four Steelcase Industrial Tanker Chairs
Set of Four Steelcase Industrial Tanker Chairs

Set of Four Steelcase Industrial Tanker Chairs

By Steelcase

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Set of 4 Steelcase model 233 industrial office chairs featuring an all-steel frame with lime vinyl seating. The Steelcase company has been pro...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1960s Steelcase Model No. 1278 Dining Stacking Side Chair in White Plastic
1960s Steelcase Model No. 1278 Dining Stacking Side Chair in White Plastic

1960s Steelcase Model No. 1278 Dining Stacking Side Chair in White Plastic

By Steelcase

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Model 1278 Dining Stacking Side Chair, produced by Steelcase in the 1960s. Steelcase filed for a US patent on this model in 1967, and it was awarded in 1969. The frames of ...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Related Items
Mid-Century Modern French Lounge Chairs with Brass Legs & Black Fabric
Mid-Century Modern French Lounge Chairs with Brass Legs & Black Fabric

Mid-Century Modern French Lounge Chairs with Brass Legs & Black Fabric

$3,061Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 33.47 in W 22.45 in D 35.44 in

Mid-Century Modern French Lounge Chairs with Brass Legs & Black Fabric

Located in London, GB

A pair of French Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs with an elegant, compact silhouette. Reupholstered in a luxurious black and gold striped fabric, the chairs are raised on refined br...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs

1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs

By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik

Located in Knebel, DK

1960s Kai Kristiansen eight restored customizable model 42 teak dining chairs Set of eight fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs Schous Møbelfabrik. The ch...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

Arne Jacobsen 'Series-7' Jacaranda Rosewood Stacking Chairs, 1960s, Signed
Arne Jacobsen 'Series-7' Jacaranda Rosewood Stacking Chairs, 1960s, Signed

Arne Jacobsen 'Series-7' Jacaranda Rosewood Stacking Chairs, 1960s, Signed

$4,600Sale Price / set|23% Off

H 31 in W 18.25 in D 19.5 in

Arne Jacobsen 'Series-7' Jacaranda Rosewood Stacking Chairs, 1960s, Signed

By Arne Jacobsen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This exceptional set of 1960s Jacaranda rosewood 'Series-7' stacking chairs by Arne Jacobsen represents a rare and compelling chapter of Brazilian modernist history, blending Scandin...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

A Set of Four Chinese Dining Chairs
A Set of Four Chinese Dining Chairs

A Set of Four Chinese Dining Chairs

$2,400Sale Price / set|52% Off

H 46 in W 21 in D 19 in

A Set of Four Chinese Dining Chairs

Located in Chicago, IL

These contemporary Chinese chairs feature hardwood construction and elegant, traditional curved back splats for maximum comfort. The chairs are finished in...

Category

1990s Chinese Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Elm

Pair Of Gardner Leaver For Steelcase Lounge Chairs
Pair Of Gardner Leaver For Steelcase Lounge Chairs

Pair Of Gardner Leaver For Steelcase Lounge Chairs

$3,120Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 30 in W 30.5 in D 30 in

Pair Of Gardner Leaver For Steelcase Lounge Chairs

By Steelcase, Gardner Leaver

Located in Pasadena, TX

A pair mid century modern lounge chairs designed by Gardner Leaver and manufactured by Steelcase. Brown leather tufted seat and ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed
Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed

Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed

$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 37.5 in W 20.5 in D 19.5 in

Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed

By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Offered here is a set of six Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' (model #6140) dining chairs, including two armchairs and four side chairs, that has become one of the most sought-after Ameri...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Parsons Slipper Lounge Chairs
Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Parsons Slipper Lounge Chairs

Matching Pair of Mid-Century Modern Parsons Slipper Lounge Chairs

By Swaim

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A classic pair of decorator slipper lounge chairs circa 1970's and made by Swaim. Well made chairs. Fabric is original and needs recovering. Foam and padding are soft.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Frame Lounge Chair by Viko Baumritter
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Frame Lounge Chair by Viko Baumritter

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Frame Lounge Chair by Viko Baumritter

$1,036Sale Price|20% Off

H 27 in W 26.25 in D 32.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Frame Lounge Chair by Viko Baumritter

By Viko Baumritter

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple and elegant and in excellent vintage condition. Naugahyde remains in top condition and is quite comfy and stylish. Walnut frame is also in like new condition.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

Space Age Vintage Yellow Plastic Chair Kangaroo Chair Ernst Moeckl 1960s Germany
Space Age Vintage Yellow Plastic Chair Kangaroo Chair Ernst Moeckl 1960s Germany

Space Age Vintage Yellow Plastic Chair Kangaroo Chair Ernst Moeckl 1960s Germany

By Ernst Moeckl

Located in Vienna, AT

Space Age vintage chair or side chair model kangaroo chair or Z chair from yellow plastic by Ernst Moeckl for Baydur, W-Germany, 1960s. Very rare to find in the happy making sunshine...

