Steve Chase lived in and worked out of Palm Springs, California, but he created luxury spaces and furniture for projects that took shape all over the world. A consummate art collector and brilliant interior designer, Chase was involved in every aspect of the rooms he designed and attracted many high-profile clients, including Gerald and Betty Ford, Farrah Fawcett and Gene Hackman.
Chase was born in New Hampshire and attended the Rhode Island School of Design as well as the ArtCenter in Los Angeles. After completing his studies, he joined Arthur Elrod and Associates — a celebrated Palm Springs-based firm that created colorful interiors and furniture for a range of Hollywood stars and more during the height of the mid-century modern era. Chase worked with Elrod for more than a decade before establishing his own business in 1980.
Chase designed his furniture to meet the sensibilities and personalities of his clients, and his work ranged from the traditional to the tastefully unconventional. While he created sculptural brass side tables that boast striking brutalist forms, there were also understated chrome-framed coffee tables with fossil shell tops. For his seating, Chase’s palette ranged from bright pastels to modest earth tones, and his vintage sofas are known for their signature tufted-channel backrests and seats. The plush cushioning was most prevalent in his Monterey seating collection of chairs, sectionals and sofas manufactured by the firm Martin Brattrud Inc., which produced most of Chase's designs during the 1970s and '80s.
Chase supported a number of charitable organizations and strongly advocated for the Desert AIDS Project (DAP), a volunteer-led initiative to combat the HIV epidemic in Coachella Valley. He lent his design talents to improve their office space, and used his influence with celebrities to enlist their help on the project. Chase also joined the Contemporary Art Council Acquisitions Committee at the Palm Springs Art Museum and eventually bequeathed more than 130 works to the institution when he passed away in 1994.
In 1996, the DAP created the annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards to honor him. Today he is remembered for his humanitarian giving as often he is for his furniture designs and lively interiors.
On 1stDibs, explore an array of vintage Steve Chase chairs, tables and lighting.
$6,000 / item
Steve Chase “Amphibious” Sofa’s for Preview, 1970
By Preview, Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Steve Chase “Amphibious” Sofa’s/Settee’s for Preview, 1970’s. Original upholstery. Sold separately, but pair available Measure 72” long 41” deep 24.5” tall seat height 17”.
Upholstery
Monumental 1980s 3 Piece Sofa by Steve Chase
By Martin Brattrud, Steve Chase, A. Rudin
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This MASSIVE 3 piece sofa by Steve Chase is a sight to behold. Measuring in at just under 15 feet across, it is a real statement maker. The slightly asym...
Fabric
Amphibious Sofa by Steve Chase in Mohair
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Reupholstered in grey/taupe mohair.
Mohair
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Amphibious" Settee Sofa, Steve Chase, 1980's
By Steve Chase
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by Steve Chase in the 1980's this modern sofa was called the "Amphibious" sofa. With its super curvy, marshmallow shape and sumptuous cotton chenille fabric, this sofa is de...
Chenille
1980s Steve Chase Waterfall Black Gold Floral Chintz Benches Stools , Set of 2
By Steve Chase
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, floral waterfall benches you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful stools stat...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Steve Chase Modern Channel Tufted Sectional Sofa, Upholstered
By Steve Chase
Located in New York, NY
Modern channel tufted sectional sofa designed by iconic California designer Steve Chase. Sofa features new padding and upholstery from Romo wh...
Upholstery
Polish Metal Dowel Style Lounge Chair
By Steve Chase
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful lounge chair. New faux shearling upholstery.
Nickel
Mauve Leather and Charcoal Gray Daybed by Mirak for Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular 1980s Post-Modern Attila daybed designed by French Architect Jean Michele Wilmotte for Mirak and special ordered by Steve Chase. The Daybeds frames is solid steel that ...
Steel
Gray Ombre Leather Chair by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful gray Ombre leather chair by Steve Chase. The chair is in the original leather upholstery which is in great vintage condition. The chair is on casters for easy movement.
Brass
$4,500 / set
H 20.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Pair of Enrique Garcel Bone-Clad Stools or Benches, Karl Springer Style, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stylish pair of Enrique Garcel tessellated bone benches. Use them in the living room, or a bedroom. Separate them and use one in a foyer and another in the ...
