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.
Mid-century 42″ Round Laminate Grey Dining Table w/ Chrome Base by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Mid-century Tulip inspired Steelcase 42″ office dining lunch round table with a laminate grey top and chromed steel base.It features a sleek, neutral surface that resists wear w...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
2012 Coalesse/Steelcase SW_1 Conference Table in Laminate 72 x 40 in
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a SW_1 Conference Table, originally designed by Scott Wilson in 2010. This particular example was produced by Steelcase in the USA C. 2012. The table is comprised of an alumi...
Aluminum
2011 Scott Wilson for Steelcase / Coalesse Round Laminate Dining Table 48in
By Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Dining Table, originally designed by Scott Wilson for Steelcase. This particular example was produced in the USA and dates back to 2011. The table is comprised of an alumin...
Aluminum
Burgundy Round Table in High Gloss Laminate & Brass Marquetry M
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Retro Design Round Dining Table Palm Springs Style High Gloss Laminated & Brass Details Medium Size Discover our incredible collection of retro-style design tables inspired by t...
Brass
Danish Large Dining or Conference Table in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Conference or large dining table, Oregon pine, Denmark, 1960s Impressive in its size, this Danish table can be used in multiple settings. As a very large dining table to fit many r...
Pine
$2,800 / item
H 30 in Dm 42 in
Round Dining Table 42" With Pedestal Base, Handmade, Midcentury Style, Walnut
Located in Bloomington, IN
Our "Kapok" round dining table fits seamlessly into any dining room or kitchen decor style. With mid century modern good looks and solid hardwood construction this dining table adds timeless beauty that you'll love and your guests will admire. The pedestal table base with stylishly curved legs allows for ample leg room even when seating large groups around the table. AVAILABLE TABLE SIZES: - 30 inch table seats 2 to 3 - 36 inch table...
Abalone, Wood, Hardwood, Cherry, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
48″ Round Dining Table
Located in Annville, PA
Always popular this 48″ Round Dining Table extends to an oval shaped dining table of 64″ when the leaf is inserted. The table top is fastened in place ...
Mahogany
$6,000
H 29 in W 96 in D 54 in
Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll 96" Tulip Pedestal Oval Dining Table in Laminate
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s Pedestal Collection remains one of the most iconic achievements in modern furniture design. Often called the “Tulip,” Saarinen created the collection to eliminate the...
Aluminum
$1,495
H 29.5 in Dm 35.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut & Laminate Dining Table by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Versatile extension table which opens both ways but we have no extensions/ leafs. Walnut base with a faux wood laminate top. Top has some wear from normal use. Base and apron were re...
Laminate, Walnut
Mid-Century Chrome Dining Table 1970
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Italian Chrome Dining Table, 1970 Lovely 1970s dining table with chrome legs and oval glass top. Same era as: Charlotte Perr...
Chrome
$2,200
H 27 in Dm 54 in
Mid Century Dining Conference Table with Round Solid Walnut Top on Chrome Base
By Ward Bennett, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional dining, or conference table, having a thick solid walnut top, which is supported by a bright chrome pedestal base with four chrome legs which radiate from the center pole...
Chrome
48 inch Round Dining Table
Located in Annville, PA
This 48 inch Round Dining Table is a great size to fit into many dining rooms and it can also fit well into the large entrance ways in many ...
Gold Leaf
48 Round Pedestal Dining Table
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
A blend of timeless elegance and robust construction. Perfect for intimate meals and cozy gatherings, this table is designed to be both functional and stylish. Constructed of solid ...
Wood
Reclaimed Wood Round Reeded Base Dining Table - 42"
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Nori dining table 41.5” diameter x 30”h 11” overhang With a fluted column table base, the Nori Dining Table is a modern take on a fluted column base dining table. Made of reclaimed ...
Elm, Reclaimed Wood
Round Chrome and Granite Dining Table Base by Pace Collection
By Pace Collection
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Cool 1980’s polish Chrome and white, gray and black speckled granite dining table base or pedestal by Pace Collection. In beautiful condition minor wear consistent with age. No gla...
Granite, Chrome
Bauhaus Style Marcel Breuer Designed Cafe Table Model B 10
By Marcel Breuer, Steelcase
Located in New York, NY
Iconic cafe dining table, originally designed by Marcel Breuer at the Bauhaus, this example is a later, but vintage, example produced by Steelcase in the 1950/60's. The table is in v...
Chrome
Sold
H 28.625 in W 94.5 in D 47.25 in
Mid Century Herman Miller / Eames Style Conference or Dining Table w/ Maple Top
By Herman Miller, Steelcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Herman Miller style oval wood topped dining or conference table. Borsani meets Sottsass. An eye-catching mix of influences coming together in a wonderful piece of design by th...
Aluminum