Category

1960s German Space Age Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Set of Four Howell Cantilever Chrome Chairs, circa 1960's
Set of Four Howell Cantilever Chrome Chairs, circa 1960's

Set of Four Howell Cantilever Chrome Chairs, circa 1960's

$1,295 / set

H 29.75 in W 20 in D 20.5 in

Set of Four Howell Cantilever Chrome Chairs, circa 1960's

By Howell Mfg.

Located in High Point, NC

Set of four cantilever chrome chairs by Howell Manufacturing, a division of Burd Inc. This set of chairs have the original vinyl upholstery, and are amazingly comfortable. The fra...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Vintage Organic Rattan Lounge Chair Egon Eiermann Germany
Mid Century Modern Vintage Organic Rattan Lounge Chair Egon Eiermann Germany

Mid Century Modern Vintage Organic Rattan Lounge Chair Egon Eiermann Germany

By Egon Eiermann

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid Century Modern vintage organic lounge chair or side chair by Egon Eiermann 1952 Germany. An iconic lounge chair from rattan model E 10 by Egon Eierm...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Previously Available Items
Steelcase Black Max Stacker Stacking Chairs With Dolly a Set of 25
Steelcase Black Max Stacker Stacking Chairs With Dolly a Set of 25

Steelcase Black Max Stacker Stacking Chairs With Dolly a Set of 25

By Steelcase

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A hard to find set of 25 Steelcase Max Stacker stacking chairs with the original dolly. Black plastic seats and backs and lightweight, chrome pla...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

8 Modern Classic Steelcase Warren Snodgrass Dining Chairs Light Oak Bentwood
8 Modern Classic Steelcase Warren Snodgrass Dining Chairs Light Oak Bentwood

8 Modern Classic Steelcase Warren Snodgrass Dining Chairs Light Oak Bentwood

By Steelcase

Located in Topeka, KS

Stellar vintage modern classic Steelcase Snodgrass dining chairs in light oak bentwood by Warren Snodgrass, set of 8. Comprised of bentwood frames, be...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Bentwood

Post Modern Office Desk Side Dining Chair by Steelcase
Post Modern Office Desk Side Dining Chair by Steelcase

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 Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Steelcase Industrial or Office Chair
Steelcase Industrial or Office Chair

Steelcase Industrial or Office Chair

Sold

H 30 in W 22.5 in D 31 in

Steelcase Industrial or Office Chair

By Steelcase

Located in Fulton, CA

A Mid-Century Modern armchair originally intended for commercial use by Steelcase. Welded steel frame creates a very sturdy and durable chair. Fantastic, original orange vinyl uphols...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Bucket Chairs on Steel Base
Pair of Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Bucket Chairs on Steel Base

Pair of Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Bucket Chairs on Steel Base

By Steelcase

Located in Hudson, NY

Stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern contemporary style steel base bucket chairs. Heavy weave upholstery in a beautiful oatmeal color that will suit various interiors. These chairs le...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Steelcase Side Chairs in Burlap, Pair
Steelcase Side Chairs in Burlap, Pair

Steelcase Side Chairs in Burlap, Pair

Sold

H 32 in W 27 in D 23.5 in

Steelcase Side Chairs in Burlap, Pair

By Steelcase

Located in Wilton, CT

A one of a kind item. A pair of vintage Steelcase side chairs custom upholstered with burlap coffee bags. These were created as props for a photoshoot, and have such a handsome quali...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Steelcase Side Chair
Vintage Steelcase Side Chair

Vintage Steelcase Side Chair

Sold

H 32 in W 27 in D 23.5 in

Vintage Steelcase Side Chair

By Steelcase

Located in Wilton, CT

In shockingly impeccable condition, this piece by Steelcase was inspired by the great Knoll Pollock chair. It features a four star chrome base sans casters, meant to flank a credenza...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Steelcase Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Steelcase side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Steelcase side chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Steelcase side chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs by Steelcase were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side chairs by Burke, Inc., Brickel Associates, and Norman Cherner. Prices for Steelcase side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $250 and can go as high as $3,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,772.
Questions About Steelcase Side Chairs
  • 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.