Bone, Fabric, Resin
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 115 in D 35 in
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture Villa Settee Sofa
By Thomas Pheasant, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture Villa Settee Sofa This sofa measures: 67 wide x 40 deep x 37 inches high, with a seat height of 19 inches We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Upholstery
$24,500 / set
H 29.5 in W 180 in D 34 in
Stunning Hollywood Regency Tufted 2-Piece Curved Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Hollywood Regency an extra long two-part sofa with a deep tufted back. The sofa splits in the centre, each side has a single seat cushion with rounded outer edge on an upholstered base, the extension has a tufted top and also has a curved edge. The sofa comes with two matching tufted foot stools...
Upholstery
$1,120Sale Price|60% Off
H 18 in W 54 in D 18 in
Post Modern gray leather fully upholstered leather Bench 1980s
By Memphis Milano, Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post Modern 1980s fully upholstered Bench in Beautiful dark gray leather upholstery. The bench is in very good condition. Has nice stitching and ribbed section. Wood frame very high ...
Leather
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
$4,950
H 28.94 in W 90.56 in D 30.71 in
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
Mid-Century Post Modern Loveseat or Sofa Produced by Preview Furniture
By Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural base with floating front sofa made by Preview circa 1992. It features the original tweed fabric in good condition. Could use cleaning before use.
Fabric
$38,000
H 24 in W 104 in D 34 in
Brazilian Modern Rosewood Sofa in Celadon Mohair by Celina, Brazil, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
A commanding example of Brazilian modern design, this monumental four-seat sofa was produced by Celina in Brazil during the 1960s. Its architectural silhouette is defined by a substa...
Mohair, Rosewood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 93 in D 38 in
Vintage A. Rudin for Steve Chase Cream Leather Sofa, Palm Springs Modern
By A. Rudin, Steve Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage three-seat leather sofa designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, California by A. Rudin for Steve Chase. This elegant contemporary sofa features clean architectural lines, g...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 168 in D 38 in
Steve Chase Postmodern Illuminated Monterey Channel Sofa, Circa 1980's
By Steve Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Authentic Steve Chase "Monterey" channel sofa in original fabric. The sofa illuminates underneath with a string light along the front and side. The upholstery is in very good condition, no rips, tears or stains. The sofa is approximately 14 feet in total length and is all one piece. A small 12...
Upholstery
Striped Waterfall Bench by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s waterfall bench by Steve Chase. In good original vintage condition, with minor wear consistent with age. We can have it recovered if yo...
Fabric
Steve Chase Chaise lounge with Channel Tufted Upholstery, 1970
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
Steve Chase Chaise lounge with Channel Tufted Upholstery and Chrome Plinth base. 1970's. Reupholstered Measures 92" long 30" deep 27" tall 18" at seat
Chrome
Steve Chase Swivel Poufs, a pair
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
fully restored in soft Holly Hunt boucle with white-oak veneered bases. These chairs have a full 360 degree swivel and are incredibly comfortable
Bouclé
Steve Chase “Amphibious Sofa”
By Steve Chase, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s, fully restored in Alpaca wool. This piece is in excellent condition and features an overstuffed design
Alpaca
Stunning 1980's Mid -Century Steve Chase Sofa
By Steve Chase
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1980's two piece channel sofa designed by Legendary designer Steve Chase. The sofa was acquired directly from a prominent Palm Desert California estate completely designe...
Upholstery
Steve Chase Swivel Pouf
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
fully restored in soft Holly Hunt boucle with a white-oak veneered base. This chair has a full 360 degree swivel and is incredibly comfortable
Bouclé
Steve Chase Illuminated Sofa, 1980
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
Steve Chase Illuminated Sofa, 1980. Original fabric in good condition. Sofa has lighting underneath that illuminates. 28" tall x 242" w 45"deep seat height 17 in 180 in from armrest ...
Upholstery
Pair of Waterfall Benches by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Glamorous pair of waterfall benches designed by Steve Chase. Newly reupholster with off white with gold foil threads fabric. They can...
Fabric
Steve Chase Sofa for Martin Brattrud, 1994
By Martin Brattrud, Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
Wide arm sofa designed by Steve Chase for Martin Brattrud in 1994. Original white chenille upholstery shows signs of use.
Fabric, Chenille
Burnt Orange Leopard Print Waterfall Bench by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s glamorous burnt orange leopard print burnout stripped velvet waterfall bench by Steve Chase. Measurements: 17” Deep, 60” Wide, 17.5” H...
Fabric